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Frequently Asked Questions

1. I'm interested in becoming a telecommunications professional. How would this program help me?

Answer: The MS in Telecommunications gives every student a solid foundation in all aspects of telecommunications and systems engineering, combined with selected telecommunications law and international strategies. The program also offers five Specialty Modules enabling the student to tailor the program to fit their needs: Network Technologies, Network Applications, Wireless Communications, Modeling of Telecommunications Systems, and Systems Engineering. The program is divided between coursework in the mandatory core and these elective modules.

2. The catalog states that candidates should have a degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Business (with a quantitative background), Economics or any other analytic-related discipline. What is the minimum technical skill you look for in your applicants?

Answer: Every student is different, and we try to see the whole person rather than just considering their undergraduate degree and GPA. We like students to have taken mathematics up to the Calculus I level but this is not a pre-requisite. Applicable work experience in the telecommunications industry is also valuable; prospective students are encouraged to talk with the Program Director for specific advice. Some students may have to take IT 500, a foundation course for the TCOM program. IT 500 is a graduate course, but it does not count for credit in the TCOM program.

3. Although I currently work in the telecommunications industry, I do not have a technical degree in telecommunications. Will this program enable me to pursue a Master's in Telecommunications without first having to obtain another, more technical undergraduate degree?

Answer: Very much so! The MS in Telecommunications program is designed for working professionals in the field of telecommunications who want to advance their knowledge of telecommunications in a broad based approach that emphasizes the practical elements of telecommunications. It has been shown that experience in working within the telecommunications industry for some time, or in a position that requires the student to develop an appreciation for telecommunications products or practices, is a strong indication that the student will succeed in this program.

4. I have an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering with a GPA above 3.0 and I am interested in all aspects of telecommunications. Is this master's degree for me?

Answer: The MS in Telecommunications degree was specifically designed for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering with a GPA above 3.0, but who would like to enter the information technology business in government, commerce, or industry positions, with a broad based understanding of telecommunications allied to specific skills in elected areas such as network, wireless, or systems engineering. As such, it concentrates on the practical aspects of telecommunications rather than on the theoretical. You would need to determine whether the broad based approach to telecommunications provided by this program fits your interests and career plans better than a traditional Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering master's degree.

5. What is a 1.5 credit course?

Answer: A 1.5 credit course is a half-semester course lasting for approximately 7 weeks. The 1.5 credit course may be offered as a stand-alone course or paired with another half-semester (1.5 credit) course so that a full semester (3 credit) course results from taking two 1.5 credit courses. An example of the latter is TCOM 501 and TCOM 502, which are offered one after the other in the same semester.

6. If there are two 1.5 credit courses offered in the same semester, one after the other (such as TCOM 501 and TCOM 502) should I register for both courses before the semester begins or wait to register for the second course until later in the semester?

Answer: It is always recommended that you register for both 1.5 credit courses at the beginning of the semester. Delaying your registration for the second course until the middle of the semester may cause difficulties if the second course has filled up.

7. Are there different drop/add dates for 1.5 credit hour courses compared with 3 credit hour courses?

Answer: Yes, there are. There is a window of just one week. Students should make sure that they drop or add 1.5 credit hour courses within the specified times so that they are not penalized academically or financially.

8. What's the difference between registering as a non-degree student and registering as a degree-seeking student?

Answer: A non-degree student need only submit a copy of their transcript(s) rather than have an official transcript sent to Graduate Admissions under seal. Registering as a non-degree student is also cheaper and the results of the admissions process are known much more quickly. You will need, however, to apply as a degree-seeking student once you have accumulated no more than 12 credit hours as a non-degree student, if you wish to enter into the MS in Telecommunications Program as an admitted master's student.

9. Can I sign up for a course before I'm admitted?

Answer: No, you must be an admitted student before you can register for a course.

10. But what if the course I want is filling up quickly; how can I sign up fast?

Answer: Apply as a non-degree student. This process is usually very quick.

11. If I register as a non-degree student, does that mean I will not be able to earn a master's degree?

Answer: No, a non-degree student may apply for transfer to regular status at any time.

