Network Technology-Telecommunications/Data Communications AAS

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The Network Technology-Telecommunications/Data Communications program begins with the study of electronics and basic voice communications training. Students progress to data network technologies and fiber optics that are the driving force of the information age. The program provides a blend of lecture and hands-on training courses that gradually introduce students to a variety of areas within the field of IT (Information Technology). Graduates may pursue a career in several different areas of telecommunications, including network engineering and installation and repair of network services including voice, video and data. Careers can be found at companies ranging from local telephone companies, internet service providers, data centers, hospitals, financial institutions, municipalities and a variety of other companies.

For more information about the Telecommunications Technology program, please visit our website at http://go.dmacc.edu/it/Pages/welcome.aspx.

Location: West

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start any semester.

(For students starting the program in a semester other than Fall, please visit with the program chair or West Campus advisor to assist with proper course sequencing.)

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Attend any required information/registration session.
Obtain minimum ALEKS math placement score of 9 or ACT math score of 14.
Submit proof of high school graduation or GED completion.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Telecommunications Technology AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Required Courses

Semester 1

TEL 210 - Telecommunications I Credits: 3
TEL 213 - Introduction to Telephony Credits: 3
NET 144 - Digital & Computer Electronics Credits: 3
CSC 110 - Intro to Computers Credits: 3
Any AAS degree core Math Credits: 3

Semester 2

TEL 220 - Telecommunications II Credits: 4
TEL 223 - Telecom Transport Lab Credits: 3
NET 213 - Cisco Networking Credits: 4
Any AAS degree core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities course Credits: 3

Semester 3

TEL 230 - Advanced Topics in Telecom Credits: 4
NET 166 - Applied Computer Security Credits: 3
TEL 233 - Advanced Topics in Telecom Credits: 3
Any BCA, CIS, ELT, NET, CSC, INF, GRD, MDT, WDV course not currently in the program Credits: 3

Semester 4

BUS 102 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3
NET 123 - Computer Hardware Basics Credits: 4
TEL 240 - Telecommunications Management Credits: 3
TEL 243 - Internetworking Lab Credits: 3

Semester 5

SPC 101 - Fund of Oral Communication Credits: 3
Any BCA, CIS, ELT, NET, CSC, INF, GRD, MDT, WDV courses not currently in the program Credits: 6
Any AAS degree core Communications course Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 67

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4	Semester 5
Books (approximate)	300	300	150	200	300
Equipment/Software/Tools (approximate)	200

Approximate total for the program: $11,031*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

There are many different types of technical and management positions in telecommunications.
• Installation and repair of business telecommunications services.
• Installation and repair of residential telecommunications services.
• Service delivery and provisioning specialists.
• Fiber-optic transmission specialists.
• Telephone technicians.
• Data specialists and data communications technicians.
• Switching specialists.
• Network operations center technician.
• Network surveillance technicians.
• Data center technician
• Outside plant specialists. (fiber and copper cable splicing and repair)
• Telecommunications network systems design and engineering.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• The constant desire to learn new tasks.
• Dependable worker.
• Ability to work with teams and individual tasks.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to analyze situations.
• Some positions require the ability to use small hand tools or other equipment.
• Some positions require the ability to distinguish cable or wire colors.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• IT/Telecommunications technicians are needed worldwide.
• Graduates can choose to travel or relocate.
• A wide variety of small to large companies employ telecommunications professionals.
• Employment rate for the last ten years averages 80%.
• More than 80% of graduates are employed in Iowa.
• Average starting salary $35,060 (2010-2011 Placement Report).

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.