Residential Graduate Program Overview
The Master of Communication Technology and Policy (MCTP) is a professional interdisciplinary degree focusing on information and telecommunication systems. Specialization is in the technical, policy, and strategic issues related to telecommunications, information, and network systems and services. Principal focus is on voice and data networks, with special emphasis on the interaction of technology, management, and policy issues in the successful design, deployment, and operation of complex networks and information systems.
The MCTP offers students a broad understanding of the field, including the technical underpinnings of Internet and wireless technologies, social policy questions fundamental to regulated telecommunications industry, and the business/management considerations involved in deploying broadband networks.
Technology topics include network theory and infrastructure, quality of service, network assurance and security, network services and IT integration, broadband, and wireless communications. Policy topics include government regulation, competition and market structures, international telecommunications, telecommunications and economic development, and social/ethical issues.
Technical and policy issues are explored from a variety of perspectives, including those of network service providers, consumers, policy makers, and managers. Industry perspectives include those of telecommunication service providers, communication system equipment vendors, and enterprise voice and data network providers.
It is possible to complete the program in 1.5 years (three semesters and one summer) of residence at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, especially if the student elects to complete a comprehensive examination as a culminating experience, rather than a thesis or professional project. For the highly motivated and well prepared student, the degree can be completed in one year. Those students electing to write a thesis or do a professional project usually prefer to take longer to complete the program.
Core courses provide a background in both technology and policy. By the end of the first semester of enrollment, students determine whether they will complete an emphasis in technology or in policy and then work closely with a faculty advisor to design a program of study to meet their educational and career objectives.
The program is geared for Fall Semester start. However, it is possible to begin the program in the Spring Semester, though students who enter the program in the spring are less likely to complete the program in 1.5 calendar years.
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