Overview
careers
Installer/Repairer – Business Services
New Service Delivery/Provisioning Specialist
Security Systems Installer
Network Analyst
Outside Plant Technician
Service Technician
Installer/Repairer – Residential Services
Fiber Optic Installer
Combination Technician
Video Data Technician
Copper & Fiber Optic Cable Repair Technician
Field Service Technician
If you use the internet, Wi-Fi, cell phones, and streaming video, have you ever wondered how these technologies work? You can be an important part of this industry when you learn to install, operate and maintain modern communication networks. Consider a career in Wi-Fi and Broadband Technologies (Telecommunications).
Modern broadband networks carry voice, video and data traffic across town and across the world. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Wi-Fi and Broadband Technologies will prepare you to work with and configure these modern, high tech networks. Your education will teach you in-depth knowledge in areas like Wi-Fi, data switching and routing, fiber optics, Voice over IP (VoIP), streaming video, IoT (Internet of Things) and other emerging technologies.
Career opportunities are on the rise and students will find exciting opportunities with telecom companies, as well as in many other industries like electrical cooperatives, financial institutions, health care facilities, schools and anywhere communication networks are needed.
Curriculum
Award: AAS Degree
First Semester
Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues. Students learn to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software and troubleshoot hardware and software problems.
3 creditsDirect Current (DC) theory and the fundamentals of series and parallel DC circuits. An introduction to the concept of electricity and its behavior with respect to conductors and resistance devices. The study of Alternating Current (AC) circuits begins with the generation of a sine wave and review of trigonometric functions and continues through resonance.
3 creditsThe basics of security are covered. The course introduces students to computer vulnerabilities and threats and steps that can be taken to safeguard computers and networks. This course will expose the student to security planning, security technology, security organization and the legal and ethical issues associated with computer and network security.
2 creditsA course designed to increase awareness and appreciation for math in digital and electronic applications. Topics covered include: the metric system with applications in engineering notation, algebra to solve electrical formulas, trigonometry in AC circuit analysis, the use of logarithms with the application of intensity, logic, and an introduction to binary notation with number systems including octal and hexadecimal.
3 creditsProvides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success. Please note: Students who have served active military duty (excluding basic training and AIT) may be exempt from the Student Success course. Student must provide a copy of DD214 or other official military documentation to the registrar for verification.
1 creditSecond Semester
Hands-on instruction covering hand tools, safety, component identification, color codes, Ohm’s law and reading schematic diagrams will be covered. Students will construct basic circuits, predict circuit values, and measure current voltage and resistance. Knowledge in the proper operation of electronic test equipment will be stressed. This lab will supplement the student of Theory and DC/AC classes.
3 creditsInstallation and repair of outside plant technologies, copper, fiber, coax, able to analyze problems in outside plant systems and make effective repairs. Students will understand Fiber To The Home (FTTH) concepts and terminology, and comprehend terminology and acronyms. The locating of underground cable and fault location, reading staking sheets and telecommunication maps and diagrams will be covered. The required steps in testing OSP will be identified. Students will have an opportunity to discuss residential services and to hone their customer service skills.
3 creditsThis course introduces students to the fundamental principles of GPS and their application in precision agriculture and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. It will cover various aspects of GPS technology, including corrections, constellations, and their primary uses in the industry, alongside essential GPS terminology and its relevance to professional practice. After building a solid foundation in GPS technology, the focus will transition to the utilization of GIS operations within the agricultural sector, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to leverage these technologies in enhancing farming efficiency and productivity.
2 creditsThird Semester
Supervised work experience in a position related to the telecommunications industry. Required for graduation.
6 creditsFourth Semester
Covers the fundamentals of networking. Students will learn how devices communicate on a network, network addressing and network services, how to build a home network and configure basic security, and the basics of configuring devices. Network troubleshooting will be introduced.
3 creditsStudents will study Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and the convergence of two technological revolutions, the Internet and digitization of television. Students explore topics ranging from the basics of television distribution systems to the transition to IPTV.
3 creditsThe fundamentals necessary to understand VoIP, gateways and their capabilities, and to describe how phone calls are made on VoIP networks. Students will understand components, standards and architectures. Identify and explain key components, jargon, buzzwords, plus the main standards and protocols. Understand packetized voice, how it happens. Examine carrier’s IP network technologies and the important topic of using MPLS to implement Differentiated Services for Quality of Service (QoS). Discover Session Initiated Protocol, what it is, how it works, how it fits in with soft-switches, call managers and trace the establishment of a IP phone call step by step.
3 creditsHands-on lab supports for the following classes: WBT 105, WBT 210, and WBT 211. This lab serves as a real world environment for the students and staff to apply the theories studied. Understand proper safety techniques, comprehend FCC and industry standards. Properly identify test equipment and tools. Properly install, test and troubleshoot broadband systems.
4 creditsFifth Semester
Customer service is a critical element in the success and future of all businesses that compete in today’s economy. It is more challenging than ever to attract and retain customers because more companies are competing for the same customer. This course is a study of issues in the workplace relating to effective customer service and emphasizes three different aspects of customer service: the profession, skills for success, and building and maintaining relationships. Through role play scenarios, collaborative learning activities, and application of concepts to real-world situations, students are introduced to the issues of ethics, problem solving, strategy implementation, empowerment, communications, motivation and leadership necessary for the delivery of exceptional customer service and customer retention.
3 creditsThis course will focus on the Central Office environment and transport equipment of the telecommunications industry. Upon successful completion of this class, students will be able to work professionally, safely and efficiently in a central office environment. Students will comprehend the digital hierarchy scheme as it applies to the world of telephony. Learning will include the public switched telephone network and its signaling structure.
3 creditsThis lab serves as a real world environment for the students and staff to apply the theory studied in the previous classes. Exercise proper safety techniques. Properly identify and use test equipment in the broadband services industry. Install, test and troubleshoot broadband systems to customer’s premise and business locations. Exercise VoIP knowledge, install, operate and maintain a central office and head-end video equipment.
5 creditsRequirements
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete their internship experience before earning their degree.
Computer Requirements
This program requires a laptop computer so that you can effectively integrate computing skills with your technical education. Many resources that instructors assign are online or require specialty software. To address these needs, Mitchell Tech requires that students entering this program purchase their laptops from Mitchell Tech. The cost for a Mitchell Tech laptop averages about $1,150 for this program. Please be aware that our machines come fully loaded with the software required for this program.
Whether it’s Microsoft Office, or a specialty software for a technical program, your needs will be met by your Mitchell Tech laptop. And our laptops are serviced for free by our Technology office. You will not be able to bring a laptop from home into a Mitchell Tech laptop program as we cannot provide support services for every make and model of laptop. Please consider this carefully before making any laptop purchase and check with the Admissions office for more details.
Outcomes
- Construct to customer/industry standard indoor and outdoor broadband systems
- Exhibit safety practices and procedures
- Identify, document and present solutions to technical problems in areas related to broadband technologies
- Discover connectivity methods for transmitting media using fiber, copper and wireless networks within industry standards
Annual Program Review
Check out the 2023-24 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.
Cost
Other Required Costs
Laptop/Software | $1,150 |
Books/Tools (estimated) | $456 |
Scholarships
$500
1 AVAIL.
Rod Bowar Memorial Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$750
1 AVAIL.
Harv and Peggy Kelley Endowed Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Wi-Fi and Broadband/Telecommunications
$1000
1 AVAIL.
South Dakota Assoc. of Cooperatives Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Business Management
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
4 AVAIL.
Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
1 AVAIL.
Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
2 AVAIL.
Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship
Charlene Bainbridge
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology