Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Audio Production
Majors Overview February 9, 2015Those interested in working at a radio station or recording studio or in the business of music should look into bachelor’s degree programs in audio production. Students will be taught about recording, producing, mastering, and mixing sound.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Audio Production
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in audio production get a comprehensive grasp of all aspects of sound production, including live sound techniques, electronic interfaces such as MIDI, recording processes and software, electro-acoustics, and acoustics, among other things.
Coursework combines significant studio time and conventional classroom instruction, whereby students are given the opportunity to gain experience working directly with tools of audio production. Students enrolled in some programs are allowed to choose a concentration, such as studio production, theater, or radio. An internship is featured by many programs, wherein the degree candidate can get hands-on experience and earn class credits working in a professional audio production setting.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require the submission of standardized test scores and high school transcripts, in addition to an essay and letters of recommendation.
Coursework
Coursework within many bachelor’s degree programs in audio production includes courses from various academic fields, such as visual and performing arts, communications, engineering, and information science. Core coursework may include the following topic areas:
•Acoustic dynamics
•Principles of studio recording
•Advanced audio technology
•Synthesizing sound
•Exploring media
Career Choices
Many industries have been affected by the advent of the Internet; these include some that hire audio production professionals, such as the music business and the radio industry. A job growth rate of 9% has been predicted for audio and visual equipment technicians over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Those that successfully complete the program can choose from career titles such as:
•Post-production technician
•Studio sound engineer
•Audio editor
Continuing Education Choices
Few schools offer graduate degree programs in audio production. Students that seek continuing education may choose to enroll in doctoral and master’s programs in related fields, such as a doctorate degree in audio science or a master’s degree in multimedia studies.