DSU Dual Credit Programs Give South Dakota Students College Credits

High school students in South Dakota are earning college credits and gaining hands-on technology experience through Dakota State University dual credit programs.

Eligible juniors and seniors can take college courses online, on campus, or at their high schools that count toward both their high school diplomas and college degrees. Programs like the Governors Cyber Academy give students a chance to explore computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and networking before they graduate.

Leo Mosterd, a Burke High School graduate now studying cyber operations as a first-year student at Dakota State University, said online courses helped him explore subjects from home, about three hours from Madison. Through the Cyber Apprenticeship Pathway, Mosterd earned dual credit at no cost and gained work experience at a bank in his hometown.

“I kind of knew the expectations of what professors wanted and how things were meant to go,” Mosterd said, adding that his credits will put him about halfway through his sophomore year by the end of the semester.

Dual Credit | Program Feature — Dakota State University

Kaitlyn Hilbelink, a first-year student double majoring in computer science and mathematics, said her high school offered few technology classes before she discovered the academy.

“It was scary, but it was also really exciting,” Hilbelink said. “I felt more prepared, which made it easier. Being able to take those classes made me more confident in knowing I wanted to go to college and I wanted to do it for this.”

Bailee Matucha, DSU’s dual credit enrollment counselor, works with students to match courses with their future degree goals.

DSU Dual Credit Programs Give South Dakota Students College Credits

“I don’t want them just to take classes just to take classes,” Matucha said. “I want to make sure it’s going in toward their college degree, if that’s what they’re looking for.”

Dr. Trent Dawson, director of the Governors Cyber Academy, said that the program provides an authentic introduction to higher education.

“Dual credit is a great path for the ones who are looking for that next level,” Dawson said. “They can begin getting into college-level curriculum, test their boundaries and skills, and engage with college professors and instructors.”