Communication Networks Master of Science Degree
Communication Networks
Master of Science Degree
In this communication networks degree, you’ll become an expert in fiber-optic and photonic communications, wireless communications, and network design and management as you lead the ever-changing telecommunications industry.
Overview
- Advance into managerial roles in today's dynamic telecommunications and networking industry.
- Choose of one of three options in: fiber-optic and photonic communications, wireless communications, or network design and management.
Telecommunications and communication networks are ever changing, with new services and products being created and offered through the internet, mobility via wireless technology, extreme capacity created by fiber optics, as well as the evolution of policy and regulation. These are all shaping the telecommunication industry and the networks of the future.
Master's in Communication Networks
The MS in communication networks develops an advanced level of skill and knowledge needed by the future leaders of the telecommunications industry. This program is designed for individuals who seek advancement into managerial roles in the dynamic, evolving communications environment. Courses cover converged and IP networks, fiber optic communications, wireless networks, and network design and management.
To help you achieve the level of expertise you are seeking, the program offers three options: fiber-optic and photonic communications, wireless communications, and network design and management. Each is designed to develop advanced knowledge in a specialty area. Alternatively, you may choose not pursue a program option. Instead, you may select specific electives from a number or RIT's graduate programs to achieve more specific career goals.
RIT undergraduates qualify for a tuition scholarship when they choose an RIT Master’s program.
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Careers and Cooperative Education
Typical Job Titles
| Client Services Engineer | Cloud Support Associate |
| Information Technology | Network Operations Center Engineer |
| Network Engineer | Network Automation Engineer |
| Systems Network Administrator |
Salary and Career Information for Communication Networks MS
Cooperative Education
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Cooperative education is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the communication networks MS degree.
Curriculum for Communication Networks MS
Communication Networks (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| TCET-601 | Programming & Problem Solving in Telecommunications* This course provides students with the programming, scripting and problem-solving techniques required for other classes in the TCET MS curriculum and to provide the software skills that are required in today’s telecommunication industry. The class will be taught using a programming language that is commonly used in industry today such as Python. The course will cover the following material: Basic programming constructs, Programming best practices, Algorithmic complexity, Data abstraction, Sorting and searching algorithms, Problem solving techniques. Homework assignments will be based upon real-world examples from the telecommunications industry. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| TCET-715 | Converged Network Concepts The course provides the student with a solid understanding of access, distribution and backbone network, architecture, equipment and technology related to a variety of service provided networks and services critical to the operation of converged and IP networks. Passive Optical Networking, Hybrid Fiber Coax technology, multiplexing, modulation schemes, coding, signaling and networking protocols used in convergence technologies for the delivery of information in a variety of packet and next generation networks are covered in detail. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| TCET-740 | Fiber Optic Communications Fiber-optic, point-to-point telecommunication systems are used as a framework to understand the wide array of fiber-optic telecom technologies, including light sources, optical fiber, and photoreceivers. An emphasis on the nature & behavior of optical signals provides insight into these technologies and into the important fiber-channel impairments of attenuation and dispersion. Fundamental concepts and state-of-the-art advances of these technologies are covered, as well as component-level and system-level analysis. Lecture 2 (Fall). |
2 |
| TCET-741 | Fiber Optic Communications Lab This course provides extensive hands-on experience with key technologies used within fiber-optic telecommunication systems, including optical fiber, laser diodes, light-emitting diodes, photodiodes, and pluggable transceivers, as well as key diagnostics such as power meters, oscilloscopes, optical time-domain reflectometers, and optical spectrum analyzers. Students will be trained in laser safety, ESD safety, and fiber-connector inspection, and will develop a broad understanding of fiber-optic test and measurement including transmitter & receiver characterization as well as measuring the fiber-channel impairments of attenuation and dispersion. (Co-requisite: TCET-740 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Fall). |
1 |
| TCET-751 | Wireless Communications Wireless, digital point-to-point communication systems require a wide array of technologies, some analog (such as antennas, amplifiers, mixers) and some digital (filters, equalizers, decoders, etc.). The course focuses on presenting both system-level and component-level analyses of a complete transceiver operating on a fading channel. Fundamental concepts and classical techniques are presented, as well as some state-of-the-art advances. These concepts are illustrated with hands-on activities using software-defined radio. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods This is an introductory graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Electives |
