Telecommunications Engineering Technology MS - Curriculum

Telecommunications Engineering Technology MS

Telecommunications Engineering Technology (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 CNET 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-710
Principles of Telecommunications Networks
The course provides the student with a solid understanding of local access and backbone network, architecture, equipment and technology related to the Public Switched Telephone (PSTN), Cable (MSO), Access and Converged/IP networks. Passive Optical Networking and Hybrid Fiber Coax technology is also covered. (This course is restricted to students in the TCET-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
TCET-720
Telecommunications Concepts
The course provides the student with a solid understanding of Digital and Time Division Multiplexing and Modulation schemes used in the transmission of information in a variety of networks, both packet and circuit switched. Traffic engineering and Quality of Service concepts are covered as well as a number of network protocols and signaling platforms such as MPLS and SIP. (This course is restricted to students in the TCET-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
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-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).
3
TCET-760
Network Planning & 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).
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
6
Second Year
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).
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).
6
Total Semester Credit Hours
33

* TCET-601 is a bridge course that can be waived by qualification exam. If completed, credits do not count toward degree.

 

Telecommunications Engineering Technology (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 CNET 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-710
Principles of Telecommunications Networks
The course provides the student with a solid understanding of local access and backbone network, architecture, equipment and technology related to the Public Switched Telephone (PSTN), Cable (MSO), Access and Converged/IP networks. Passive Optical Networking and Hybrid Fiber Coax technology is also covered. (This course is restricted to students in the TCET-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
TCET-720
Telecommunications Concepts
The course provides the student with a solid understanding of Digital and Time Division Multiplexing and Modulation schemes used in the transmission of information in a variety of networks, both packet and circuit switched. Traffic engineering and Quality of Service concepts are covered as well as a number of network protocols and signaling platforms such as MPLS and SIP. (This course is restricted to students in the TCET-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
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-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).
3
TCET-760
Network Planning & 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).
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
6
Second Year
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).
3
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
33

* TCET-601 is a bridge course that can be waived by qualification exam. If completed, credits do not count toward degree.

 

Telecommunications Engineering Technology (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 CNET 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-710
Principles of Telecommunication Networks
The course provides the student with a solid understanding of local access and backbone network, architecture, equipment and technology related to the Public Switched Telephone (PSTN), Cable (MSO), Access and Converged/IP networks. Passive Optical Networking and Hybrid Fiber Coax technology is also covered. (This course is restricted to students in the TCET-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
TCET-720
Telecommunications Concepts
The course provides the student with a solid understanding of Digital and Time Division Multiplexing and Modulation schemes used in the transmission of information in a variety of networks, both packet and circuit switched. Traffic engineering and Quality of Service concepts are covered as well as a number of network protocols and signaling platforms such as MPLS and SIP. (This course is restricted to students in the TCET-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
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-750
Wireless System 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).
3
TCET-760
Network Planning & 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).
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
6
Second Year
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).
3
TCET-795
Comprehensive Exam
0
 
Electives
6
Total Semester Credit Hours
33

* TCET-601 is a bridge course that can be waived by qualification exam. If completed, credits do not count toward degree.