Major: Computer Networking and Telecommunications

It’s hard to believe there was a time when we didn’t have email, the Internet, or cell phones. But when we telecommunicate, sending messages and information via phones and computers, we rely on relatively new technology -- from fiber optics to satellites.

If you choose this major, you’ll learn how to work with the latest technology as well as the technology that’s right around the corner. By the time you graduate, you’ll know how to expand the capabilities of networks already in place and to build new ones.

Students of computer systems networking and telecommunications learn how computers communicate with each other. They study the design, installation, and improvement of computer networks and related software.

Did You Know?

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, networking technology is expected to be one of the fastest growing areas of employment between 2004 and 2014, but you may need a bachelor’s degree to compete for the best jobs in the field.

Are You Ready To...?

• Learn about the latest wireless technology
• Design a network
• Study telecommunications regulations
• Present a report on current issues in computer technology with a group
• Specialize in one aspect of networking such as network security or software architecture
• Intern off-campus

It Helps to Be...

A problem solver who is able to work at a fast pace. And, although your studies will focus on communication between computers, you’ll also need to know a thing or two about communication between people.

College Checklist

• If the program leads to an associate’s degree, does it focus more on preparing students for further education or for the workforce?
• Will the program help you prepare for certification exams?
• Are instructors certified and actively working in the field?
• Does the program have state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs?
• Are hands-on learning activities a regular part of your education?
• Does the program coordinate with local companies and organizations to provide internships?
• What are recent graduates doing now?

Did You Know?

• Thanks to advances in telecommunications, surgeons can now perform “telesurgery” on patients thousands of miles away.

Course Spotlight

In your first networking class, you’ll learn the lingo of network technicians as well as the basic use of hardware and software. As you progress in your studies, you’ll learn about the special needs of local area networks (LANs). LANs are networks of computers in the same limited area, such as a single building. One topic in this area of study is routing technology, which moves information between computers.