Online associate degree programs in telecommunications

With technological changes coming fast and furious all the time, telecommunications services are increasingly in high demand. If you'd like to find a foothold in this promising industry, researching accredited online associate degree programs in telecommunications is an excellent place to start focusing your career plans.

As with all technology professionals, telecommunications professionals must have a firm grasp on new developments, and keep their skills up to date. Online associate degree programs in telecommunications help you hone and sharpen your skills set while providing all the benefits of online learning, including a flexible schedule with no commute.

What do telecommunications students study?

Telecommunications degrees prepare future pros to work in business, government, and industrial settings. Coursework varies from program to program, but most telecommunications students will acquire hands-on experience with the following:

• Telecommunications Systems
• Data Networking
• Digital Compression Algorithms
• Computer Languages
• Engineering Principles

As in other disciplines, those enrolled in online degree programs in telecommunications can expect to take a number of general education courses alongside their major-oriented courses, including math, science, and humanities classes.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while many telecommunications careers require formal education, very few require advanced degrees. That means that earning your associate degree in telecommunications isn't just sufficient for employment, it also gives you an edge over competition with less training. Even better, telecommunications degrees of all types prepare students for a variety of high-paying jobs.

Telecommunications careers at a glance

Network systems and data communications analysts: The BLS reports that employment for data communications analysts is expected to grow by a whopping 50 percent between 2008 and 2018--much faster than the national average. May 2009, median annual salary for network systems and data communications analysts: $76,560.

Network and computer systems administrators: BLS data predicts employment in this field will grow by an impressive 23 percent between 2008 and 2018. May 2009 median annual salary for network and computer system administrators: $70,930.

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers: Employment for these professionals is expected to remain stable with little growth or decline between 2008 and 2018. May 2009 average salary for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers: $52,990.

Telecommunications line installers and repairers: While the BLS expects little overall growth among these professionals in the decade preceding 2018, it notes that a retiring workforce will create excellent career opportunities for new workers. May 2009, average salary for telecommunications line installers and repairers: $48,310.

While telecommunications degrees prepare students to enter any of the above career paths, they can also serve as a stepping stone to advanced training or degrees in telecommunications, electrical engineering and technological management.

You can learn more about careers and degrees in telecommunications by visiting our Guide to College Majors' telecommunications majors section. You can also research the individual online associate degree programs in telecommunications listed below. To learn more about a particular program, just fill out the form requesting information and an admissions representative from that school will contact you.

Why wait? Enroll in a telecommunications degree program today and find yourself a better career, tomorrow!

• Online Associate Programs