About the CareerASSOCIATE
DEGREE IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS NETWORKING
CERTIFICATE IN LAN NETWORKING SYSTEMS
CERTIFICATE IN NETWORKING SPECIALIST (MCSE)
ROUTING AND NETWORK CONFIGURATION CERTIFICATE (CISCO)
About the CareerTelecommunications specialists are experts who plan, install and upgrade network hardware and software; manage a network once it’s in place; and configure, troubleshoot and maintain computers attached to a network. Networks move all types of information, from text-based email to live video feeds, within an organization – possibly even around the world.
Telecommunications is the fastest growing area in the information science field, and opportunities are best for those with interest and skills in computers and electronics. As graduates advance in their careers, they participate in planning and designing new networks, determine personnel and equipment requirements, and supervise other network support specialists.
Telecommunications and network professionals work in services industries, insurance and financial services firms, government agencies and manufacturers. In fact, virtually any company in any field with 50 or more employees is liable to have their own network with connections to other external networks (like the Internet).
The explosion in use of the Internet, the merging of voice and data networks, the demand for increased bandwidth and the integration of networking into all business processes has created an unprecedented demand for telecommunications professionals. This demand will continue to grow as new technologies such as wireless mobile devices are incorporated into new and existing networks.
About the ProgramMidlands Technical College offers one degree and multiple certificate programs, addressing the diverse nature of the telecommunications and computer-networking field. These programs are designed to contain:
Leading-edge topics such as security, wireless, fiber optics and VOIP
Hand-on training, with two-thirds of all technical courses taught in labs
Certification-oriented coursework that prepares for multiple industry certification exams
Combined degree, technical certifications and hands-on experience that employers are seeking
The Telecommunications Systems Management associate degree program includes a set of technical core courses taken by all students. These courses cover the fundamentals of network protocols, computer and network operating systems, network design and management, network security and wireless.
The core courses are followed by additional technical courses arranged into tracks. The tracks allow a student to focus on a particular aspect of telecommunications that most appeals to that student’s interests and abilities. A student will take one of the following tracks:
Infrastructure - courses that teach the design and construction of networks
Network management - courses that teach the management and control existing networks
PC servicing - courses that each how to service, configure, upgrade and optimize host and server systems connected to networks
Multiple telecommunications-related certificate programs are available for students who already have a degree, and are seeking either to make a career change or to upgrade their skill set. Certificate courses include technical courses drawn from the degree core and track courses. The different certificates provide coursework focused on particular aspects of the telecommunications field.
The Information Systems Networking Certificate provides students knowledge of foundational telecommunications concepts in courses drawn from the degree program’s technical core courses.
The LAN Networking Systems Certificate provides students with the advanced technical knowledge provided in courses pulled from the degree program’s Network Management track.
The Networking Specialist Certificate provides coursework needed to prepare for Microsoft MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification exams.
The Routing and Network Configuration Certificate includes four Cisco-approved courses that prepare the student to obtain the coveted Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) industry certification.
