Information and Telecommunication Policy
The specialization in Information and Telecommunication Policy (ITP) will provide students with a greater level of understanding and competence in public and private sector best practices of managing telecommunications systems and information network infrastructures as well as corresponding policy issues.
To complete the ITP specialization, students in the IM degree program must take the two required courses (*) from the list below. In addition:
- Students in the Main Campus IM program must then take two more courses from the list.
- Students in the mid-career IM program in Washington, D.C., must take one more course from the list.
- Students in the Maxwell School MPA or Executive MPA graduate programs who want the ITP specialization must take IST 618 Information Policy, the two required (*) courses, plus one more from the list:
IST 653* Introduction to Telecommunications and Network Management
IST 682* Telecommunications Policy and Regulation
IST 556 Wireless Interactive Communication
IST 618 Information Policy
IST 775 Information Industry Strategies
IST 782 National and International Information Policies
Coursework targeted directly for preparation for the following ITP-related positions:
- Information Policy Consultant
- Communications Services Analyst/Consultant
- Telephony Project Analyst/Manager
- Information and Telecommunications Officer/Government Official
Core competencies expected, and often required, in ITP-related positions:
- Strong knowledge in regional, national, and international policies, regulations, and standards for information and telecommunication.
- Competency in relating telecommunications requirements to strategic goals and formulating information and telecommunication strategies and policies accordingly.
- Ability to review, write, and edit reports such as policies, evaluation plans, test results, technical manuals on subjects related to telecommunication and information issues.
- Deep understanding in government agencies/functions and experience/knowledge in government consulting environment are highly desirable.
- Ability to understand, plan, and investigate telecommunication/voice communications networks.
- Strong writing skills in policy, procedure, and standards development.