Dakota State University is a public, four-year university, located in Madison, South Dakota. The university has a focus on programs in computers, business, education, physical sciences, among other graduate and undergraduate programs. The university requires all full-time undergraduate students to use tablet PCs in general education courses. It is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Dakota State University is considered to be one of the more technologically advanced post-secondary institutions, making use of advanced biometric identification devices and special computer laboratories designed for computer hacking. Tablet PCs are made use of in all general education courses as well as many major-specific courses. All students take a computer usage course and an introductory programming course as part of their curriculum.

It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and in 2004 was designated by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.