Master of Network & Communications Management (MNCM)

Study at Keller on campus, online or a mix of both

We give you the flexibility to attend classes at any of our 90+ campus locations, take all of your graduate courses online or even do a combination of both.

Explore online learning

At Keller, we offer online graduate classes taught with the same focus on personal attention and academic rigor as classes taught on campus. And because courses are offered online, you can schedule working on your education around working on your career — not the other way around.

On campus and online

For those students who need the flexibility of studying online to balance work, school and life, but also want a classroom experience, we offer a mix of both on campus and online learning. Take some courses online and some at a location convenient for you, whichever best fits your schedule.

Tuition, fees and expenses^†
Master of Network & Communications Management¹

Note: Tuition for Canadian residents enrolled in U.S.-based programs delivered online is charged in Canadian dollars at rates shown.
† Effective beginning July 2011.
1 Availability varies by location.
2 At average estimated per-course expense for textbooks and materials of $175; average estimated per-course expense does not apply to exam-prep courses, the per-credit-hour cost for which includes textbook and materials expense.
3 At current tuition rates and credit hours shown; includes $50 application fee and average estimated textbook and materials expense.

Experience the real value of a graduate education

Not only will you be learning skills that could help you rise to the top of your field, you'll also be gaining a valuable credential that may affect your entire career. A graduate education could change your earning potential, ability to be promoted and more.

Financing options

There are many scholarships and other financial aid options available for qualifying students that may help make your graduate education more affordable. Click one of the links below for more info.

If you're a DeVry graduate, you may be eligible for up to four course exemptions^* through the Keller Fast Track.

^*Course exemptions are not available in New York or New Jersey

MNCM Graduation Requirements

Total program length varies based on the number of courses taken per 8-week session. That means that if you take 1 class per session, you could complete your degree program in as few as 30 months.

MNCM Coursework

Our degree program allows you to choose one of six concentrations to focus on the Network & Communications Management coursework that can help you reach your career goals. After completing the required MNCM program courses, you can take courses within the concentration of your choice, or take your electives in a variety of different career fields.

Click on a course name below for its full description.

Required program courses (33 credit hours)

Accounting and Finance: Managerial Use and Analysis (FI504) - 3 credit hours

This course introduces core accounting and finance concepts and tools needed by managers. Topics are presented from a user perspective and include transaction analysis; financial statement analysis and interpretation; financial ratio analysis; job-order costing; cost-volume-profit analysis; and operational, cash and capital budgeting. No prerequisite

Managing Organizational Change (HR587) - 3 credit hours

This course addresses concepts and techniques required to successfully implement change across an organization. Coursework focuses on identifying an organization's vision as well as opportunities that can align the vision with the organization's structures, processes, culture and orientation to the environment. Also addressed are opportunities for, and problems in, managing human dynamics in organizations, including intervention techniques, models, principles and values that indicate how to take charge of planned change efforts in order to achieve success. No prerequisite

Project Management Systems (PM586) - 3 credit hours

With an emphasis on planning, this course introduces project management fundamentals and principles from the standpoint of the manager who must organize, plan, implement and control nonroutine activities to achieve schedule, budget and performance objectives. Topics include project life cycles, organization and charters; work breakdown structures; responsibility matrixes; as well as planning, budgeting and scheduling systems. Planning and control methods such as PERT/CPM, Gantt charts, earned value systems, project management software applications and project audits are introduced. No prerequisite

Strategic Management of Technology (TM583) - 3 credit hours

This course addresses the need for managers to understand and manage technology needed to successfully compete in an increasingly sophisticated business environment. Topics include identifying technological competencies, the evolution of technology, designing and managing systems for technological innovation, integrating technology into the organization, sourcing technology and managing new product development. No prerequisite

Networking Concepts and Applications (IS589) - 3 credit hours

This course focuses on design, development and operation of a data communications system and computer network, and emphasizes managing data distribution and access. The course includes essential elements of networks including hardware, software and interfaces. Students use a networking software tool to build and analyze network models. No prerequisite

