Telecommunications Engineering Technology Master of Science Degree
Students interested in studying telecommunications, wireless communications, or fiber optic communications should refer to RIT’s MS program in communication networks.
Overview for Telecommunications Engineering Technology MS
This program is no longer accepting new student applications.
Students interested in studying telecommunications, wireless communications, or fiber optic communications should refer to the MS program in communication networks.
The telecommunications industry has driven technological innovation and provided outstanding career opportunities for people with the right technical and leadership skills. New services offered through the internet, mobility via wireless technology, and extreme capacity created by fiber optics, as well as the evolution of policy and regulation, are shaping the telecommunication network of the future. The MS in telecommunications engineering technology focuses on developing an advanced level of skill and knowledge needed by future leaders in the industry. This program is designed for individuals who seek advancement into managerial roles in the dynamic telecommunications environment.
The telecommunications engineering technology program requires 33 credit hours of study and includes eight core courses that introduce essential fundamental concepts and skills. Students are required to complete a comprehensive exam, a capstone project, or a thesis. The remaining credits consist of technical electives or other approved graduate courses.
Electives
Students may take three credit hours of elective course work from other graduate programs subject to the approval of the graduate program director. Students often choose courses from Saunders College of Business, Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, or Kate Gleason College of Engineering. The number of elective credits depends upon the student's choice of a thesis, project, or comprehensive exam.
Research and Cooperative Education
Students have the opportunity to apply for research projects or participate in a cooperative education experience. While not a requirement, these opportunities increase the value of the program and the marketability of its graduates. Full-time students may choose to complete cooperative education after completing two semesters (a minimum of 18 credit hours of study), students may request approval to complete up to one year of cooperative education employment related to their field of study.
Comprehensive Exam/Project/Thesis Options
All students are required to complete a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of their course work. The comprehensive exam focuses on knowledge of the core competencies, theory and foundation principles, and application of this knowledge to a variety of scenarios. Students who wish to complete a graduate project or a thesis in place of the comprehensive exam must have the approval of the faculty and the graduate program director.
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Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Telecommunications Engineering Technology MS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Telecommunications Engineering Technology (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| TCET-601 | Programming & Problem Solving in Telecommunications |
3* |
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). | ||
| TCET-710 | Principles of Telecommunications Networks |
3 |
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). | ||
| TCET-720 | Telecommunications Concepts |
3 |
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). | ||
| TCET-740 | Fiber Optic Communications |
2 |
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). | ||
| TCET-741 | Fiber Optic Communications Lab |
1 |
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). | ||
| TCET-750 | Wireless Systems Regulation |
3 |
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-760 | Network Planning & Design |
3 |
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). | ||
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods |
3 |
Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. 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. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. 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). | ||
Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| TCET-747 | Next Generation Networks |
3 |
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-790 | Thesis |
6 |
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). | ||
| 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 |
3* |
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). | ||
| TCET-710 | Principles of Telecommunications Networks |
3 |
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). | ||
| TCET-720 | Telecommunications Concepts |
3 |
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). | ||
| TCET-740 | Fiber Optic Communications |
2 |
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). | ||
| TCET-741 | Fiber Optic Communications Lab |
1 |
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). | ||
| TCET-750 | Wireless Systems Regulation |
3 |
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-760 | Network Planning & Design |
3 |
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). | ||
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods |
3 |
Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. 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. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. 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). | ||
Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| TCET-747 | Next Generation Networks |
3 |
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-797 | Graduate Project |
3 |
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). | ||
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 |
3* |
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). | ||
| TCET-710 | Principles of Telecommunication Networks |
3 |
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). | ||
| TCET-720 | Telecommunications Concepts |
3 |
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). | ||
| TCET-740 | Fiber Optic Communications |
2 |
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). | ||
| TCET-741 | Fiber Optic Communications Lab |
1 |
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). | ||
| TCET-750 | Wireless System Regulation |
3 |
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-760 | Network Planning & Design |
3 |
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). | ||
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods |
3 |
Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. 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. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. 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). | ||
Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| TCET-747 | Next Generation Networks |
3 |
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-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.