12. When should I apply to transfer to regular status from non-degree status?

Answer: Students may have up to 12 credits of courses transferred from non-degree status to degree status. Students should therefore complete their application for regular masters' degree status AND HAVE BEEN ADMITTED to the MS in Telecommunications before they begin any course that will earn them more than a total of 12 credits in their MS in Telecommunications program.

13. But when is the best time to transfer to regular status?

Answer: Probably the best time to apply for transfer from non-degree to regular status is in the semester you are taking courses that will bring your total number of credits to 9 or 12 in the MS in Telecommunications program. For example, if you started the first semester taking TCOM 500 and the pair TCOM 501/502 and were successful in both courses, you now have 6 credits in the program. In the next semester, whether you sign up for one 3-credit class or two 3-credit classes (bringing your overall total in the program to 9 or 12 credits, respectively), you should submit your application to enter the program as a regular master's student by the due date in that semester.

HINT: Application for regular status requires three letters of recommendation. If you do not already have these, you should request such letters of recommendation from the instructors who teach you while you are a non-degree student.

14. If I have passed TCOM 500 and TCOM 501/502, both with at least a B grade, and submitted my application for transfer to regular master's status during the semester I am taking my third (total of 9 credits) or fourth (total of 12 credits) classes, is my transfer to regular status automatic?

Answer: If you have provided the requisite information in your application (including the formal transcripts from your previous universities and three letters of recommendation), you have earned at least a B grade from your core courses, and your overall GPA is 3.0 or better, you should be moved to regular master's status. In exceptional cases, you may be moved to Provisional Status.

15. What is Provisional status?

Answer: Provisional status means a restriction has been placed upon your automatic movement from non-degree to regular status. You have satisfied the general requirements to move from non-degree to degree-seeking, but you have yet to remove this restriction. Your status is therefore provisional until this restriction is removed. For example, you may have been required to retake a TOEFL exam and have yet to do so. Once you have removed this restriction then you would move from Provisional to Regular Status.

16. Can I pass a core course with a C grade?

Answer: You may not carry a grade below B for TCOM 500, TCOM 501, TCOM 502, and TCOM 521. However, students may carry a C grade (or a C+, B- grade) for the other core courses, LAW 181, TELE 750, and/or PUBP 726. Note that a student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 through the program to graduate. If a student obtains a grade below a B in TCOM 500, 501, 502, and/or 521, they must retake that course to achieve a B grade, or better, to graduate.

17. Can I pass a Specialty Module course with a B-, C+, or C grade?

Answer: Yes; students may carry six credits worth of grades below a B within their program from courses taken in the Specialty Modules and some of the core courses (LAW 181, PUBP 726, and TELE 750). However, an overall GPA of 3.0, calculated from the 30 credit hours of courses, must be earned to graduate with an MS in Telecommunications.

18. My company will only re-imburse my course fees if I earn a grade of B or better. If I am registered as a non-degree student, my computer transcript may only show a P (for pass). How can I assure my company that I earned at least a B?

Answer: All TCOM courses receive a letter grade independent of the student's status (non-degree, regular, etc.) Please ask the instructor of your course to send you an official letter indicating the letter grade awarded if you have a problem with late grades.

19. Do I have to take all of the core courses first before I can take the Specialty Module courses?

Answer: No; in fact, you will most likely be prevented from doing this due to the pre-requisites for a couple of the core courses. LAW 181 requires a student to be in regular status before they can register for this course. TELE 750 requires students to have completed 18 credits before they register for that course. Most students, however, start by taking TCOM 500 and TCOM 501/502 and then mix and match between the Specialty Modules and the core courses.

20. Is it possible to take courses from more than just two Specialty Modules?

Answer: Yes. The program is flexible (please see the next question below). However, it is always advisable that you discuss your plan of study with an advisor before signing up for any courses. The program is continually being updated to reflect the needs of the field and the requirements of the students. Specific exemptions, transfer of courses, and/or requests should be filed with the Program Director for consideration.

21. What are the requirements to graduate with an MS in Telecommunications?

Answer: You need to have 30 credit hours to graduate, made up of 15 credit hours from the core program and 15 credit hours from the Specialty Modules. There are a total of 18 credit hours in the core course from which students must take 15 credit hours, as follows:
Mandatory core courses
TCOM 500 (3 credit hours)
TCOM 501/502 (1.5 credit hours each, for a total of 3 credit hours)
TCOM 521 (3 credit hours)
Two of the following three core courses
LAW 181 (3 credit hours)
PUBP 726 (formerly ITRN 701) (3 credit hours)
TELE 750 (3 credit hours).

