Master's Degrees

M.S. in Telecommunications

The Master of Science in Telecommunications (MST) program explores how information flows through networks to support human needs. Students in this program will grow into professionals who will design, build, secure, and manage networks and infrastructure that accommodate innovative usages of the networks by people, organizations, and businesses.

The GRE is optional for admission to this program. GMAT scores are also accepted.

At A Glance

Credits: 37                       Duration: 2 to 4 years to complete                        Format: On campus

Next Start Date: August 24

Application Deadlines
TermDomestic StudentsInternational Students
FallJuly 15February 15
SpringNovember 1June 15
SummerMarch 15December 15

Tuition     Apply Now

Admissions Requirements

General guidelines for applying to a graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh should be reviewed prior to submitting an application for admission. These guidelines are available on the University’s Application for Admission Catalog page.

All applicants will be judged on their own merits. Applicants for master’s study must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better; the doctoral programs have more stringent requirements. For those who have been in the workforce, admission will be based upon academic achievement, area of study, career orientation and work experience.

Applicants for graduate study must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

Prerequisites for admission to the MST degree program include one college course (3 credits or more) in each of the following (the corresponding Pitt course numbers are indicated):

  • Programming: A course on object-oriented programming using Java, C#, or C++. (CMPINF 0401)
  • Probability and Statistics: A course covering data collection, descriptive and inferential statistics is optimal. It should cover measures of central tendency and variability, regression, correlation, non-parametric analysis, probability, and sampling, Bayesian analysis, significance tests, and hypothesis testing. (STAT 0200 or STAT 1000)
  • Mathematics: A college-level mathematics course, in linear algebra, calculus, or discrete mathematics (MATH 0120, MATH 0220, or MATH 0400)
     
What can you do with a master's in telecommunications?

Graduates gain a strong foundation in the design of network protocols, wireless networks, network security, and performance enhancement for communication networks. They will have the skills and knowledge sought after by telecommunications equipment manufacturers, wireless providers, social networks, and enterprise network users.

Top 5 Industry Sectors Hiring SCI Master's Graduates (excluding MDS and MLIS)*
  • Technology, Software, and IT Services
  • Financial Services, Banking, and Insurance
  • Retail, Consumer, and E-Commerce
  • Aerospace, Engineering, and Industrial
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
Top 5 Job Areas of SCI Master's Graduates (excluding MDS and MLIS)*
  • Software Engineering & Development
  • Data Science, Analytics, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity, Cloud, & IT Infrastructure
  • Business Analytics, Product, & Consulting
  • Research and Academic

Learn More About Graduate Admissions

Jane Smith
Graduate Admissions Manager
412-383-2031
jeb286@pitt.edu

Admissions Information

Information Sessions

Learn what you need to know about our master's degrees and get all your questions answered.

Upcoming Sessions
August 20, 2026 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time (US)
September 8, 2026 at Noon Eastern Time (US)

Additional dates are available on our Information Sessions page.

Register Now
$93,053
average salary for employees with a master's degree in an Information Sciences and Systems major**
81%
of SCI graduate students completed at least 1 career development experience before graduation*

Coursework

This program is comprised of 37 credits of formal coursework. Full-time students typically complete this program over four semesters in the fall and spring. Summer courses are not typically offered.

View full Master of Science in Telecommunications degree requirements in the Pitt Course Catalog.

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*Employers, experiences, and jobs reported by masters-level graduates in survey responses between fall 2022 and summer 2024. Survey responses are collected within 1 year of graduation.“Career development experiences” includes but isn’t limited to: Internship or practicum, co-op, field work, skills-based volunteering, industry projects or competitions, on-campus employment, research under faculty or in labs, independent research, etc.

**This information is from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2026 Winter Salary Survey.