12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| TCET-788 | Thesis Planning This course begins the work on a previously approved thesis proposal and culminates upon successful investigation of the chosen research topic and scholarly development of initial data and results that show likelihood of successful completion of the thesis. The thesis advisor will specify the documentation and presentation needed to satisfy requirements for this course. The MSTET graduate thesis, delivered after subsequently completing TCET-790 Thesis, is a document that describes and presents the results of scholarly research in the field of telecommunications. The results of a MSTET graduate thesis provide new knowledge, processes, software or other assets that advance the state of the art of telecommunications, even in a modest way. (Department consent required) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| TCET-790 | Thesis This course continues research work started in TCET-788 Thesis Planning after completion of that initial research and documentation. The MSTET graduate thesis is a document that describes and presents the results of scholarly research in the field of telecommunications. The results of a MSTET graduate thesis provide new knowledge, processes, software or other assets that advance the state of the art of telecommunications, even in a modest way. (Department consent required) (Prerequisites: TCET-788 or equivalent course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Communication Networks (graduate project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| TCET-601 | Programming & Problem Solving in Telecommunications* This course provides students with the programming, scripting and problem-solving techniques required for other classes in the TCET MS curriculum and to provide the software skills that are required in today’s telecommunication industry. The class will be taught using a programming language that is commonly used in industry today such as Python. The course will cover the following material: Basic programming constructs, Programming best practices, Algorithmic complexity, Data abstraction, Sorting and searching algorithms, Problem solving techniques. Homework assignments will be based upon real-world examples from the telecommunications industry. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| TCET-715 | Converged Network Concepts The course provides the student with a solid understanding of access, distribution and backbone network, architecture, equipment and technology related to a variety of service provided networks and services critical to the operation of converged and IP networks. Passive Optical Networking, Hybrid Fiber Coax technology, multiplexing, modulation schemes, coding, signaling and networking protocols used in convergence technologies for the delivery of information in a variety of packet and next generation networks are covered in detail. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| TCET-740 | Fiber Optic Communications Fiber-optic, point-to-point telecommunication systems are used as a framework to understand the wide array of fiber-optic telecom technologies, including light sources, optical fiber, and photoreceivers. An emphasis on the nature & behavior of optical signals provides insight into these technologies and into the important fiber-channel impairments of attenuation and dispersion. Fundamental concepts and state-of-the-art advances of these technologies are covered, as well as component-level and system-level analysis. Lecture 2 (Fall). |
2 |
| TCET-741 | Fiber Optic Communications Lab This course provides extensive hands-on experience with key technologies used within fiber-optic telecommunication systems, including optical fiber, laser diodes, light-emitting diodes, photodiodes, and pluggable transceivers, as well as key diagnostics such as power meters, oscilloscopes, optical time-domain reflectometers, and optical spectrum analyzers. Students will be trained in laser safety, ESD safety, and fiber-connector inspection, and will develop a broad understanding of fiber-optic test and measurement including transmitter & receiver characterization as well as measuring the fiber-channel impairments of attenuation and dispersion. (Co-requisite: TCET-740 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Fall). |
1 |
| TCET-751 | Wireless Communications Wireless, digital point-to-point communication systems require a wide array of technologies, some analog (such as antennas, amplifiers, mixers) and some digital (filters, equalizers, decoders, etc.). The course focuses on presenting both system-level and component-level analyses of a complete transceiver operating on a fading channel. Fundamental concepts and classical techniques are presented, as well as some state-of-the-art advances. These concepts are illustrated with hands-on activities using software-defined radio. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods This is an introductory graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Electives |
12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| TCET-797 | Graduate Project The MSTET graduate project describes and presents the results of scholarly research in the field of telecommunications. The results of a MSTET graduate project provide new knowledge, processes, software, or other assets that advance the state of the art of telecommunications or organize or implement existing knowledge in a unique and useful way. Department permission is required. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Project (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
Elective |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Communication Networks (comprehensive exam option), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| TCET-601 | Programming & Problem Solving in Telecommunications* This course provides students with the programming, scripting and problem-solving techniques required for other classes in the TCET MS curriculum and to provide the software skills that are required in today’s telecommunication industry. The class will be taught using a programming language that is commonly used in industry today such as Python. The course will cover the following material: Basic programming constructs, Programming best practices, Algorithmic complexity, Data abstraction, Sorting and searching algorithms, Problem solving techniques. Homework assignments will be based upon real-world examples from the telecommunications industry. