Network Technology, MS

Program Coordinator: Te-Shun Chou (206 Science and Technology Building: 252-737-1037; chout@ecu.edu)

The Network Technology, MS is designed to serve the needs of students who possess baccalaureate degrees in networking technology-oriented disciplines. Students take a common set of courses and select one of four concentrations: computer networking management, digital communications technology, information security, or web technologies. The program emphasizes advanced applications in computer networking such as network infrastructure management, networked systems design, network security, and technical problem solving in technology-driven organizations.

The degree requires a minimum of 30-33 s.h. as follows:

1. Common core - 15 s. h.

2. Concentrations - 12 s.h.

(Choose one of the following.)

a. Computer networking management

Courses in this concentration emphasize advanced technologies used in the design, implementation, administration, monitoring, optimization, and maintenance of data communication and computer networking systems in industry.

b. Digital communications technology

Courses in this concentration emphasize a broad understanding of communication theory and practice in the transmission of digital data, including signal generation, conditioning, transmission, error detection and correction, and the underlying technologies used to retrieve, process, store, and analyze data in organizations.

c. Information security

Courses in this concentration prepare students to design, deploy, manage, and apply techniques of securing and protecting the integrity and availability of information systems and communication networks in governmental, private, and non-profit organizations.

d. Web technologies

Courses in this concentration prepare students to design, analyze, configure, implement, and operate web services, computer networks, multimedia objects, data storage systems, and interactive web components for governmental, private, and non-profit organizations.

3. Options - 3-6 s.h.

(Choose one of the following.)

a. Thesis option (3 s.h.)

The student writes a thesis and presents a seminar based on the thesis research. The thesis proposal and the subsequent thesis must be approved by the student’s advisor and the committee composed of three technology systems faculty members.

ICTN 7000 - Thesis

b. Practicum option (3 s.h.)

The student writes a practicum report and presents a seminar based on the report. The practicum project proposal and the subsequent report must be approved by the student’s advisor and the committee composed of three technology systems faculty members.

ICTN 6900 - Practicum

c. Nonthesis option (6 s.h.)

The student’s advisor, the graduate program director, and the chair must approve the electives and student’s course of study.