Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5310
Curriculum Code: 1022
Campus Location: South, Distance
Engineering & Technologies Division
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: 3 years Math, 2 years Science, 2 years Vocational Electives (Electronics/Communication Specialty), Cisco Network Academy.
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Telecommunications, Local/Wide Area Network Support; Computer Support, Telephone, Cable, Television, and Alarm Firms.
Program Description
The digital revolution in audio, video and data transmission services has changed the fundamental fabric of the American way of life. Telecommunications equipment and delivery systems are being used in every home, business, educational institution, hospital and plant throughout the country. These information delivery systems are vital to our lives and the economy. Telecommunication equipment technicians are needed to keep these systems functioning properly.
The purpose of the Telecommunications Technology Program is to prepare students with entry-level skills. Students learn to operate, install, maintain and repair both analog and digital systems that are found in local, regional and world-wide networks. Students will study and work with specialized telecommunications equipment employing advanced transmission methods. The Verizon NextStep program*, offered at more than 20 schools in New York and New England, runs concurrently with this curriculum. This relationship with the NextStep program assures that the technologies studied are current and applicable to both the telecommunications system installed today and the systems that are planned for tomorrow.
Two thirds of the credit hours required for graduation in this program are telecommunications courses, with heavy emphasis on laboratory and hands-on experience. Specific telecommunications courses are supplemented with over 20 hours of coursework divided among math, English and general education electives. An internship program further enhances the curriculum.
Graduates of this program have employment opportunities as structured cabling system installers, business telephone systems installation and support, telephone technicians, LAN/WAN support, network communications specialist, satellite/ cable television technician, field service, technical help desk specialist and technical sales representatives.
*The Verizon NextStep program is restricted to Verizon employees. Applicants must meet the necessary requirements as defined by their contract.
Program Competencies
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Telecommunications Technology, the graduate will be able to:
- use the various color codes for cable and component recognition;
- be proficient at terminating wire connections using solderless-type connectors;
- demonstrate proficiency in using electronic test instrumentation, such as dual trace oscilloscopes, frequency counters, function generators and alignment generators;
- be proficient at troubleshooting half-wave, full-wave and bridge power supplies. In addition, student will be able to troubleshoot and repair voltage doublers and triples as well as series-pass regulators;
- prototype multi-stage analog and digital circuits, check these circuits for normal operation;
- design, construct and test digital logic circuits to meet the demands of any four input logic circuits;
- analyze and trouble-shoot digital systems used in the creation and transport of digital information and conversion to analog output;
- use various software packages to create documents, spreadsheets, graphs, databases and presentations;
- design voice, data, LAN and WAN telecommunications networks;
- specify cabling systems requirements for internal or external communication applications;
- demonstrate proficiency in the installation of telecommunication end-user equipment, switching and transmission equipment;
- be proficient in the use of various topologies, transmission media, network interfaces and shared resources to interconnect telecommunications networks;
- present current and emerging technologies in telecommunications to a residential or commercial client; and
- demonstrate technical proficiency in creating video content for distribution through various telecommunications channels.
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Telecommunications Technology, the graduate of the traditional program option will also be able to:
- set up document, robotic, and studio color camera(s) for video production and/or teleconferencing;
- edit a short program on a linear and non-linear video editing system; and
- demonstrate an ability to accomplish with others assigned job tasks in a work environment provided by the internship program.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 65.0*
*Informational interviews will be arranged by the individual departments to acquaint prospective students with the program.
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