Education is still the university's heritage mission, but a signature mission[7] of technology was added by the state legislature in 1984 to specialize in "programs in computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs."

[14] DSU now holds four such distinctions, with awards from the Department of Homeland Security/National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in: Information Assurance Education, Information Assurance Research, Cyber Operations, and most recently as a Cyber Defense Regional Resource Center.

In 2016, the program was named as an Approved Education Partner (AEP) by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

Beadle Scholar houses research and major projects by faculty and students including theses, posters,[24] and works of art.

The scholarship covers 100% of tuition and fees and additional funding for professional projects.

Recipients also receive paid summer internships and guaranteed cyber employment in the government.

[34] In the 2017 Argonne National Laboratory Cyber Defense Competition where fifteen collegiate teams from around the country competed, DSU placed in second as well, in tie with Kansas State University.

The library's dedication was attended by Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United States, who gave a speech in front of approximately 10,000 people.

[44] Dakota State University teams have won 56 conference championships and produced 80 All-Americans (14 women, 66 men).

[45] KDSU is a college campus radio station which broadcasts in the student union and online at kdsu.net.

The Sigma Tau Delta honor society releases a yearly zine-like publication, New Tricks, of student and faculty work that includes poetry and art.