Communication Systems Management

Modern corporations rely on telecom networks for communication with their customers and among their employees. American business would grind to a halt without email, telephones, intranets, and the Internet. Major companies operate complex networks that are a mix of their own equipment and services from telecom service providers. To build their staffs, companies increasingly rely on programs like Ohio University’s McClure School of Communication Systems Management for knowledgeable telecom personnel.

McClure grads almost always take jobs relating to telecom networks or network services. Most work for non-telecom companies, such as Progressive Insurance, National City Bank, or JCPenney, where they operate, acquire, manage, configure, design, and install telephone and computer data networks. Some work for telecom service providers, such as MCI or SBC. Some grads are involved with sales or marketing of telecom goods and services at companies like Cisco. A few McClure grads choose to work for consulting companies.

No matter whom they work for, McClure grads will have taken a blend of courses designed with the idea that they will be finding telecom solutions for business problems. Technical courses – including at least three with hands-on labs – build a solid foundation. The School’s public policy and regulation courses provide an overview of industry structure and operation. Outside the School, CSM majors take an array of business- and communication-oriented classes that help them understand the business context within which they will be working. Electives help each student plot a course toward individual career goals.

Most CSM students transfer from other programs or enter as undecided students. Depending on their preparation and timing, transfer students often take at least six quarters to graduate from the time they enter. Students who are interested in the major should see the associate director of undergraduate studies, Phil Campbell, campbelp@ohio.edu or 593-4907, or visit the CSM website, http://www.mcclureschool.info/. To be eligible to apply, students must meet the College of Communication transfer requirement of a 2.5 cumulative gpa on 48 hours.