22. What if I have already taken LAW 181, PUBP 726 (ITRN 701), and TELE 750 when the program required 33 credit hours?

Answer: The original degree requirements stipulated that all 18 credit hours of the core program had to be taken. Some students were admitted to the program under these rules and they are "grandfathered in". That is, no new rule should worsen their situation and so they will be allowed to complete 18 credit hours in the core program and 12 credit hours in the Specialty Modules.

23. The core program contains three interdisciplinary courses (LAW 181, PUBP 726, and TELE 750). What if I have a law degree and experience that would cover the bulk of TELE 750. Am I still required to take two of these three courses?

Answer: Each case for waiver of a core course is treated individually by the Program Director. It is likely that additional courses will be added to the elective element of the core so that this situation should be less of a problem as the program evolves (see next question).

24. Are there any "hands on" laboratory classes for students who have yet to get experience in the field?

Answer: It is intended to develop two new split instructional/laboratory courses in the near future. Each will consist of a 1.5 credit hour instructional element followed by a 1.5 credit hour laboratory element. The first of these new courses, a basic switching technology/wired laboratory course will be offered in spring 2003 and it is hoped that the second, a basic radio technology/wireless simulation laboratory course will be ready for introduction in spring 2004. Both of these courses will be offered in the elective element of the core (giving a choice of 6 credit hours from 15 credit hours) and in the appropriate specialty modules. Thus the basic switching/wired laboratory course could be taken as a core course elective or as part of modules 1 or 2. The basic radio/wireless simulation laboratory course could also be taken as a core course elective or as part of module 3.

25. So, if the two split instructional/laboratory courses are successfully introduced in the timeframe indicated above, I could satisfy the core element of the program by taking TCOM 500, TCOM 501/502, TCOM 521, and the two instructional/ laboratory courses?

Answer: Yes. If, however, your interests lie in policy issues, you could elect to take PUBP 726 and LAW 181 as part of your core element and then, if you want to get some hands on experience, you could opt to take the two instructional/ laboratory courses as part of your specialty module element rather than 6 credit hours in traditional classroom courses.

26. When will the above program possibility (taking instructional/laboratory courses as part of the core) become official policy?

Answer: It is hoped to have this approved by the end of the fall 2002 semester. Please check with the Program Director for details.

27. When did the change from 33 credit hours to 30 credit hours occur?

Answer: It occurred on September 12th, 2001.

28. Are there restrictions on which specialty modules I can take my courses from?

Answer: Students have basically two broad options. (a) A student may opt to take 15 credit hours in Specialty Module 5 or (b) A student may opt to take the 15 credit hours spread over two, or more, modules. There is no fixed requirement as to which specialty module must be selected.

29. For my 15 credit hours in the Specialty Modules, can I take 3 credit hours in each of the Specialty Modules?

Answer: No. The Specialty Modules are designed to provide depth to your master's degree in one or two of the Specialties. A student must earn at least 6 credits from each of two modules. E.G., a minimum of 6 credit hours in Specialty Module 1 (Network technologies) and a minimum of 6 credit hours in Specialty Module 3 (Wireless Communications). Alternatively, a student might elect to take all 15 credit hours in module 5.

30. With a 15 credit hour requirement in the Specialty Modules, can I have 6 credit hours in one module and 9 credit hours in another?

Answer: Yes. The intent of the program is to offer the maximum flexibility to students so that they can take those courses that interest them the most and which will help them advance their careers.

31. What is the best way to develop my Specialty Module course plan?

Answer: You should try to develop a Specialty Module course plan that meets with your interests and those of your employer, or potential employer. To this end, we have created three Certificate Programs, which were approved on September 12th, 2001. If you would like to include a Certificate program as part of your degree program, the three Certificates and their proposed course options are as follows:

1. Certificate in Network Technologies and Applications
Mandatory Core Courses (9 credits)
TCOM 501 (1.5 credits) Data Communications and Local Area Networks
TCOM 502 (1.5 credits) Wide Area Networks and Internet
TCOM 504 (1.5 credits) Asynchronous Transfer Mode Networks
TCOM 509 (1.5 credits) Internet Protocols
TCOM 505 (1.5 credits) Networked Multicomputer Systems
TCOM 510 (1.5 credits) Client-Server Architectures and Applications

Elective Courses (6 credits)
Student may elect to take any additional six credits worth of courses from Specialty Modules 1 and 2.