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| TCET-715 | Converged Network Concepts The course provides the student with a solid understanding of access, distribution and backbone network, architecture, equipment and technology related to a variety of service provided networks and services critical to the operation of converged and IP networks. Passive Optical Networking, Hybrid Fiber Coax technology, multiplexing, modulation schemes, coding, signaling and networking protocols used in convergence technologies for the delivery of information in a variety of packet and next generation networks are covered in detail. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| TCET-740 | Fiber Optic Communications Fiber-optic, point-to-point telecommunication systems are used as a framework to understand the wide array of fiber-optic telecom technologies, including light sources, optical fiber, and photoreceivers. An emphasis on the nature & behavior of optical signals provides insight into these technologies and into the important fiber-channel impairments of attenuation and dispersion. Fundamental concepts and state-of-the-art advances of these technologies are covered, as well as component-level and system-level analysis. Lecture 2 (Fall). |
2 |
| TCET-741 | Fiber Optic Communications Lab This course provides extensive hands-on experience with key technologies used within fiber-optic telecommunication systems, including optical fiber, laser diodes, light-emitting diodes, photodiodes, and pluggable transceivers, as well as key diagnostics such as power meters, oscilloscopes, optical time-domain reflectometers, and optical spectrum analyzers. Students will be trained in laser safety, ESD safety, and fiber-connector inspection, and will develop a broad understanding of fiber-optic test and measurement including transmitter & receiver characterization as well as measuring the fiber-channel impairments of attenuation and dispersion. (Co-requisite: TCET-740 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Fall). |
1 |
| TCET-751 | Wireless Communications Wireless, digital point-to-point communication systems require a wide array of technologies, some analog (such as antennas, amplifiers, mixers) and some digital (filters, equalizers, decoders, etc.). The course focuses on presenting both system-level and component-level analyses of a complete transceiver operating on a fading channel. Fundamental concepts and classical techniques are presented, as well as some state-of-the-art advances. These concepts are illustrated with hands-on activities using software-defined radio. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods This is an introductory graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Electives |
12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| TCET-795 | TCET Comprehensive Exam |
0 |
Electives |
6 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
* TCET-601 is a bridge course that can be waived by qualification exam. Credits for course or waiver do not count toward degree.
Students must use the curriculum electives to complete at least 9 credits from a list of courses approved by the faculty to earn an option. Students may complete courses listed in any option or choose courses from a list of approved elective courses to complete the required number of electives. A student is not required to complete any option but may pick and choose courses that fulfill their educational objectives from any of the listed options of approved elective courses. The currently-approved courses by option are:
Options
Fiber Optic and Photonic Communications Option
| Course | |
|---|---|
| Choose three from the list below for 9 credits | |
| TCET-745 | Advanced Fiber-Optic Communications This course focuses on characterizing and designing the capacity and reach of fiber-optic transmission systems in terms of key performance metrics (BER, Q-factor, eye diagrams, and system margin, transmission penalty, optical-power budgets, and OSNR budgets), the impact of key physical impairments (loss, dispersion, nonlinearity), and techniques used to overcome these impairments (optical amplification, dispersion compensation, power mitigation). Widespread fiber-optic transmission modalities (such as wavelength-division multiplexing and amplitude modulation) as well as emerging modalities (such as polarization-division multiplexing and phase modulation) will be covered. (Prerequisites: TCET-740 and TCET-741 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| TCET-748 | Fiber Optic Test & Measurement This course covers the test & measurement of fiber-optic components & diagnostics, including: time-based, frequency-based, polarization-based measurement of optical & electro-optic components; test-station design, specification, activation, calibration, and usage; reliability testing & industry test standards; optical-waveguide coupling; design & analysis of diagnostics; polarization generation, manipulation, and detection; data acquisition & analysis. (Prerequisites: TCET-740 and TCET-741 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| EEEE-771 | Optoelectronics To provide an introduction to the operating principles of optoelectronic devices used in various current and future information processing and transmission systems. Emphasis in this course will be on the active optoelectronic devices used in optical fiber communication systems. Topics include optical resonators, quantum states of light, semiconductor optics, fundamental of lasers, light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, semiconductor photon detectors, optical modulators, quantum wells, and optical fiber communication systems. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| MFET-655 | Surface Mount Electronics Manufacturing This course provides a thorough understanding of the technology, components, equipment, materials and manufacturing process for through hole technology and surface mount technology electronics manufacturing. Students will develop a strong foundation needed for advanced work in surface mount technology (SMT). The activities will provide the students an orientation and familiarization of the manufacturing equipment and process parameters for printed circuit board assembly. Graduate students will explore surface defects and remediation and will prepare a detailed annotated bibliography related to specific aspects of electronics manufacturing. Topics in Design for Manufacturing are also considered for high volume vs. low volume manufacturing. Students may only receive credit for this course or MFET-545, not both. (This course is restricted to graduate or BS/MS students in the MMSI-MS or at least 3rd year standing in EMET-BS/MS, MCET-BS/MS, MFET-BS/MS programs. Students cannot take and receive credit for this course if they have taken MFET-545.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
