Study Telecommunications Management: Degrees at a Glance
There are two types of degrees available in telecommunications management: information technology (IT) and media management. A bachelor's degree is usually required for either field, although a few positions in IT may be open to associate's degree holders.
Job applicants in some IT telecommunications management fields will likely see strong job growth from 2010-2020. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network and computer systems administrators can expect 28% job growth during this period; however, professionals in this field must keep up with ongoing changes in technology.
For media-focused telecommunications management positions, you'll need relevant job experience and a bachelor's degree. The work is often stressful, but experienced advertising, marketing and promotions managers command higher average salaries than workers in some IT fields, such as network and computer systems administration. The BLS estimates that employment of advertising and promotions managers will grow 13% from 2010-2020.
| IT Focus | Media Focus | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | - People who want to begin IT careers in telecommunications management | - People who want to gain entry-level positions in media marketing and sales, and who hope to work their way up to management positions |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | - Network and computer systems administrator ($71,000)* - Telecommunications manager ($101,000 - about five years of experience required)** | Experience is usually required for these positions: - Advertising and promotions manager ($88,000)* - Marketing manager ($116,000)* |
| Time to Completion | Approximately four years, full-time | Same as IT-focus |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Internship may be required or strongly recommended | - Same as for IT-focused programs |
| Prerequisites | - Meet high school GPA requirements or minimum college GPA requirement for transfer students - Provide SAT/ACT test scores | - Same as for IT-focused programs, but specific college prep high school curriculum may also be required |
| Online Availability | Yes | Online degrees are not available at this time, but some relevant online courses may be available |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011), **Salary.com job postings (September 2012).
Bachelor's Degrees in Telecommunications Management: IT Focus
Bachelor's degree programs in IT telecommunications prepare students for a variety of careers in IT. This degree plus experience can put you on track for management positions. The structure of bachelor's degree programs will vary with each school, but students generally focus their studies on course topics such as computer programming, networking and systems design. Some degree programs also require students to participate in lab courses where they can experiment with various technologies and equipment. Additionally, an internship with an approved business or organization may be required.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A bachelor's degree is the baseline academic credential for most careers in IT telecommunications management
- If you eventually plan to attend graduate school, you will likely need a bachelor's degree in telecommunications or a related field
- Employment growth for many IT career paths that require a bachelor's degree is expected to remain strong over the next decade (22% growth is expected for all computer occupations)*
Cons
- To ensure that networks are running smoothly, professionals in this field may occasionally be on call or work during unconventional hours
- Employers may expect IT professionals to educate themselves over the course of their careers to keep up with rapidly changing technology and industry regulations*
- A bachelor's degree may be unnecessary, since some IT telecommunications jobs are open to associate's degree holders*
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common Courses and Requirements
Most IT telecommunications bachelor's degree programs require students to complete between 120 and 130 academic credit hours, including an internship. In an IT-focused telecommunications management bachelor's degree program, you can expect to take a variety of courses in mathematics, computer science and business management. Courses may also include data network design, wireless telecommunications, information assurance policies and disaster recovery, local area networks and basic voice communications.
Online Course Options
IT telecommunications management bachelor's degree programs are available, and some may be completed fully online. Students should plan ahead, though, because even fully online degree programs may only offer certain elective courses on campus. This means students who can't attend any on-campus courses may not be able to pursue certain specializations.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
If you're interested in pursuing a technical career, consider obtaining a certification. These are commonly offered by product vendors, such as Cisco, and some can be earned while you're still in school by simply taking an exam. Other certifications may require work experience, though. Another way to stand out may be to get an internship during school, even if it isn't required by your degree program. Doing so can help you demonstrate your maturity and know-how to potential employers.
Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications Management: Media Focus
Students in media-focused telecommunications management programs will develop communications skills and study the effects of traditional and new media on society. Bachelor's degree programs typically include general education classes, core major courses and electives. Although they may not require it, most programs recommend completing an internship. Media-oriented telecommunications management degree programs prepare students for sales, operations, market research, programming and advertising roles in the telecommunications industry.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A bachelor's degree is essential if your ultimate goal is to work as a manager in the telecommunications industry
- You're preparing yourself for a career that can offer a rewarding salary after you've gained some experience (for promotions and advertising managers, radio and television broadcasting was one of the top-five highest-paying industries)*
- Some bachelor's degree programs include an internship requirement to help you gain experience, and you may also be able to gain experience by working for an on-campus media organization
Cons
- Even with a degree, you'll most likely have to work in an entry-level sales, advertising or marketing job for a number of years before you're promoted to a management position
- Despite the fact that job growth for marketing, advertising and promotions managers is expected to be average, bachelor's degree holders with telecommunications degrees who pursue these careers will face stiff competition*
- By earning this degree, you're putting yourself on course for a stressful career
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common Courses and Requirements
Students in media-focused telecommunications programs will typically complete general education requirements and internships, just like students in IT-focused programs. The difference between these two types of programs is in the major courses and electives you will take. In a typical telecommunications management program with a focus in media, you will study the psychological, economic, business and cultural aspects of telecommunications. Courses may include the following:
- Media and politics
- World communication systems
- Mass communications writing
- Telecommunications ethics
Online Course Options
Media-focused online bachelor's degree programs in telecommunications are not available at this time. However, even though you can't earn your entire degree online, it may be possible to take related courses via the Internet. While doing so may help you familiarize yourself with telecommunications management in the media industry, it will most likely not be sufficient to help you find employment, since a degree is needed for most jobs.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
According to the BLS, digital advertising is becoming an increasingly important force in the world of marketing, advertising and sales. Future telecommunications managers who plan to work in one of these fields may consider taking courses to familiarize themselves with Internet advertising and social media marketing. Since experience is important to get on track for a management job, students should also consider completing an internship.
