Audio Engineering programs, need information!

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hi, I'm a senior in high school and have a strong interest in going into engineering, especially something to do with music. I know recording engineering alone is a very competitive and not very high paying job so I think I would want to do something more marketable.</p>

<p>So far I've gotten into 3 schools and I'm still waiting on 4, but I'm fairly confident that I'll get into all of them. What I'm unsure of however, is which one I want to go to, and which program would be best suited for me. A lot of schools don't really give you an in-depth look at specific majors, so I'm not sure how to compare them. </p>

<p>so far I've gotten into...</p>

<p>U Hartford: Audio Engineering Technology</p>

<p>-so far this is the only school I have visited, and was actually quite impressed with the program. the actual professors gave a very informative presentation catered specifically to the audio program. so far I have nothing to compare it to, but i have a feeling that "Engineering Technology" may be a lot different than "Engineering".</p>

<p>Penn State (University Park): Electrical Engineering, minor in Music Technology</p>

<p>-since most schools do not have specific Audio majors, I also applied to many that have minors I would be interested in. I am going to visit in 3 days, where hopefully I can compare the Engineering with the Engineering Technology and see which I prefer. </p>

<p>SUNY Oneonta: Physics/Engineering 3-2 Program, minor in Audio Production</p>

<p>-I'm not really a fan of the whole 3-2 process, but Oneonta would be a bargain if I attended so we'll see. </p>

<p>I'm waiting for decisions from...</p>

<p>U Miami: Audio Engineering</p>

<p>-this is really my main concern. I've seen Hartford's program and I would like to compare it with Miami's. I think Miami's has more Electrical Engineering involved, but they do not provide the type of information that Hartford does. if anyone has any knowledge of this program, help would be appreciated.</p>

<p>American U: Audio Technology</p>

<p>-the same thing with Miami here, the website not very informative, and im not sure if theres a tour that specific. I feel like its probably more similar to Hartford and less based in Engineering, but i dont know for sure. </p>

<p>-USC: Electrical Engineering, minor in Recording Arts</p>

<p>-RIT: Electrical Engineering, minor in Music Technology</p>

<p>I guess my question is, how can I decide between these programs when they all give such vague information? My visit to Hartford was extremely informative, but i doubt that most other schools provide that type of service. If anyone can give me more information on any of these programs, majors or minors, I would greatly appreciate it.</p>

<p>Also if someone can clear up the whole Engineering vs Engineering Technology thing.</p>

<p>And if anyone can compare UMiami's program with UHartford's as those are probably my top choices. </p>

<p>thank you very much</p>

2

<p>You’re right about the technology in engineering technology. It has a negative stigma attached to it.</p>

<p>Sent from my HTC HD2 using CC App</p>

3

<p>Audio Engineering programs are not the same as engineering programs. The person who records, mixes, and post edits music is considered to be an “engineer” at most studios. If you want to be qualified to design equipment then you want to do electrical and you can minor if you want. Also most audio engineering programs require a portfolio of work you have done. Being an audio engineering in the sense you are working at a studio is very competitive and unless you get into a very well known studio very low pay. Its all about who you know. Location is also important. If you look at schools in big music cities you have a chance of making better connections but also have more competition.</p>

<p>The traditional studio is becoming less and less necessary as home recording software gets better and better. I have know idea how hard it is to get a job writing software or designing equipment. I always thought it would be pretty cool to design effects software/pedals.</p>

<p>The technology probably does not matter a whole lot. Are both a 4 year program or is one 2?</p>

4

<p>I’ve also applied (and been accepted to) UMiami for Audio Engineering. </p>

<p>The poster above me is correct. “Audio Engineering” really isn’t a form of engineering. Miami’s program is a degree in Electrical Engineering (you are awarded a BSEE on completion) with a concentration in Audio. So what you’re really getting is a degree in electrical engineering. However, out of all the programs you listed with the possible exception of Hartford, it still has the most audio coursework. You can see a 4 year plan for the degree here (scroll down): [Electrical</a>, Computer & Information Technology Engineering - Undergraduate](<a href=“http://www6.miami.edu/umbulletin/und/eng/elec.htm#audio]Electrical”>http://www6.miami.edu/umbulletin/und/eng/elec.htm#audio)</p>

<p>Most true music recording programs are housed in music schools and very few of them include a true engineering component. The two notable exceptions to this are UMiami’s program in Music Engineering and UMich’s program in Sound Engineering. Both are actual music majors, and are rigorous programs that are music-heavy AND engineering-heavy.</p>

<p>However, to be accepted to these programs you have to either audition on a musical instrument (Miami) or submit a portfolio of recordings and original compositions (Michigan). Unfortunately it’s far too late in the game for that this year. In addition, these programs are wildly selective; I applied to Sound Engineering at Michigan this year (should be getting results soon!) and was told that out of “hundreds” of applicants, Michigan was planning on accepting 18. I didn’t apply to the music program at Miami, but I know their numbers are similar.</p>

<p>I think if you want a true engineering degree with a strong audio component, Audio Engineering at Miami is your best bet.</p>

5

<p>thanks.</p>

<p>i know that none of them arent really music majors, but im more interested in being an engineer in something like design or development rather than a recording engineer. I still would want to learn about recording engineering and production though.</p>

<p>so with this in mind i guess it would be better for me to go to Miami or one of the other engineering schools over Hartford or American? since those are technically not Engineering Degrees?</p>

6

<p>@CivilEngr, they are all 4 years except oneonta is 5</p>

7

<p>You’re correct. If you’re more interested in design and development, then you absolutely want to go for the engineering degree. Miami would be a great option, but really any good Electrical Engineering program with a Music Tech minor (USC, Penn State, RIT) will be a stepping stone for where you want to go. Good luck!</p>

8

For those still wondering, University of Rochester probably has the only undergraduate Audio and Music Engineering program. I am class of '19.