Online Telecommunications Degree Program Options

Students wanting to pursue a degree program in telecommunications can find online programs at the bachelor's and master's level. Telecommunications programs train students to manipulate and develop electronic communications systems. For more information on telecommunications programs read on.

Online Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Overview

Bachelor's degree programs train students to develop, manage, repair and utilize all forms of audio, video and data communications. In addition, students explore delivery systems of electronic communications including wireless services, broadband Internet, television and radio broadcasts, podcasts and traditional landline services. This program is available to both new students, as well as transfer students who have already obtained a technical degree in a similar field.

Program Information and Requirements

Online Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications programs are generally 120-credit hours in length and can be completed in about four years. Programs are offered fully online; however, some institutions offer hybrid programs where the student must complete some courses and examinations on-campus. While most courses are structured to allow students to complete assignments and tests on a schedule, the online course material is available to students any time. Students access their course material through online learning platforms, such as Blackboard.
Students must have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. Because some course material is delivered through recorded lectures, it is necessary that the student's computer have audio and video capabilities. Students also need a working e-mail address to send and receive assignments and exams, as well as ask questions.

List of Common Online Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Courses

Students in this degree program are required to complete general education requirements in subjects that draw from the social sciences and humanities. The core curriculum is focused around subjects such as data analysis, engineering technology, telecommunication transmission systems and networking.

Fundamentals of Telecommunications Course

This introductory course exposes students to the regulations and organizations that govern the telecommunications industry. Concepts include telephony, data transfer, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), multiplexing and computer networks. Students also explore the identification, design and maintenance of computer and telephone networks.

Network Management Course

Students in this course learn to design, analyze and maintain telecommunications networks from remote locations. Simple Network Management Protocol, or SNMP, is a fundamental concept this course is build around. Students use this protocol to gather data regarding the performance of networks, and then utilize that information to improve the network's efficiency.

Vocal Communication Technology Course

Online learners explore the technology that supports quality voice communication. They first investigate the acoustic properties of vocal sounds, and then analyze the technology required to support the communication of those sounds. Analog and digital encoding required to transmit vocal information across a variety of networks are included.

Career Information for Graduates

Bachelor's holders may qualify for positions as a network systems and data communications analyst. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean wage for this occupation within the wired telecommunication carriers industry was $78,810 in May 2009 (www.bls.gov).The BLS estimated that the employment rate for this occupation would rise by 53% from 2008-2018.

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Online Master of Science in Telecommunications Overview

An online Master of Science (M.S.) in Telecommunications program prepares students to be versatile leaders in their chosen field of the telecommunications industry. This program instills mastery over current telecommunications related concepts, which include applications of the effects of the broadband revolution, legal regulations, content creation and the future internet-related technologies. Students must have a bachelor's degree in a related field; however, applicants who have degrees from non-related fields may take additional pre-requisite courses or test out of those classes via an entrance exam.

Program Information and Requirements

An online telecommunications master's degree program usually ranges from 30-36 credit-hours in length, and can be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study. Programs are widely available and offered in both fully online formats, as well as in hybrid formats, where the student completes some courses on-campus. This program does not generally require the student to complete a thesis. Online courses are completed using online course management systems and communication tools.
In addition to an Internet connection, online learners may need access to a webcam and speakers. Many courses are delivered through recorded lectures, which the student may download, stream or play from a CD-ROM. Students may also be required to log into online discussion forums to converse in real-time with instructors and peers.

List of Common Online Master of Science in Telecommunications Courses

Online master's programs train student to design networks and create new technology. Students also have the opportunity to participate in high-tech research and establish relationships in the field.

Course in Wireless Communications

This course presents students with information regarding the various types of cellular and wireless communications, as well as the specialized subgroups of each area. Concepts in high-speed radio communications are explored, including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, and cdma2000.

Telecommunications Theory Course

Students in this course receive in-depth instruction into the fundamental mathematical and physics theories that support telecommunications technology. These topics include attenuation, sine waves, calculus, trigonometric functions, logarithms, decibels, probability and physical units. Practical application of these concepts is also explored.

Wireless Network Design and Application Course

Analyzing, creating and maintaining wireless networks are the focus of this course. Other central concepts include network architecture, surveying, engineering and evaluation. Students also analyze troubleshooting techniques to develop and maintain wireless networks that perform on the optimum level.

Career Information for Graduates

Students who graduate from a M.S. in Telecommunications Online degree program are eligible to be employed as a network and computer systems administrator. According to the BLS, the employment rate for this occupation is expected to rise by 23% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). Those who were employed in this position within the computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing industry earned an annual mean wage of $89,840, according to the BLS in May 2009.

Professional Certification and Continuing Education Information

Graduates of a master's degree program can continue their education through a Ph.D. program. A Ph.D. in Telecommunications and Networking degree program is available for students who want to attain the highest level of academic achievement for research and academia positions in telecommunications. These programs are typically offered on campus.
Certification in the field of telecommunications is available through the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics, Inc (iNARTE). Certifications are also available in wireless systems installation, electromagnetic compatibility, electrostatic discharge control and product safety.