Information on Master of Science (MS) Degree Programs in Communications Engineering
Majors Overview September 9, 2015This article talks about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Communications Engineering and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Programs in Communications Engineering
Schools usually offer degree programs in this field titled as telecommunications engineering rather than communications engineering. Completion of this master’s degree program could result in students gaining technical skills and in-depth knowledge relating to the construction, maintenance, implementation, and theory under-girding telecommunications networks and systems. Before they are allowed enrollment into a master’s program in communications engineering, applicants are required to have a substantial amount of prior knowledge of electrical engineering concepts and terminology. Before they can graduate, students are required to develop and defend a dissertation and possibly pass final oral and written exams.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree program in electrical engineering, in addition to meeting GRE and minimum GPA standards for all undergraduate work. Schools also require the submission of letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose for their career and the program.
Coursework
Program graduates will gain expertise in constructing, programming, maintaining, and developing theories for networks used in transmitting data productively and efficiently. Coursework incorporates a wide range of resources and technology, including wireless devices, integrated and fiber optics, lasers, and several forms of telecommunications software. Program coursework that will be research-oriented will also emphasize thesis and dissertation work. Core coursework via seminars and graduate courses may cover topic areas such as:
•Satellite communications
•Computer networks
•Digital signal processing
•Communications media
•Telecommunications engineering
•Signals and coding
•Antenna Engineering
•Fiber optics
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek various careers in the field of telecommunications, including possible job positions such as:
•Software Engineer
•Data communications consultant
•Telecommunications specialist
•Telecommunications Engineer
•Network Analyst
Job and Wage Outlook
In May 2012, network and computer systems administrators brought in an average annual wage of $72,560 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, these professionals are expected to see a twelve percent job growth (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates seeking continuing education may pursue a doctorate program in telecommunications engineering, mainly aiming to undertake original research projects or to seek careers in academia.