School of Information Sciences - Telecommunications and Networking Program

Master of Science in Telecommunications Program

The Telecommunications and Networking program offers hands-on learning opportunities in telecommunications systems, computer networks, policy and management, wireless systems, and network security so that you will find a rewarding career in industry, government, education or the nonprofit sector.

The MST program is a 37-credit program that can be completed in one year of full-time study or as many as four years of part-time study. Prerequisites for admission to the MST program include:

The following courses are pre-requisites for a number of graduate-level Telecommunications courses. If you have not taken these, or their equivalent, you will need to do so.

You may then select an area of specialization such as telecommunications systems, computer networks, policy and management, wireless, or security, or choose to become a telecommunications generalist. Click on the specializations link to the left.

Completion of the Master of Science in Telecommunications degree requires a minimum of 37 credits. Three credits may be in practicum (a structured supervised employment situation) or a thesis. For research-oriented students, the faculty strongly recommends a 3-credit thesis in lieu of course work.

The 37-credit minimum of course work should include the following:

Students may choose to take more than the 37 credits required for the MST degree. However, the iSchool is not able to extend any financial aid beyond the required number of courses; any visa issues pursuant to extended study would have to be resolved by the student.

Statute of Limitations

The Master’s Degree program must be completed within four years of the first term in which courses were taken after admission. The normal full-time course load is 9 to 12 credits per term; thus, a full-time student will complete the program in three or four terms. The normal part-time course load is 6 credits per term, which permits the part-time students to complete the program in six terms. The faculty, in response to a student petition, must approve exceptions to the four-year limit if extenuating circumstances exist.

Registration and Residence Requirements

To maintain active student status, students must register for at least 3 credits during one of the three terms of the calendar year. It is recommended, however, that part-time students register for at least 6 credits during two of the three terms of the academic year to maintain reasonable progress through the program.

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Learn More!

The iSchool hosts a number of opportunities for you to explore the Telecommunications program. Attend Information Sessions at the iSchool or online, whichever suits your schedule. More >

Related Information

Questions?

  • Shabana Reza
    Recruitment & Admissions
  • Phone: 412-624-3988
    Fax: 412-624-5231
    E-mail: teleinq@sis.pitt.edu

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