Master of Science in Telecommunications Systems 2008

The Master of Science in Telecommunications Systems offers extensive theoretical and practical knowledge in voice and data communications 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 and data communications and network management

The program follows a three-phase sequence, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master’s degree program consists of:

• Prerequisite Phase
• Foundation Phase
• Advanced Phase

Upon acceptance into the master's degree program, the student will meet with their faculty advisor to discuss required courses for the Prerequisite Phase. The Prerequisite Phase is intended to ensure that all students enter graduate courses with an equivalent background. While completing this phase, a student is considered a conditionally admitted master's student. In the Foundation phase, a student will follow a sequence of courses to acquire an understanding of the technological and theoretical foundations for the particular degree. In the Advanced Phase of the program, the fundamental information learned previously allows a student to study advanced topics within their chosen degree. This phase adds depth to the work completed in the Foundation Phase. Individual interests and needs are also addressed through a series of elective courses chosen in consultation with the student's faculty advisor.

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 better 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.

Prerequisite Phase

or any more advanced programming course

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 MyCTI.

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:

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.

• 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 are in the range of 420-699 (excluding TDC 425)and must be from the school of CTI. Credit for courses taken outside of the school 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.