What is a Telecommunications Major?
Majors Overview June 24, 2013Telecommunication workers play integral roles in delivering digital, television, Internet and telephone services to customers across the United States. While different modes of training exist for different occupations in the field, those interested in a career in telecommunications will benefit by enrolling in an undergraduate degree program in telecommunications.
Telecommunications Majors
A high school diploma or a general educational development (GED) certificate is sufficient qualification for most telecommunication jobs and on-the-job training is also utilized in the industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). Telecommunications positions that require a degree include repair and maintenance, professional and managerial positions.
Given the dynamic nature of the industry, individuals employed in the field need continuing education to keep pace with the latest advances in the field. Typically, training centers and community colleges offer continuing education options.
Bachelor’s Degree Program in Telecommunications
Students who want to major in telecommunications usually earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, and depending on the students, some will pursue additional training by having a minor in a related field, including mass communications, computer science, and information technology. These degree programs offer students the opportunity to satisfy basic educational requirements while studying telecommunications applications and theory.
Students will learn about multimedia, audio, and video production. Industry and business standards and practices are studied. Students are taught to use critical thinking in the analysis of multimedia presentation. Telecommunications bachelor degree program coursework may include the following:
•Telecommunications internship
•Telecommunications regulations and policies
•Research methods
•Statistics
•Computing
•Interactive communications systems
•Mass communications systems
Continuing Education Information
Telecommunications bachelor’s degree program graduates may want to pursue continued education to improve their career prospects. They can enroll in the Master of Science (M.S.) in Telecommunication program that imparts training in public policies, regulations and management, as well as instruction in technical courses. Students who complete a graduate certificate or degree program can avail additional training by participating in a telecommunications project.