2. Certificate in Wireless Communications
Mandatory Core Courses (9 credits)
TCOM 507 (1.5 credits) Introduction to Satellite Communications
TCOM 508 (1.5 credits) Advanced Satellite Communications
TCOM 551 (3.0 credits) Digital Communications Systems
TCOM 552 (3.0 credits) Introduction to Mobile Communications

Elective Courses (6 credits)
Student may elect to take any additional six credits worth of courses from Specialty Modules 1, 2, and 3.

3. Certificate in Telecommunications Systems Modeling
Mandatory Core Courses (9 credits from 12 credits shown below)
TCOM 521 (3.0 credits) Systems Engg. Approach to Telecom. Management
TCOM 540 (1.5 credits) Network Opt'n, Flow Mgmt., and Capacity Modeling
TCOM 541 (1.5 credits) Network Design and Pricing
TCOM 545 (3.0 credits) Reliability and Maintainability of Networks
TCOM 546 (3.0 credits) Financial Models of Telecommunications

Elective Courses (6 credits)
Student may elect to take any additional six credit hours from Specialty Modules 4 and 5.

32. Can I register for a certificate even though I am already in the program as a regular MS in Telecommunications student?

Answer: Yes, you can register for a certificate program at any time, both before you enter the program and after you are already in the program.

33. I see that the latest Course Catalogs states that up to six credits may be "carried forward" from the core element of the MS in Telecommunications program into the Specialty Modules. What does this mean?

Answer: This procedure allows students to maximize the flexibility in their Specialty Module course selection. With only 15 credit hours available in the Specialty Modules, the ability to "carry forward" TCOM 501/502 into modules 1, 2, or 3 and TCOM 521 into modules 4 or 5 allows students to satisfy the minimum requirements in the Specialty Modules (i.e. 6 credit hours) and take elective courses from other modules.

34. Does this mean that students are expected to take courses in two Specialty Modules, with the possibility that they can take up to 6 credits in other Specialty Modules?

Answer: Almost right. Students who elect to take Module 5 may take 15 credit hours in that module. A student opting to take 15 credits in Module 5, however, may "carry forward" TCOM 521 from the core element into Module 5 if they so wish, enabling them to take a 3-credit elective course in any of the five modules.

35. How is it possible to "carry forward" six credits into the Specialty Modules?

Answer: If a student wants to take about half of their Specialty Module courses in Module 1, 2, or 3 together with about half of their Specialty Module courses in Module 4 or 5 (e.g. pairing together Modules 1 and 4), TCOM 501 and TCOM 502 (total of 3 credit hours) may be carried forward into Module 1, 2, or 3 and TCOM 521 (3 credit hours) may be carried forward into Module 4 or 5.

36. That means a student can take 6 credits, say, in Module 1 (carrying forward TCOM 501 and TCOM 502 into the module and taking 3 credit hours of courses in that module) and 6 credits in Module 4 (carrying forward TCOM 521 into the module and taking 3 credit hours of courses in that module), and have 9 credit hours of electives available to take anywhere they like in the other modules?

Answer: Yes. So long as the core course that is being carried forward applies to that Specialty Module. The core course being carried forward can only be carried forward once into one of the Specialty Modules.

37. Do I have to take my elective (i.e. Specialty Module) courses within the TCOM program?

Answer: No. However, any student wishing to take an elective course that's not in the program should first obtain permission from the Program Director.

38. How many courses may I transfer in to the MS in Telecommunications program?

Answer: Up to five (5) courses from universities offering ABET accredited programs may be transferred, depending on where they were taken, the grade earned in the course to be transferred, the course syllabi, and the status of the student. However, a course may only be transferred in if it will fit within the student's program of study for the MS in Telecommunications.