Network Security (SE572) - 3 credit hours

This course addresses concepts and industry standards of computer networking, including the OSI Reference Model, TCP/IP and network routing concepts, and inherent risks in their use. Also addressed are digital cryptography principles and practices; major electronic email security standards; and methods by which networks may be attacked. Students use a networking software tool to build a secure network, as well as prepare to assist in incident response and management activities in the event of a network breach. Prerequisite: IS589, or a technical undergraduate degree and/or associated professional experience with preparation equivalent to or beyond IS589

Telecommunications Law and Regulation (TM584) - 3 credit hours

This course covers the legal and regulatory environment for telecommunications services. Coursework focuses on developing telecommunications law and policy as related to a variety of telecommunications technologies, including the broadcast spectrum of radio and television; cable and satellite; wireline and cellular telephone; and the Internet. Emphasized are the interconnected nature of media, as well as the policy rationale and techniques of government oversight. No prerequisite

Network Design and Management (TM585) - 3 credit hours

This course focuses on technologies and processes used to design, optimize and manage networks. Topics include functions of network standards, protocols and architecture; network design and optimization processes; and network management. Topics also include network design requirements for support of high bandwidth multimedia applications, wireless local area connections and security strategies. Students use a networking software tool to build and simulate network models. Prerequisite: three years' telecommunications experience, an undergraduate telecommunications education, or TM505 or TM525

Wireless Communication Systems (TM589) - 3 credit hours

This course provides an essential foundation in core wireless technologies. Topics provide managers with required knowledge of voice and data systems. The current wireless industry, its recent past and emerging systems are explored through real-world projects and practitioner-based case studies. Prerequisite: IS589

IP Telephony/VoIP (TM590) - 3 credit hours

This course examines technologies that carry voice communications over an IP network, including digitization and packetization of voice streams. Coursework addresses VoIP standards and protocols such as SIP and H.323 that support creation of telephony systems using advanced VoIP technology applications. Fundamentals of VoIP such as QoS, traffic aggregation issues, bandwidth management and network assessment are also investigated. Prerequisite: IS589

Telecommunications Capstone (TM600) - 3 credit hours

Students in this culminating course, intended to be taken as the last course, integrate knowledge and skills learned throughout the MNCM program. Students develop, design and present projects based on real-world situations. They plan and justify the project; meet performance, schedule and budget requirements; adjust for unplanned occurrences; and provide project reports. Prerequisite: successful completion of all other MNCM program courses before registration

Elective courses (12 credit hours)

Choose any four courses listed in the concentration areas below if you do not wish to pursue a specific concentration. Students may choose any electives for which they meet the prerequisites.

- or -

Concentration (12 credit hours)

Choose one concentration from the list below:

• Wireless

  • Wireless Technologies (TM561) - 3 credit hours

    This course provides an in-depth understanding of wireless technologies and their application within the organization. It addresses essentials of radio frequency, spectrum allocation and usage, and current regulation. Topics include first (1G) through fourth generation (4G) applications, including cellular, PCS and wireless local area network (WiFi); and the current and future state of voice, data and video communication. Students gain perspective on how wireless technologies fit into an overall wireless industry and market, as well as on current management challenges. Prerequisite: TM589

    Wireless Devices and Applications (TM562) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces an array of wireless devices, including laptops, PDAs, cellular telephones and "all-in-one" devices. Current applications of these devices, as well as potential future uses, are examined. Using such devices in both standalone and integrated network arenas is addressed, with specific focus on interoperability. Ways in which wireless devices are driving the evolution of business practices are also examined. Prerequisite: IS589

    Wireless Networks (TM563) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces tools needed to understand and implement wireless networks. Topics include installation and configuration of wireless hardware and software, radio frequency (RF) fundamentals, 802.11 network architecture, capacity planning, use of wireless broadcast and cellular systems, antennas and accessories, power management, wireless local area network security, wireless device network integration and troubleshooting. Prerequisite: IS589

    Management of Wireless Systems (TM564) - 3 credit hours

    This course focuses on managing and operating wireless networks. Topics include QoS, resource management, outsourcing, training, financial considerations, and performance measurement and optimization. Also covered are system documentation and reports pertaining to RF network performance, IP management, network configuration, and system growth and capacity status. Students gain knowledge of charging and revenue assurance in a wireless network. Prerequisite: TM589

• Information Security

  • Concentration courses include four of the following (12 credit hours)

