Master of Science (MS) - Telecommunications Systems

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Master of Science (MS) - Telecommunications Systems - DePaul

Nearly every industry depends on networks. The MS in Telecommunications Systems trains professionals who meet current industry demands for innovative network designs, and the development of new network applications and services for business enterprises and the network providers that serve them.

MS in Telecommunications Systems 2009

The Master of Science in Telecommunications Systems offers theoretical and applied study of the design, configuration and management of converged communication networks. Students completing this degree program have a thorough understanding of the technical and operational aspects of networks as well as the foundational theory of voice/data communications and network management.

After completing a common set of foundation courses, students can specialize in a variety of technical areas including network protocols, analysis, management, and security on both wired and wireless network infrastructures.

Through a combined emphasis on both theory and hands-on laboratory experiences, students gain expertise in a variety of specialized networking technologies, including the Internet, private network, and local area network arenas. Students can gain experience with network devices and servers in lab facilities focused on enterprise network, security, and multimedia network services.

What Students Learn From This Program

A solid foundation in network design and operations
A thorough understanding of security issues on both wired and wireless networks
A comparative analysis of current carrier network service offerings, with an understanding of the service level vs. pricing tradeoffs inherent in each service
A detailed understanding of the function, operations and management of network infrastructure components, including routers, switches, access points, and servers
A strategic view of future networking trends in the Internet, wireless, security and local network services arenas

Grade and GPA Requirements

Grades: Students must receive a grade of B- or better in each Prerequisite and Foundation Phase course and a C- or betters in all other courses.

GPA: Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree. Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA. Students with a GPA of 3.90 will graduate with distinction.

Program Requirements 2009

To view Graduate Program Requirements for previous years click here.

M.S. in Telecommunications Systems 2009

Master of Science in Telecommunications Systems 2009

Prerequisite Phase

Offered Fall
In class	Online
√	√	CSC 211 Programming in Java I Self Placement Test
√	√	or CSC 261 Programming Languages I: C/C++

or any more advanced programming course

Offered Fall
In class	Online
√	√	IT 223 Data Analysis Self Placement Test
√	√	TDC 311 Computers in Telecommunications Systems
√	√	or CSC 373 Computer Systems I
√	√	TDC 361 Basic Communication Systems

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase. All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) to show competency in a prerequisite. All students are blocked from enrolling in Foundation Phase courses prior to completing their prerequisites. The student must submit an online Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The online request must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the Graduate Phase of the program. Students may submit the Change of Status request by logging in to MyCDM.

Foundation Phase

Fully admitted students in the Foundation phase may register for a maximum of four Advanced phase courses. The Foundation Phase courses for the MS in Telecommunications are:

Offered Fall
In class	Online
√	√	TDC 460 Foundations of Communications Systems
√	√	TDC 463 Computer Networks and Data Systems
√	√	TDC 464 Voice Communication Networks

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Foundation Phase. If a student receives a grade below B- but better than or equal to C- for a Foundation Phase course, the student is given an option to take a course-specific core competency exam to pass the failed course. If the student fails the exam, the student must retake the failed course. The student can take an exam only once for each failed course. There is no other core examination in the Foundation Phase.

Advanced Phase

A student must complete 40 credits (10 courses) in the Advanced Phase to earn the MS in Telecommunication Systems. All courses in the Advanced Phase must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Offered Fall
In class	Online
√	√	TDC 511 Telecommunications Practicum
		TDC 567 Telecommunication Systems Design and Management

Five TDC courses from the range TDC 430 to TDC 599, where at least three are numbered above 500.
Students must also complete three open electives.

Elective Course Restrictions

Elective courses must not have been otherwise used to satisfy degree requirements

Elective courses are in the range of 420-699 (excluding TDC 425) and must be from the College of CDM. Credit for courses taken outside of the College will only be given if approved by a faculty advisor. Courses suggested for any Prerequisite Phase in any concentration do not count for elective credit. Any course required for the student's concentration but taken as part of the requirements of another degree earned by the student may be waived, but cannot be used for elective credit.

Courses in degree

CSC 211 Programming in Java I
CSC 261 Programming Languages I: C/C++
CSC 373 Computer Systems I
IT 223 Data Analysis
TDC 311 Computers in Telecommunications Systems
TDC 361 Basic Communication Systems
TDC 460 Foundations of Communications Systems
TDC 463 Computer Networks and Data Systems
TDC 464 Voice Communication Networks
TDC 511 Telecommunications Practicum
TDC 567 Telecommunication Systems Design and Management

Career Options:

Because network systems provide the essential foundation for virtually all critical business processes, graduates who are qualified to design, implement, manage, and secure such systems are in very high demand, with many opportunities in government, business enterprises, and other institutions.

Students will be prepared to support the design and management of carrier networks, enterprise networks, and network product and application development –an industry experiencing double-digit annual growth and expected to grow to 1 trillion dollars in the United States in 2008.