Given that courses to be transferred will be applicable within the MS in Telecommunications program, and that the grade earned in the course to be transferred is at least a B, the following rules apply:
(1) Up to two (2) courses taken from out-of-(Virginia)state universities may be transferred in;
(2) Up to five (5) courses taken from UVA, VT, ODU, and VCU may be transferred in;
(3) Up to four (4) courses taken from Virginia State Universities, other than those in (2) above, may be transferred in.

NOTE: If a student wishes to transfer in four, or more courses, they must enter the program as regular master's students. Non-degree applicants may transfer in courses provided the total number of course credits (course(s) being taken as a non-degree student and the courses being transferred in from an outside institution) does not exceed 12. Remember that only 12 credits worth of courses may be transferred into regular status from non-degree status.

39. I'm a student currently on an F-1 visa at another university. Can I transfer in to the MS in Telecommunications program?

ANSWER: Yes. However, each student's situation tends to be different so all such inquiries should first be made to the International Student Service in the International Programs & Services here at George Mason University ((703) 993-3964). Once the general transfer situation of the student has been clarified, they should then make application to transfer credits in the normal way (see above).

40. I am interested in taking additional qualifications once I have my MS in Telecommunications. Can I go on to take a higher degree (e.g. a Ph.D. or an MBA)?

Answer: Students who graduate with an MS in Telecommunications degree are eligible to apply for other tertiary degrees. Their ability to enter such programs will depend, as in other Master's or Ph.D. programs, on a number of factors, such as the Grade Point Average earned within their MS in Telecommunications degree program and the alignment of the MS in Telecommunications courses with the courses proposed to be taken within the higher degree. A GPA of 3.5 in the MS in Telecommunications program should enable a student to move on to a Ph.D. in Information Technology at GMU or to the MBA program, here or at another university.

41. I know that I want to go for a Ph.D. in Information Technology. Do I have to wait until I have finished my MS in Telecommunications before applying for my Ph.D. program?

Answer: No, you do not. In fact, you can register for a Ph.D. in Information Technology at the same time as you register for an MS in Telecommunications.

42. Is there an advantage in registering for a Ph.D. in Information Technology and an MS in Telecommunications at the same time?

Answer: Very much so! Two of the four qualifying exams for the Ph.D. in Information Technology are from the TCOM program (TCOM 551 and TCOM 521) and it is always easier to take an exam soon after you have taken the course.

43. Where can I find out more about the Ph.D. in Information Technology?

Answer: Please visit http://ite.gmu.edu/PhDprogr/ for more details.

44. I am an undergraduate student at George Mason University in my senior year. Can I take a course within the MS in Telecommunications as an elective for my undergraduate degree?

Answer: If your GPA is above 3.0, you may take up to two TCOM courses as an elective for your undergraduate degree. However, the TCOM courses may be reserved just for TCOM students; please check with the Program Director first. Undergraduate students are reminded that they must get their undergraduate program advisor's approval in order to use TCOM courses as electives in their BS program.

45. If I have taken a TCOM course as an elective for my undergraduate degree and I apply, and am accepted, into the MS in Telecommunications Program, can I "double count" the TCOM course(s) I took as an undergraduate towards my MS in Telecommunications degree?

Answer: No, not if the TCOM course you took as an undergraduate was included in your undergraduate degree plan of study. However, you will NOT be expected to repeat courses you have already taken. For example, if you took a core MS in Telecommunications course as an undergraduate (e.g. TCOM 500) you will be permitted to take an elective course in its place so that your final credit count is 30. Similarly, if you took a course from a Specialty Module as an elective while an undergraduate, you will be permitted to take an elective in its place. The selection of an elective course must be approved by the Program Director.

46. But isn't there an accelerated BS/MS program that would allow me to take my undergraduate degree at GMU and then count some of the TCOM courses taken as an undergraduate towards my postgraduate plan of study?

Answer: You are correct. There are two accelerated BS/MS programs that have been approved at the present time (Feb. 2002), an accelerated BS in System Engineering/MS in TCOM and an accelerated BS in Computer Science/MS in TCOM. Accelerated BS/MS students take 6 credit hours fewer to graduate than regular masters students. Discussions are being held with other programs and universities in an attempt to widen this accelerated BS/MS program. If you want the latest information, please contact the Program Director.