Network Design and Management Option
| Course | |
|---|---|
| Choose three from the list below for 9 credits | |
| TCET-620 | Applied Machine Learning Machine learning has applications in a wide variety of fields ranging from medicine and finance to telecommunications and autonomous self-driving vehicles. This course introduces machine learning and gives you the knowledge to understand and apply machine learning to solve problems in a variety of application areas. The course covers neural net structures, deep learning, support vector machines, training and testing methods, clustering, classification, and prediction with applications across a variety of fields. The focus will be on developing a foundation from which a variety of machine learning methods can be applied. Students may not take and receive credit for this course if they have already taken EEET-520. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor. If you have earned credit for EEET-520 or you are currently enrolled in EEET-520 you will not be permitted to enroll in TCET-620.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| TCET-723 | Telecommunications Network Engineering This course covers accepted network design principles and methodologies as they apply to circuit, packet, frame, cell and synchronization networks. Course topics are transmission engineering, traffic engineering models, timing and synchronization, design of voice and data networks, and electrical grounding concepts. (Prerequisites: TCET-715 or TCET-710 and TCET-720 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| TCET-747 | Next Generation Networks This hybrid course is a cross between an independent study and a seminar course. It provides MSTET students the opportunity to research and report on near term Next Generation Networks (NGN). The course consists of professor provided discussion on NGN followed by each student researching NGN types. Basically, a case study approach is utilized. Immediately after completing the research and written paper regarding one’s selected topic/case, each student will read each others and then present theirs to all other students in the class. As a result, every student will not only benefit from their own research of topics/cases but also be informed of other NGN by other students. Students should already have some understanding of how to perform research and must possess at least adequate writing skills. (This course is restricted to students in the TCET-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| TCET-760 | Network Planning and Design This course teaches the art and science of metropolitan and wide area network design for both modern delay (data) networks and traditional blocking (voice) networks; the greatest emphasis is on modern delay networks. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are used as the student progresses through the network analysis, architecture and network design processes. An advanced WAN Fiber Optic design tool, such as OPNET Transport Planner is utilized in a required graduate project. The following are typical types of projects: Write an RFP, design an extensive metropolitan and wide area network using the latest technologies, design an extensive fiber optic network using a design tool like OPNET Transport Planner. Note: Since some students may not yet have taken a fiber course, the OPNET project stresses the use of the tool rather than the specifics of fiber optics. (This course is restricted to students in the TCET-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
Wireless Communications Option
| Course | |
|---|---|
| All courses required for 9 credits | |
| TCET-750 | Wireless Systems Regulation The fundamental legal and regulatory principles of U.S. wireless mobile and fixed radio frequency communication systems are studied in this course. At the end of this course, students will be able to (1) analyze the legal and regulatory issues related to wireless base station site zoning approval, (2) calculate radio-frequency human exposure levels and (3) apply relevant regulations related to deployment of the wireless infrastructure. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| TCET-752 | Advanced Wireless Communication This course focuses on modern wideband wireless communications over the frequency-selective channel. It covers channel models, equalization and synchronization techniques, and contemporary modulations such as SC-FDE and OFDM. State-of-the-art and emerging technologies, such as MIMO, massive MIMO, and spatial modulation are included. These are studied in the context of current mobile and networking standards, such as 3G, LTE, and 5G, and IEEE 802.x. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| TCET-753 | Wireless Networks This course focuses on multiplexing, multiple access, medium access control, and frequency reuse, and how these influences a wireless network’s choice of protocols, topology, security, efficiency, etc. Following this approach, cellular, sensor, WLANs, WPANs, IoT, and other important current wireless network technologies are explored. (Prerequisites: TCET-751 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | Yes |
| Part‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Communication Networks MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in engineering technology, engineering, or a related area.
- A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Writing samples are optional.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
| TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 79 | 6.5 | 56 |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
Additional Information
Bridge Courses
Applicants with a bachelor's degree in fields outside of engineering technology, engineering, or related fields may be considered for admission, however, bridge courses in Computer Programming may be required to ensure the student is adequately prepared for the program.