Note: The online version of this program, MI5367, is not currently accepting applications.

 

Degree Title and Name:  Master of Information and Telecommunication Systems

Program Name and Number:  Information and Telecommunication Systems – MI5366 (Athens), MI5367 (Online/Distance)

Department/Unit:  J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies

Delivery Mode:  Athens Campus; Online/Distance

Term(s) of Entry: Fall, Spring

Program Overview:  The J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies offers the Master of Information and Telecommunication Systems (MITS), a professional or research interdisciplinary degree focusing on the technical and strategic issues related to telecommunication and information technologies, systems and services. Principal focus is on voice and data networks, with special emphasis on the interaction of technology and management/policy issues in the successful design, deployment, and operation of complex networks and information systems.

Technology topics include network theory and infrastructure, software defined infrastructure, Internet of Things, quality of service, network assurance and security, network services and IT integration, broadband, and wireless communications. Management/Policy topics include telecommunications market strategy, lifecycle management, data privacy and compliance. Perspectives include those of network system and service providers, consumers, policy makers, and IT managers. Industry perspectives include telecommunication carriers, communication system equipment vendors, and enterprise voice and data network providers.

The degree is offered in two formats:   

• Residential program – MI5366
• Remote attendance program – MI5367

The residential program is taught to students attending class at Ohio University’s main campus in Athens, Ohio. The remote attendance program is taught to students who login remotely to specific ITS residential classes from an Internet connected device. Residential students taking the normal load of 3 courses per semester complete the program in three regular semesters plus one summer. Remote attendance students can take 2 courses per semester and finish after 4 semesters plus one summer; students taking one class per semester can finish after 3 years.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to explain the theory and principles of information and telecommunication technologies.
• Students will be competent in the professional practices associated with information and telecommunication technologies.
• Students will be able to read and comprehend complex communication technology and policy research and reports.
• Students will be able to conduct information and telecommunication technology research and will be able to write technical reports. Those electing the thesis option will be able to write scholarly papers.
• Students will have the skills to be key decision makers in professional settings such as those associated with telecommunications carriers, information systems providers, equipment suppliers, or IT departments.

Opportunities for Graduates:  Employers value the comprehensive nature of the MITS degree, and graduates are pursuing careers as network engineers, computer network specialists, utility analysts, project managers, software engineers, and telecom analysts at a host of companies.

MITS graduates have found opportunities at such companies as AT&T, Verizon Business, Cisco Systems, Progressive Insurance, Time Warner, Microsoft, PowerNet Global, HSBC Bank, and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Graduates have also moved on to further graduate study after completing the MITS.

Link to Program: www.ohio.edu/mcclure

Link to Program Handbook:  Contact Dr. Julio Aráuz (arauz@ohio.edu)

Graduation Requirements:  

Complete a minimum of 36 semester credit hours minimum as follows:

• Core Courses (12 credit hours)
• Electives (16 credit hours) (ITS 6910 cannot be used as an elective)
• Cognate (minimum of 4 credit hours). These hours may consist of additional ITS elective hours (including ITS 6910, or courses taken outside the department, e.g., engineering, mathematics, business, economics, etc.
• Culminating Experience (4 credit hours)

Culminating Experience:

Students should complete one of the following three options:

• Exam – Comprehensive Exam based on a list of advanced readings.
• Project/Report – A professional project can be completed on-campus or occasionally approved as part of an internship. A proposal showing the deliverables of the project must be approved by the student’s committee.
• Thesis

Admission Requirements:

• Undergraduate coursework which includes the study of Information and Telecommunication Systems, or Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, or related areas is strongly recommended. Undergraduate coursework should include at least one statistics course.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) earned for all undergraduate or graduate course work.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Section. The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) can be substituted for the GRE if taken prior to the application date. The GRE can be waived for established professionals (contact our School for details); however, GRE/GMAT scores are mandatory if an applicant wishes to be considered for financial assistance.
• A Personal Goal Statement
• A Resume
• Three (3) letters of recommendation.

International Students:  The residential program (MI5366) permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.