47. I want to take LAW 181. How do I register for this course?

Answer: Registration for LAW 181 cannot be accomplished at the Fairfax Campus Registrar's Office or through the 4GMU phone registration system. If you plan to enroll in Law 181, you need to request a registration form from the Law Records Office, George Mason University School of Law, 3401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201. The completed registration form should then be mailed to the same address or sent by FAX to (703) 993-8019.

NOTES: (1) The Law School academic semesters may NOT be the same as those on the main Fairfax campus. Quite often, the Law School starts a week early. (2) MS in Telecommunications graduate students pay the same tuition rate they would pay for graduate school courses. You should not be charged the law tuition rate. Check with the Cashier, Student Accounts or 4GMU to determine the per credit charge and tuition due date. (3) When you request the registration forms, you should also be sent a list of instructions (e.g. where to find the reading assignments postings, parking decals, bookstore information, etc.) If you do not receive this set of instructions, please request it.

48. I want to take ITRN 701 but see there are a large number of sections. Which one is applicable to the MS in Telecommunications program?

Answer: This is no longer a problem. The particular section of ITRN 701 that was applicable to the MS in Telecommunications core has had its course designation changed. It will henceforth be PUBP 726. This is a unique course that will be part of both the MA and MS in Telecommunications' cores.

49. I am working full-time and so cannot take time off during the day. Do you offer evening courses evening?

Answer: All courses are either from 4:30 - 7:10 or 7:20 - 10:00 p.m. in the evening.

50. I appreciate that I can take the courses in the evenings, but I'm working full-time and am concerned that I may take forever to finish this program. Realistically, how long will this master's degree take?

Answer: Most students find that they can handle 6 credit hours a semester without it having a serious impact on their professional careers. Taking six credit hours every fall and spring semester, but none in the summer session, means that it will be about 30 months from start to finish for the degree. Taking courses in the summer session speeds up the degree completion, but it is not recommended that students take more than one summer course per year.
All of the core courses are generally offered in the summer. If TCOM 500 is taken in the summer at the start of the MS in Telecommunications degree program, and a summer course is taken the following year, 30 credit hours can be achieved in two years (15 credit hours a year).
Independent Study courses allow students flexibility in which courses they take. (See example program plans elsewhere in the web site). Plans are in place to offer one or two Specialty Module courses in the summer, starting in 2003.

51. Other MS programs offer students the possibility of taking Independent Study courses. Does this program offer such courses?

Answer: Yes. A complete suite of such courses is now available for TCOM students as follows:

TCOM 590 Selected Topics in Telecommunications (Modules 1, 2, & 3)
TCOM 591 Selected Topics in Telecommunications (Modules 4 & 5)
TCOM 598 Independent Study (Modules 1, 2, & 3)
TCOM 599 Independent Study (Modules 4 & 5)
TCOM 690 Advanced Topics in Telecommunications (Modules 1, 2, & 3)
TCOM 691 Advanced Topics in Telecommunications (Modules 4 & 5)
TCOM 696 Independent Reading and Research (Modules 1, 2, & 3)
TCOM 697 Independent Reading and Research (Modules 4 & 5)
TCOM 698 Telecommunications Projects Course (Modules 1, 2, & 3)

[NOTE: TCOM 699 Telecommunications Projects Course is already offered in Specialty Modules 4 and 5].

As new topics arise (other than those covered in TCOM 590, 591, 690, and 691), specific new courses will be developed and incorporated into the program. Examples of these courses are TCOM 513 Optical Fiber Networks and TCOM 516 Global Positioning System, which were not in the original suite of TCOM courses first developed for the program. Newer courses on Voice over IP (now TCOM 519) and 3G radio (now TCOM 518) have been approved. Both of these courses were first taught as TCOM 590 courses.

52. I have put off going to graduate school because I am likely to be moved to different locations by my employer every 18 months. Do you offer courses on-line so I can take them anywhere I am posted?

Answer: The MS in Telecommunications degree is not offered on line, and there are no plans to do this over the next few years. However, If you are able to obtain 18 credit hours in your MS in Telecommunications degree program from regular courses taken at George Mason University, you should still be able to graduate with an MS in Telecommunications degree by taking 6 credit hours of independent study and 6 credit hours at an accredited university in the location you have been posted to. There is no formal requirement that you be on campus to complete an independent study course. Please talk to the Program Director if you believe this situation is likely to affect you.

Last updated March 5, 2003