    Principles of Information Security and Privacy (SE571) - 3 credit hours

    This course provides a broad overview of security in information systems. Covered are various aspects of security in computing, including security threats and controls; basic cryptography and its applications; network intrusion detection and prevention; security administration and planning; anonymity and privacy; legal issues; protection; and ethics. Coursework also examines controls in information systems, and addresses security issues surrounding information systems and computer-generated data. No prerequisite

    E-Business Security (SE573) - 3 credit hours

    This course covers issues involved in protecting an e-business from external threats while safeguarding customer privacy. Students examine external threats to a company's systems and learn how to react if systems and business goals conflict. Prerequisites: SE571

    Database Security (SE574) - 3 credit hours

    This course provides an overview of security issues in database systems and shows how current and future commercial systems may be designed to ensure secrecy and confidentiality. Security models, basic security mechanisms and software, database security, intrusion detection and security models for next generation databases are covered. Prerequisites: a technical undergraduate degree and/or associated professional experience with preparation equivalent to or beyond IS582

    Information Security Law and Ethics (SE575) - 3 credit hours

    This course, geared toward non-attorney managers and executives, provides a broad survey of federal and state laws and judicial systems governing and/or affecting information security. Coursework addresses the effects of cyber business regulation on information security, conducting business on the Internet, privacy laws, taxation, protection of intellectual property, electronic privacy, wiretapping and cybersquatting. In addition, students examine ethical issues, forensics and evidence of cyber crime. No prerequisite

    Risk Mitigation and Contingency Planning (SE576) - 3 credit hours

    This course identifies vulnerabilities and inherent risks of computer systems. It also introduces cost-effective risk analysis techniques for identifying and quantifying accidental and malicious threats to computer systems, and developing contingency and recovery plans. The qualitative risk analysis process, using techniques such as the practical application of risk analysis (PARA) and the facilitated risk analysis process (FRAP), is covered. Prerequisites: a technical undergraduate degree and/or associated professional experience with preparation equivalent to or beyond PM586

    Cryptography and Security Mechanisms (SE577) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces cryptography, focusing on information systems security issues, and mechanisms and devices to address these issues. Also examined are cryptosystems, algorithms and certificates. Students gain applications-oriented experience in developing and implementing several cryptography applications or algorithms. Access controls are presented as a collection of security mechanisms that work together to protect information system assets. Students complete lab assignments and a term project. Prerequisite: SE571, or a technical undergraduate degree and/or associated professional experience with preparation equivalent to or beyond SE571

    Practices for Administration of Physical and Operations Security (SE578) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines security management, management tools, and physical and operations security in an organization's environment. Security management addresses identifying information assets and developing, documenting and implementing policies, standards, procedures and guidelines for asset protection. Management tools such as data classification and risk assessment/analysis are used to identify system vulnerabilities and implement controls. Physical and operations security addresses control mechanisms and protection techniques for facility, resource and overall system operation. Prerequisites: SE571, or a technical undergraduate degree and/or associated professional experience with preparation equivalent to or beyond SE571

    Security in Systems Architecture and Applications (SE579) - 3 credit hours

    This course addresses concepts, principles, structures and standards used to design, monitor and secure operating systems, equipment, networks, databases, applications and controls that enforce various levels of availability, integrity and confidentiality. Coursework also focuses on security concepts that apply to application software development, addressing the software design and development environment and explaining software's critical role in providing information system security. Prerequisites: SE571, or a technical undergraduate degree and/or associated professional experience with preparation equivalent to or beyond SE571

    Disaster Recovery/Forensics and Security (SE591) - 3 credit hours

    This course focuses on preserving and recovering business operations in the event of outages, disasters or work force interruptions. Measures and technologies used for forensics, as well as computer crime and security investigation, are addressed. Prerequisites: IS589 and SE571, or a technical undergraduate degree and/or associated professional experience with preparation equivalent to or beyond IS589 and SE571

    IT Governance (SE592) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces principles of information technology governance, focusing on IT control objectives (COBIT) and related internal controls. Coursework explores best practices for managing IT processes; meeting multiple needs of enterprise management by bridging gaps between business risks; technical issues; control needs; and performance measurement requirements. Students explore IT industry standards, and develop governance skills relating to creating and maintaining corporate information systems policy. Prerequisite: SE571

