Program Description
The telecommunications major is a professional major, training students for employment in the television, radio, cable TV, satellite, telephone (wired and cell) and Internet industries. It also includes the newer but economically expanding sectors of electronic commerce, electronic publishing, and simulations/virtual worlds/videogames. The department draws upon the extensive industry experience of the faculty to prepare students for their careers.

Students learn about programming, marketing, video and audio production, advertising sales, promotion, entrepreneurship, industry structures, technologies, economics, finance, management, competition, law, ethics and global markets. Students also learn about the social, cultural and political “landscape” within which the industry functions. The roles of electronic media in democracy and citizenship are explored. Students learn both basic theory and current skills, with an emphasis on the ability to keep learning after graduation to stay up with this rapidly-evolving marketplace and become future industry leaders.

Whether talking on the phone, texting, watching HDTV, surfing the Internet, posting videos on YouTube, or just listening to the radio, we use telecommunications in almost every facet of our lives for finding information, communicating with others, conducting business, and entertaining ourselves. The telecommunications curriculum provides students with an in-depth understanding of the crucial role that telecommunications plays in the economy, politics, and culture. Students can choose an emphasis in programming and production, promotion and sales, management, law and policy, international telecommunications, or telecommunications and society.

Undegraduate Degree Programs Bulletin, with online course descriptions.

Course offerings in the Department of Telecommunications.

Faculty Members
Matt Jackson, Head of Department
Maria Cabrera-Baukus
Robert Frieden
Anne Hoag
Krishna Jayakar
Ann Kuskowski
John Nichols
Patrick Parsons
Amit Schejter
Jorge Schement
Richard Taylor

Career Opportunities
The telecommunications major is designed for students seeking careers in local, national and international electronic media, including: traditional broadcast networks such as ABC, NBC and CBS; cable/Internet providers such as Comcast and Time Warner; cable networks such as HBO, ESPN, and MTV; satellite operators such as DirecTV and XM Radio; telephone/Internet providers such as Verizon, Sprint and AT&T; and Internet content providers such as Google, Amazon and Yahoo. Specific positions in these industries include production, programming, general management, sales and marketing, audience research and analysis, governmental relations, affiliate relations, and strategic planning. Given its intensive focus on the business practices and legal regulations facing telecommunications companies, the telecommunications major also is excellent preparation for graduate school or law school.

Advising Office
204 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-1503

Our Advisers
Jamey Perry, jrp5@psu.edu

Melissa Hughes, mjg124@psu.edu

Kevin Leddy, ktl2@psu.edu

Penny Repsher, psr4@psu.edu

Debra Thurley, djd116@psu.edu