Online certificate and degree programs in
audio engineering are available for students interested in media-related
careers. Certificate programs can be completed online, while many
degree programs require both distance and campus-based learning. Related
fields include music technology and audio production.
Overview of Online Audio Engineering Certificate Programs
A certificate in audio engineering or audio technology can be the
first step toward a career in the music, film and gaming industries.
Students learn skills like home recording techniques, microphone
placement, audio mixing and effects processing. While most online
certificate programs do not have prerequisites, it's recommended that
prospective students possess a general understanding of music. Similar
certificates are available in areas like music technology and music
production.
Audio technology certificates can be earned completely online, though
some programs have on-campus learning components. In the online format,
teachers sometimes instruct students and deliver feedback using
streaming audio and video applications. A typical certificate program
takes between six months and one year to complete.
A computer with an Internet connection is required. Many programs
also require the purchase of professional recording software
applications, such as Pro Tools.
List of Common Certificate-Level Audio Engineering Courses
There are no general education requirements for students enrolled in
audio engineering certificate programs. In online programs, lessons are
usually stored on a school's computer servers so that students may
access course content as often as necessary.
Introductory Professional Audio Course
In this course, students learn the fundamental techniques of
recording audio, including dynamic control and studio design. Studio
hardware components like mixing desks and outboard processing units are
also introduced. Professional software applications are discussed, as
are techniques for using these applications in a home studio
environment.
Students develop the ability to record and manipulate audio within
Pro Tools, the industry-standard recording platform. Topics like
workflow management, virtual mixing and waveform editing are discussed.
Plug-ins Course
The use of software plug-ins in a professional recording studio is
explored. Students learn how to utilize popular plug-ins like
compression, reverb and delay. Creative plug-in concepts like side
chaining are also discussed.
Recipients of audio engineering and technology certificates can
obtain entry-level positions with touring and promotion companies or in
private recording studios. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS), employment in music-related careers is likely to grow
by eight percent between 2008 and 2018 - roughly the national average
for all employment sectors (
www.bls.gov). Audio engineers, producers and technicians made between $13 and $24 per hour in 2010, as reported by
PayScale.com.
Overview of Online Audio Engineering Bachelor's Degree Programs
Though rarely available online, audio engineering bachelor's degree
programs are designed for students interested in music, gaming and film
industry careers. Students learn skills like songwriting, sequencing,
music publishing and compositional arrangement. It is recommended that
prospective students possess a strong background in music, either in
recording, performance or composition. Online or semi-online
associate's-level programs are also available and feature an extremely
similar curriculum, though with fewer general education requirements.
Because many audio-related topics are studied in a hands-on setting,
there are few programs available solely online. Some degree programs
include both distance and campus-based study plans to give students
access to studio facilities. A typical audio engineering bachelor's
degree may be earned in four years. Professional audio software is often
a requirement for these programs, though it may be included with a
student's tuition.
List of Common Bachelor's-Level Audio Engineering Courses
Degree programs in audio engineering are more comprehensive than
certificate programs, usually including coursework in topics like
entertainment business and marketing. Students are also required to
complete general education courses like English, algebra and basic
computer science.
Introductory Music Business Course
Audio engineering students learn the business concepts behind the
music industry, including distribution, royalties, publishing rights and
recording budgets. Students also examine forces of change in the music
industry like technology and live performance.
In this course, students use audio technology techniques to create
music and sound effects for commercials, films and video games. Topics
like mixing for television and mastering for multiple formats are also
discussed.
Fundamentals of Songwriting Course
A songwriting course introduces students to the building blocks of
music, like rhythm, harmony and melody. Audio engineers learn how to
enhance a performer's song by applying technical knowledge like
microphone polarization and instrument selection.
Digital and Analog Audio Course
Students examine the difference between digital and analog sound
sources. Topics include signal flow, direct-to-tape technology, digital
audio workstations and hardware sequencing.
In 2010, music producers, engineers and technicians made between
$29,000 and $62,000 per year, depending on experience, as reported by
PayScale.com.
Audio engineering degree recipients generally obtain higher-paying
positions than certificate program graduates. As reported by the BLS,
growth in employment for producers and technicians was expected to
remain stable from 2008-2018, with a moderate decline in employment for
nightclub-based engineers (
www.bls.gov).
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