Which Schools Offer Courses in Sound Engineering?
Degree programs in sound engineering will provide you with the tools and techniques that will help you capture sound in ways that enhance clarity and artistry. Learn about some of the best schools in the country and see what degree levels they offer in this field of study.
What Should I Look For in A Sound Engineering School?
Sound engineers manage the various components involved in recording audio, including microphones, amplifiers and mixing consoles. When you're looking for a college that offers a sound engineering curriculum, you'll want to make sure the school has up-to-date equipment, studios and resources so that you'll be gaining experience with the industry's most current methods. You'll also want to make sure that faculty are well-trained and experienced, as well as measuring their success through the accomplishments of past students of the program.
<h2 id="section---ThreeTopSchoolsThatOfferSoundEngineeringCourses"> Three Top Schools That Offer Sound Engineering Courses</h2><h3 id="section---JohnsHopkinsUniversityInBaltimoreMD">Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD</h3><p>Ranked tied for No. 10 in 'National Universities' and No. 18 in 'Best Value Schools' by the <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> for 2019, John Hopkins University is one of the most highly regarded universities in the nation and is also home to the prestigious Peabody Institute, a music conservatory and school with degree programs available in audio sciences. At Johns Hopkins, you'll have joint access to courses dealing specifically with music production as well as general engineering and computing courses through the esteemed Whiting School of Engineering, whose programs were ranked tied for No. 14 at the undergraduate level and tied for No. 17 at the graduate level by the <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> for 2019. Degree titles include:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts and Sciences
</li></ul><h3 id="section---IndianaUniversityInBloomingtonIN">Indiana University in Bloomington, IN</h3><p>Founded in 1982, the Department of Recording Arts in Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music offers highly personalized and selective programs with only about 15 students enrolled every year. The department has produced Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated producers and engineers along with radio professionals and successful entrepreneurs within the music production industry. With its four studios, multitrack studio, electronics lab and Pro Tools production rooms, the school offers a variety of courses in sound engineering and recording techniques. Program offered:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Recording Arts
</li></ul><h3 id="section---MiddleTennesseeStateUniversityInMurfreesboroTN">Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN</h3><p>With the largest audio production and music business program in the country, Middle Tennessee State University is fully equipped to prepare you for a career as a sound engineer through its Recording Industry Department. Founded in 1973, the department boasts graduates who've received such awards as the CASE Circle of Excellence Award and a Grammy Award. You can take courses dealing with digital audio technology, studio recording methods and musicianship for sound engineers. Degree titles include:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Recording Industry: Audio Production
</li></ul><h2 id="section---SoundEngineeringSchools"> Sound Engineering Schools</h2><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>College/University</th><th>Institution Type</th><th>Location</th><th>Estimated Undergraduate In-State Tuition*</th></tr>
<tr><td>Butler University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Indianapolis, IN</td><td>$41,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Loyola-Marymount University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Los Angeles, CA</td><td>$48,500</td></tr>
<tr><td>Texas State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>San Marcos, TX</td><td>$10,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Savannah College of Art and Design</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Savannah, GA</td><td>$37,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Michigan Technological University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Houghton, MI</td><td>$16,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Belmont University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Nashville, TN</td><td>$34,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Minnesota State University</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Mankato, MN</td><td>$8,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Columbia College - Chicago</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Chicago, IL</td><td>$27,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ithaca College</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Ithaca, NY</td><td>$44,000</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>