Online Music Engineering Colleges, Schools and Universities: How to Choose

Music engineering combines recording, performance and theory with computer and electrical engineering. This field requires a great deal of hands-on studio time, so few online programs have been developed. However, interested students will find a few schools that offer online undergraduate programs in music engineering.

Choosing an Online Music Engineering School

Award Levels

Though jobs in this field often don't require a specific degree, online programs are available at the certificate, associate's degree and bachelor's degree levels. Students will want to examine their career goals and research job titles and employers to see which education level best suits their needs.

Program Type

Programs in music engineering can be taken fully online since requirements for studio time can be fulfilled on a home computer equipped with music engineering hardware and software. Some programs do offer local students the opportunity to combine online classes with time in campus recording studios.

List of Programs Related to Music Engineering

Certificate in Music Technology

Online certificate programs immerse students in the production of music using professional software and hardware technologies. Foundation studies cover principles of recording, musical genres, physics of sound and music production assessment. Then, using their home computer as a virtual recording studio, students practice mixing, editing and mastering; develop critical listening skills; and create a portfolio of music engineering projects. Technologies used include Pro Tools, SONAR, Logic and Ableton.

Associate of Arts in Music Technology

An associate's degree program prepares participants for jobs in music recording and production. Core classes provide training on the music business, music production, digital audio design and music history. Students can also choose a specialty focus, such as video, radio or a particular genre of music. Pro Tools, Sibelius, Reason and Avid Audio software are used to develop skills in the preproduction, production and postproduction phases of musical engineering. Musical skills, such as playing an instrument or reading music, are usually not required for enrollment.

Bachelor of Science in Music Engineering

A bachelor's level education provides comprehensive training in music production, with the goal of developing both creative and technological abilities. Students gain a strong foundation in music theory, music history and today's rapidly evolving music industry. They are encouraged to explore composition of music and songs. Courses include digital audio, mixing and mastering, recording principles, digital signal processing and Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Graduates leave the program with a portfolio of professional level music projects. Schools usually provide a technology package of professional software and hardware so students can use their computers as music engineering studios.