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Program Overview

The Cross-Disciplinary M.S. Program in Telecommunications offers students a unique opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary coursework from four different colleges at the University of Maryland. This extraordinary combination culminates in a degree that prepares students for the broad range of rigors and issues that encompass the dynamic telecommunications industry.

The M.S. in Telecommunications Program can be broken down into the following specialized tracks:

Information System Security Track
- Network Security (basic course)
- Special Topics on Network Immunity (multi-segment)
     Segment 1: Backgrounds
     Segment 2: Systems Security
     Segment 3: Network Security
- Business Aspects of Information Security (mandatory requirements, policy, legal, forensics, risk management)

Wireless Track
- Optimization of GSM Networks
- Cellular Infrastructure- Cell Site Design and Components
- PCS/AWS System Implementation
- Satellite Communication Systems
- Advanced Wireless Communications (2G, CDMA, 3G, 3G+)

Networking Track
- Network Programming and Design
- Principles of Voice over IP (VoIP)
- IP Network Simulation and Design

Business and Management Track
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Competitive Strategies & Public Policies
- The Global Economic Environment
- Project Management for Telecommunications

Specific features of the M.S. in Telecommunications Program include:

  • The program has a technical core consisting of coursework on telecommunications principles, systems, and networks from the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, complemented by coursework on telecommunications industry management and regulatory policy offered by the School of Business and the School of Public Policy.

  • Because of the rigorous technical core, students normally are required to have undergraduate degrees in engineering, computer science, math, physics or other technical areas. Although any degree holder may apply, all applicants must have successfully completed Calculus I, Calculus II and Differential Equations. (Please contact the program office prior to enrolling in additional classes).

  • This program may be pursued either full time or part time. At least four courses in the program will be offered each semester and will be scheduled in the evening hours so that students can attend without taking significant time off from work. Applicants are strongly encouraged to start in the Fall semester. Details on the curriculum and requirements for the degree are presented in the following pages.

  • The Cross-Disciplinary M.S. Program in Telecommunications is a differential tuition program. Tuition is presently set at $906 per semester hour. Limited scholarships based on financial need, excellence of academic performance are available after a students enrollment in the program