Telecommunications Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Telecommunications Engineering is a rigorous, technology-driven field focused on the design, optimization, and management of modern communication systems that enable seamless data transfer across global networks. This program equips students with advanced analytical and technical skills to innovate and maintain the infrastructure behind voice, video, and data transmission in an increasingly connected world.
- Telecommunications Systems: Study of the principles and architectures governing long-distance communication, including signal transmission, modulation techniques, and network protocols.
- Computer Networking: Exploration of network design, implementation, and security, emphasizing the interconnection of devices and data flow across local and wide-area networks.
- Communications Networks and Systems: In-depth analysis of network topologies, switching technologies, and system integration for efficient and reliable information exchange.
- Signal Processing: Application of mathematical models to analyze, modify, and interpret analog and digital signals used in transmission and reception.
- Circuit Theory and Design: Fundamentals of electrical circuits, including analysis of passive and active components, impedance, and frequency response in communication systems.
- Fiber Optics Technology: Training in the physics and engineering of optical fibers, including light propagation, signal attenuation, and high-capacity data transmission systems.
- Wireless Systems and Technologies: Investigation into radio frequency systems, cellular networks, satellite communications, and emerging wireless standards like 5G and beyond.
Telecommunications Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Telecommunications Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Telecommunications Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Electronics Engineers, Except Computer and Engineers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 494,940 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer 17-2072 | $127,590 | $79,390 - $199,060 | 93,940 | $61.34 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Telecommunications Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $100,540 in Nebraska to $153,613 in California—a 53% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and New Mexico. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 494,940 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Telecommunications Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Telecommunications Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Telecommunications Engineering is found at Tri-County Adult Career Center (47 graduates), University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (38 graduates), Southern Methodist University (SMU) (30 graduates), University of Maryland (UMCP), College Park (27 graduates), and Arizona Western College (AWC) (19 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 194 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tri-County Adult Career Center |
Residency
|
47 | Nelsonville, Ohio | Public | tricountyhightech.com |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
38 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Master's
|
30 | Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
27 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Arizona Western College (AWC) |
Residency
Other Award
|
19 | Yuma, Arizona | Public | azwestern.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| Ana G. Mendez University (AGMU) |
Master's
|
7 | Orlando, Florida | Private | agmu.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
| Florida International University (FIU) |
Master's
|
5 | Miami, Florida | Public | fiu.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
4 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Telecommunications Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Telecommunications Engineering degree?
Salaries for Telecommunications Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Electronics Engineers, Except Computer earn around $127,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $153,613 compared to $100,540 in Nebraska. Approximately 494,940 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Telecommunications Engineering programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Telecommunications Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Tri-County Adult Career Center (47 graduates), University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (38 graduates), and Southern Methodist University (SMU) (30 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Telecommunications Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 231 in 2010 to 194 in 2023-24. This represents a 16% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Telecommunications Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Electronics Engineers, Except Computer, and Engineers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 494,940 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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