As we move toward a global digital economy, telecommunications has become a vital strategic resource. Rapid changes in technology, explosive growth of the Internet, and the dynamic competition in the telecommunications industry have resulted in phenomenal growth in demand for professionals with combined expertise in business and telecommunications. Users need this expertise to respond to the challenges of increasing efficiency and improving customer service by ''working smarter'', while telecommunications vendors need business skills as well as technical skills to develop new products and services in an increasingly competitive environment. The Telecommunications Management and Policy Program in the McLaren School of Business is designed to respond to the need for preparation for Information Age careers. USF's Strategic Location USF is located in one of the world's leading centers for the development and application of information technologies.
Silicon Valley is the birthplace of high technology entrepreneurship.
The San Francisco Bay Area is the headquarters for many information technology manufacturers, software vendors, wireline and wireless common carriers, multimedia companies and E-business startups. The Faculty The Director of the Telecommunications Program is Prof. Heather Hudson. Dr. Hudson received her Ph.D. in Communications Research from Stanford University. Her career has combined teaching, research, and professional experience in telecommunications applications, management, and policy. She has consulted for numerous telecommunications firms, government organizations, and international agencies, and has planned or evaluated telecommunications projects in more than 50 countries.