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Scripps College of Communication
Schoonover Center
1 51
Athens OH 45701-2979

Residential Master's in ITS

✓ The MITS degree is accepting applications for Fall 2023. See details below.

Taught on the Athens Campus of 51, the residential Master of Information and Telecommunication Systems (MITS) program is 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. Admission information.

Ready to apply? Please follow the link for degree seeking students here.

Technology topics include

  • Network theory and infrastructure
  • Quality of service
  • Network assurance and security
  • Network services and IT integration
  • Broadband and wireless communications

Management/Policy topics include

  • Strategy
  • Lifecycle management
  • IT governance and compliance
  • Government regulation
  • Competition and market structure
  • International telecommunications
  • Social/ethical issues

Perspectives include those of

  • Network system and service providers
  • Consumers
  • Policymakers
  • IT managers
  • Telecommunication carriers
  • Communication system equipment vendors

Course of Study

The MITS degree is awarded after the successful completion of 36 credit hours in required coursework:

  • Core courses (3) provide a solid grounding in the technology and analysis of communication network and information systems, from the perspective of both telecommunication service provider and enterprise voice and data networks. All core courses are in the School of Emerging Communication Technologies.
    • – Technical Introduction
    • – Research Methods (other similar OU graduate classes may also be taken with advisor's permission)
    • – Capstone Class
  • Electives (4 courses) deepen your understanding of either communication technology or policy (your choice). You choose from the pool of electives offered by the School of Emerging Communication Technologies.
  • The Cognate (minimum of 4 credit hours) is intended to enrich and further focus your interests and expertise. You may take an additional policy or technology course from the School of Emerging Communication Technologies, or select courses from another school or college at 51. Possible cognate areas outside the School include engineering, computer science, mathematics, finance, management, marketing, economics, interpersonal communication, and political science. ITS 6190 Internships may be used for up to two credit hours of the Cognate course with prior approval.
  • Your Culminating Experience (1 course) involves the completion of a thesis, professional project, or comprehensive examination.
  • Professional Project/Thesis:
    Project: A study, a system/sub-system that you developed or tested, or a problem solution. You must be the person doing the work. You cannot use work that was done with others. You can use a task you perform within a large project, as long as the work is yours. It may take over one semester to complete a Professional Project. Register for 4 hours project credit.
    Thesis: A research paper with a literature review and research problems. Strongly recommended if you ever plan on a doctorate. Register for 4 hours thesis credit. It generally takes over one year to complete a Thesis.
    You do not have to wait until registered for Professional Project or Thesis to identify a project or thesis topic. Please contact the Program Director to discuss current options.
  • Comprehensive Exam:
    • Register for Reading Course-
    • Receive information from faculty along with learning objectives
    • Over 2 consecutive weeks take a 7-question, 7-hour written exam in Athens (offered November and April of each year)
    • Pass/fail grade

The program is designed to be completed in three semesters (approximately 16 months). Completion time depends on your level of preparation, pace of study, and choice of degree culmination. Here is an example of a three-semester plan of study:

Fall Semester (12 credits)

  • Core classes:
  • One ITS Elective
  • Cognate courses

Spring Semester (12 credits)

  • Core classes:
  • Specialization: Two ITS electives

Fall Semester (12 credits)

  • Core classes:
  • Specialization: One ITS elective
  • Culminating Experience:

Details of the coursework are available in the latest version of the . The program typically requires three semesters to complete, thus the elective courses available to students will depend on the year and semester a student enrolls. Admission information.

“I was able to apply the knowledge I gained in the MITS graduate program immediately to resolve complex technology issues.” — Kimberly Rometo BS '04/MITS '14, VP, CIO, Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium