Degree Overview: Master of Network & Communications Management Degree Program
Majors Overview July 12, 2015This article talks about Master of Network & Communications Management degree programs and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Network & Communications Management Programs
Students enrolled in a master’s degree program covering network management and telecommunications learn about effectively developing networks and maintaining them for optimum performance. Managers of networks and communications work with the devices and structure of wireless and wired communication networks aiming to ensure that their operations are efficient.
At the beginning of the program, foundational coursework finds completion by students aimed at refreshing and improving their knowledge of general business principles in information assurance and telecommunications networks. At a later stage, the focus shifts to management techniques and concepts in numerous areas, such as project development, networking, and programming. Students can complete an internship as part of the program. Master’s program graduates with an interest in networks and telecommunications can look into Ph.D. programs.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold an undergraduate degree apart from meeting or exceeding a GPA standard and passing required master’s admissions exams.
Coursework
Coursework includes completion of projects in network management both collaboratively and independently, apart from a thesis for a final report or project, and research. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Project management
•Cyber security
•Network management
•Fiber optics
•Digital signal processing
•Programming
•Data network analysis
•Network routing protocols
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek advanced professional positions in the field of network management and telecommunications, or choose to focus on full-time research. They can choose from possible job positions such as:
•Telecommunications analyst
•Network Architect
•Network security specialist
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 15% has been predicted for network architects (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $91,000 with most employed in the computer systems design industry.
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may seek continuing education by enrolling in Ph.D. programs with a focus on specific areas of communications, media, and networks through studies in health, public or global communication. Schools also offer Ph.D. programs in Network Engineering and Telecommunications. These programs could lead to careers in research or academia.
