RIT Launches Master’s in Telecom Engineering Tech

Global markets, telecom-business convergence spur job growth

Note: Digital photograph available

The telecommunications field is predicted to expand through at least 2010 as demand for greater capacity—or bandwidth—increases for business and residential service, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

Also spurring growth:

• Expanding global markets
• Rapid expansion beyond telephone service into areas such as wireless networks and fiber optics
• Changes in government regulation
• Demand for technologically savvy managers in a consolidated marketplace

  To meet anticipated demand, Rochester Institute of Technology launches a master’s degree in telecommunications engineering technology this spring. The degree melds telecommunications technology with business and project-management acumen. Program graduates will be sought-after for leadership roles in the telecom field, RIT leaders say.

  "This program will help fill a long-standing need in the industry for professionals who are well educated in telecom business and technology and who can contribute from their first day on the job," says Warren Koontz, program chair.

  The 48 credit-hour program includes three new courses, some available through online learning, offered by the electrical, computer and telecommunications engineering technology (ECTET) department in RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology. It also includes three additional telecom courses, management electives offered through RIT’s College of Business, technical electives and a capstone project. Bridge programs are available for students without telecommunications backgrounds.

  "This program will be a model of accessibility for professionals with technical and non-technical undergraduate degrees who want to advance into managerial and leadership roles in telecommunications," says Carol Richardson, ECTET department chair, who was recently named a member of the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

  Adds Wiley McKinzie, dean of RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology, "The program will appeal to a variety of students, including regional and industry groups and online learners." RIT began the nation’s first accredited undergraduate program in telecommunications engineering technology in 1989.

  Note: RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology, the largest of eight colleges at RIT, offers programs in civil engineering technology/environmental management and safety; electrical, computer and telecommunications engineering technology; hospitality and service management; manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology; packaging science and multidisciplinary studies. The college, a leader in outreach education including online learning, corporate education and international programming, is home to RIT’s American College of Management and Technology in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

  Founded in 1829 and located in western New York state, RIT is internationally recognized as a leader in computing, engineering, imaging, technology, fine and applied arts, and education for the deaf. RIT enrolls 15,000 students in more than 240 undergraduate and graduate programs.

  For the past decade, U.S. News & World Report has ranked RIT as one of the nation’s leading comprehensive universities. RIT is also included in Yahoo! Internet Life’s Top 100 Wired Universities, Fisk’s Guide to America’s Best Colleges and Barron’s Best Buys in Education.