Telecommunications Technology
Overview
Telecommunications technology programs prepare people to install phone, computer, and network systems.Telecommunications technology programs teach people to install communications systems. Students learn about digital technology and how data is stored and transferred. They also learn about how data is exchanged on the Internet.
Telecommunications technology programs include topics such as:
- Principles of electricity and electronics
- Communications protocol
- Equipment use and troubleshooting
- Data networking
- Digital signal processing
- Internet access
- Programming languages
- Object-oriented and relational databases
Schools
Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in telecommunications technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in telecommunications technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Very few universities offer graduate degrees in telecommunications technology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Computational Mathematics
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Computer Installation and Repair
- Computer Science
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Networking and Administration
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Engineering Technology, General
- Informatics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Communications Equipment Mechanics
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Electronics Engineering Technologists
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
An associate degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- AC Circuits
- College Algebra
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)
- DC Circuits
- Digital Logic
- Electronic Circuits
- Electronic Design and Fabrication
- English Composition
- Introduction to Computer Technology
- Introduction to Telecommunications
- Local Area Networks (LANs)
- Telecommunication Cabling
- Telecommunications Switching
- Wireless Telephone Systems
A bachelor's degree program often assumes that you have taken most of the math courses listed above while in high school. It typically includes the other courses listed above, plus the following:
- Applied Calculus
- Communications Network Design
- Enterprise Networking and TCP/IP
- Introduction to Psychology
- Network Operating Systems
- Principles of Accounting
- Principles of Economics
- Principles of Management
- Programming in C++, Java, or Visual Basic
- Project Management
- Senior Project
- Statistics for Technology
- UNIX Networks
- Windows Networks
Things to Know
Many jobs in this field require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.
Telecommunications technology continues to change, so plan on taking classes throughout your career to keep your skills up to date.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Information Systems--Mobile Technologies
Cascadia College
- Android Application Development
- iOS Application Development
- Mobile Application Development
- Mobile Backend Development
Tacoma Area
Bates Technical College (Central/Mohler Campus)
- Electronic and Communications Systems Technology
Clover Park Technical College
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security--Computer & Communications Security