Dakota State University in Madison, SD will offer a new doctoral degree in cyber security this fall.

The doctor of science in cyber security degree is designed to prepare students for cyber security careers in government agencies and the private sector, or to teach the topic at higher education institutions. 

University officials expect to admit 20 students and graduate about 18 annually once the program is fully ramped up.

In 2011, the school received a $1.3 million cyber security scholarship commitment from the National Science Foundation. The Federal Cyber Service "Scholarship for Service" program seeks to increase the number of qualified students entering the fields of information assurance and computer security.