• Network Applications

  • Concentration courses include the following (12 credit hours)

    Disaster Recovery/Forensics and Security (SE591) - 3 credit hours

    This course focuses on preserving and recovering business operations in the event of outages, disasters or work force interruptions. Measures and technologies used for forensics, as well as computer crime and security investigation, are addressed. Prerequisites: IS589 and SE571, or a technical undergraduate degree and/or associated professional experience with preparation equivalent to or beyond IS589 and SE571

    IT Governance (SE592) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces principles of information technology governance, focusing on IT control objectives (COBIT) and related internal controls. Coursework explores best practices for managing IT processes; meeting multiple needs of enterprise management by bridging gaps between business risks; technical issues; control needs; and performance measurement requirements. Students explore IT industry standards, and develop governance skills relating to creating and maintaining corporate information systems policy. Prerequisite: SE571

    Wireless Devices and Applications (TM562) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces an array of wireless devices, including laptops, PDAs, cellular telephones and "all-in-one" devices. Current applications of these devices, as well as potential future uses, are examined. Using such devices in both standalone and integrated network arenas is addressed, with specific focus on interoperability. Ways in which wireless devices are driving the evolution of business practices are also examined. Prerequisite: IS589

    Wireless Networks (TM563) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces tools needed to understand and implement wireless networks. Topics include installation and configuration of wireless hardware and software, radio frequency (RF) fundamentals, 802.11 network architecture, capacity planning, use of wireless broadcast and cellular systems, antennas and accessories, power management, wireless local area network security, wireless device network integration and troubleshooting. Prerequisite: IS589

• Project Management

  • Concentration courses include four of the following (12 credit hours)

    Managing Quality (GM588) - 3 credit hours

    Managing Quality focuses on the quality function, and its implementation, cost and management in both manufacturing and service industries. The course provides students with a set of quality concepts and tools, and knowledge required for their application in quality planning, improvement and control. No prerequisite

    Managing Software Development Projects (PM584) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines knowledge, strategies and techniques needed to manage software product development. The course helps students develop skills managers need to create - and successfully execute - plans for software development. Topics include software project development processes; software development standards; project planning, scheduling and control strategies; risk assessment and mitigation; team building and managing technical personnel. Prerequisites: IS525 (or equivalent) or IS535, and PM586

    Advanced Program Management (PM587) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines how managers plan, budget, schedule and control multi-project programs within an organizational context. The importance of project teams and human resource management in the process is addressed. Topics include the role of projects in organizations; alternative organizational systems; program planning, budgeting, monitoring, control and management methodologies; team management and leadership; legal and ethical issues; conflict identification and resolution; and advanced applications of project management software. Prerequisite: PM586

    Sustainability Project Management (PM591) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces the concept of infusing business projects with a sustainability dimension. Processes, tools and techniques for sustainability project management are explored in the contexts of general management and project management. No prerequisite

    Project Cost and Schedule Control (PM592) - 3 credit hours

    This course stresses the need for project managers to understand and apply advanced tools and techniques to developing and managing project financial plans. Topics include cost and benefit estimation; project financial analysis; budgeting; resource allocation; sensitivity analysis; project metrics; and project cost and schedule control using earned value management systems. Prerequisites: AC505 or FI504, and IS581 or PM586

    Project Risk Management (PM595) - 3 credit hours

    This course explores various ways to identify, analyze and mitigate the full range of project risks. Coursework also explores the six risk management processes outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide: risk management planning, risk identification, qualitative risk analysis, quantitative risk analysis, risk response planning, and risk monitoring and control. Using a practitioner approach, students learn risk management techniques by applying them to problems in case studies Prerequisites: GM533 and PM586

    Contract and Procurement Management (PM598) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines processes through which goods and services are acquired in the project management environment. Topics include contract and procurement strategies; legal issues; contract pricing alternatives; technical, management and commercial requirements; RFP development; source selection; invitations to bid; bid evaluation; risk assessment; and contract negotiation and administration. No prerequisite

