Information and Telecommunication Systems, J. Warren McClure School of

Philip Campbell, Director

Bachelor of Science in Communication (BSC) - Information and Telecommunication Systems

Founded in the fall of 1980 as the Center for Communication Management, this program was the first of its type in Ohio and only the second in the United States at the baccalaureate level. It is a multidisciplinary major, with students taking courses in nine other schools and departments, in addition to the J. Warren McClure School of Information and Telecommunication Systems. The program was designed with the assistance of the International Communications Association and other telecommunications professionals.

Purposes and Objectives

The purpose of the J. Warren McClure School of Information and Telecommunication Systems is to provide academic studies and research for the training of professionals in the field of voice/data telecommunications. These communication professionals fill a large number of roles: they design, supervise, and operate specialized communication systems for private industry and government; they design and market communication services on behalf of major telephone companies, Internet service providers, cellular providers, and equipment vendors; and they apply their expertise on behalf of consulting firms and regulatory agencies.

Until the 1970s, professionals in the field were trained primarily on the job. But with the rapid expansion of technology and its applications, universities were asked to provide quality educational programs in this field. The Ohio University program is the result of five years of consultation and planning with experts at both the academic and applied levels.

The program is based on the philosophy that the communication professional must have broad basic knowledge and skill in such diverse areas as technology, business, computer systems, and written and oral communication. While working toward their degrees, students are encouraged to gain practical experience through lab exercises, case studies, internships, and practica. Students are given opportunities to observe and use communication systems (voice, image, and data) in the School’s laboratories and through tours of the University’s Information Technology installation and other facilities.

Transfer Policy

Current Ohio University Students

Current Ohio University students who wish to transfer into this school must have an accumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for all collegiate work attempted at Ohio University. Should space become a problem, other transfer procedures might be adopted.

Students are required to meet with the School’s director or associate director before applying for transfer. In order to apply for transfer, students must complete a Transfer Information Sheet (available in the School’s office) and supply their latest DARS report. Students may apply for transfer at any time.

Transfer Students From Other Universities

Transfer students from other universities who are admitted to Ohio University may elect ITS as their major as part of the University’s admission process. They must, however, have an accumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for their prior collegiate work. In this case, there is no need to meet with the director or fill out the Transfer Information Sheet prior to transfer into the school.

Internships and Practica

Hands-on experience is an important part of your course of study, and you are strongly encouraged to fulfill this component of your studies through an internship or practicum. Course credit for either an internship or a practicum applies toward the 50 hours of ITS courses required of all majors. Credit toward the 50 hours is not awarded for both an internship and a practicum.

The School has a strong internship program, with more than 30 sponsoring organizations. Internships are usually 12 weeks long and take place off campus, during the summer; other arrangements are possible. You are treated as a staff member and are paid for your efforts. Internships are awarded on a competitive basis and are subject to availability. You must be majoring in the program, have completed at least 90 hours, including specified courses in the program (see the director for a list), and have one quarter remaining on campus after the internship will have been completed. Individual internship sponsors establish GPA requirements. You must enroll in the University for academic credit during the internship and may earn up to 12 hours of course credit for completion of all internship requirements; a maximum of five hours of course credit will apply to the 50-hour major requirement. Apply to the internship coordinator for consideration.

The School also provides practicum experience. You may choose to complete a practicum project under the supervision of a school faculty member. Practica are conducted on campus, either within the School or for other units, and are unpaid. You must enroll in the University for academic credit during the quarter in which the practicum is conducted. A maximum of five hours of course credit will apply to the 50-hour major requirement. Practica are arranged with individual faculty members.

If you are unable to complete either an internship or a practicum, you may complete the 50-hour major requirement through an additional ITS elective course.