Network & Telecommunications Management is concerned with information systems, telecommunications technology, computer technology, business practices, policy issues, and psychological/social considerations involved in voice, data, image, and facsimile transmission. This multidisciplinary program prepares undergraduate students to enter the telecommunications industry in entry-level positions with adequate preparation to assume management positions once work experience is gained. Graduates will possess an in-depth technical understanding of computer networks and telecommunication systems as well as an appreciation of the economic and public policy issues that are important in the design and development of local and wide area networks, and national and multinational telecommunication systems.

Specific Objectives

The Network & Telecommunications Management program is designed to provide students with:

A cohesive liberal arts foundation with particular emphasis on ethics, communications, and problem solving.
A basic knowledge in telecommunications technologies.
A working knowledge of the information systems processes used in telecommunication systems.
A technical understanding of the design and development of local and wide area networks and national and multinational telecommunications systems.
A knowledge of the economics, regulatory, and public policy aspects of the telecommunications industry.
A basic knowledge of business practices and procedures related to telecommunications industries.
An understanding of the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of using telecommunications technology.
Practical experience in telecommunications.

Career Opportunities

The network & telecommunications management program prepares undergraduate students to enter the telecommunications industry in entry-level positions with adequate preparation to assume management positions once work experience is gained. Some of these positions are network analyst and designer, data network supervisor, local area network support specialist, telecommunications analyst, business support specialist, communications specialist, and systems security administrator.

Statistics compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and published in Occupational Outlook Quarterly (OOQ) project major growth in job openings for computer professionals through the 2006 - 2016 decade. "With a projected employment increase of 53 percent-more than 5 times the rate for all occupations-network systems and data communications analyst is projected to be the fastest growing IT occupation. It's also projected to be the fastest growing of all occupations in the United States. (OOQ Spring 2009)"

The base of organizations that recruit graduates of the program is extremely broad. Every organization that connects microcomputers together in a network, uses the Internet, or uses an E-mail system is a user of telecommunications technology.