    Advanced Project Management Practices and Professional Exam Preparation (PM605) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines current topics in the project management field and provides a comprehensive review of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Topics include global project management, leadership, virtual teams and project information systems. In addition, the PMBOK knowledge areas and process groups are covered in preparation for the Project Management Professional certification exam, administered by the Project Management Institute. Prerequisite: PM587

• Electronic Commerce

  • Concentration courses include four of the following (12 credit hours)

    Electronic Commerce Technology Management (EC542) - 3 credit hours

    This course focuses on the infrastructure needed to deploy effective e-commerce solutions. The basic structure of the Internet and computer technologies needed to develop e-commerce applications are covered. Students explore available telecommunications and computer infrastructure, and define future trends and directions. Prerequisite: IS535

    Internet-Oriented Programming (IS577) - 3 credit hours

    This course focuses on Internet and web programming, one of the fastest growing areas of system development. Students apply Internet programming languages such as HTML, Dynamic HTML and JavaScript to develop their own websites. The course also examines Internet application tools and commercial Web servers. Prerequisite: one year's programming experience, prior programming coursework, IS505 or IS525

    Database Concepts (IS582) - 3 credit hours

    Database Concepts provides a detailed introduction to database concepts, components and management issues. The course covers data definition and modeling, database access and command languages, and design and implementation in the context of the relational model. Relative advantages and disadvantages of other database models are considered from a management standpoint. Coursework examines basic managerial issues for database publishing on the web, and for multi-user and enterprise database processing. The course requires a term project involving a commercial data-modeling package. No prerequisite

    Database Applications for Electronic Commerce (IS583) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines database systems that emphasize web-based development and implementation technologies. The course covers general models of web-based e-commerce as well as application development using a variety of commercial middleware tools. Students create a web-based e-commerce application as part of a course project. Prerequisites: IS577 and IS582

    E-Business Security (SE573) - 3 credit hours

    This course covers issues involved in protecting an e-business from external threats while safeguarding customer privacy. Students examine external threats to a company's systems and learn how to react if systems and business goals conflict. Prerequisites: SE571

    IT Governance (SE592) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces principles of information technology governance, focusing on IT control objectives (COBIT) and related internal controls. Coursework explores best practices for managing IT processes; meeting multiple needs of enterprise management by bridging gaps between business risks; technical issues; control needs; and performance measurement requirements. Students explore IT industry standards, and develop governance skills relating to creating and maintaining corporate information systems policy. Prerequisite: SE571

• Technology Applications

  • Concentration courses include four of the following (12 credit hours)

    Managerial Applications of Information Technology (IS535) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces structures, applications and management of corporate information systems. Coursework investigates how technology is changing the way we conduct communication, make decisions, manage people and improve business processes, as well as how it adds value to business. Students access the Internet to gather and use information, and analyze business decisions using decision support tools. No prerequisite

    Systems Analysis, Planning and Control (IS581) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces concepts and tools of systems development and implementation, and emphasizes using the life-cycle approach to effectively manage business information. The course provides practice in each major phase of the life-cycle approach: planning, analysis, design, implementation and operation/support. Business reengineering techniques and project management models are used. Students apply concepts and tools learned in a term project. No prerequisite

    Database Concepts (IS582) - 3 credit hours

    Database Concepts provides a detailed introduction to database concepts, components and management issues. The course covers data definition and modeling, database access and command languages, and design and implementation in the context of the relational model. Relative advantages and disadvantages of other database models are considered from a management standpoint. Coursework examines basic managerial issues for database publishing on the web, and for multi-user and enterprise database processing. The course requires a term project involving a commercial data-modeling package. No prerequisite

    Database Applications for Electronic Commerce (IS583) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines database systems that emphasize web-based development and implementation technologies. The course covers general models of web-based e-commerce as well as application development using a variety of commercial middleware tools. Students create a web-based e-commerce application as part of a course project. Prerequisites: IS577 and IS582

    Decision Support and Expert Systems (IS585) - 3 credit hours

    This course focuses on design, development and implementation of effective systems for meeting information needs of management decision-makers. The course explains both model-based and data-based decision support systems and their use by managers in functional areas. Spreadsheets and applied artificial intelligence models, such as artificial neural network, and/or rule-based expert systems software may be used to introduce the decision-support process. No prerequisite