There’s a lot of degree and diploma options available to students at audio production schools. Do your dreams of the future include working behind-the-scenes with top recording artists and other celebrities? If you answered yes, then a career in audio engineering might be just what you need to take the next step forward. Read on to learn what kinds of options are available to you when you decide to pursue an audio career.
WHY GET AN AUDIO ENGINEERING EDUCATION?
Audio engineering schools help students master the use of various pieces of industry-standard equipment and post-production applications and programs in order to prepare them for careers in the industry upon graduation. The rare audio engineering internships are very valuable as you’ll gain access to the industry and have the ability to begin networking with big names in the industry.
WHAT DEGREES AND COURSES ARE AVAILABLE AT AUDIO PRODUCTION SCHOOLS?
Many top audio production schools will present the student with a diploma at the end of their studies instead of issuing a traditional degree. In the audio engineering industry, a diploma is all that is necessary to prove that you have what it takes to succeed, while getting a degree is an additional and often unnecessary (and costly) step. Diploma programs, like those found at F.I.R.S.T. Institute, do not require any general education classes that distract from your main passion. Many different certifications and specialized programs are often available alone or in addition to a more standard curriculum, though, so keep that in mind!
Some schools offer Audio Production Associates and Bachelors degree programs, with a few even offering Masters degree level courses. Many audio production students who have college degrees will have at least an Associates degree. Programs that will earn you an Associates degree can often be found at traditional colleges and community colleges. Regardless of where the program is found, it will very likely include a liberal arts element which requires participating students to complete “general education” courses that are unrelated to their major and degree program.
When pursuing a Bachelors degree, students will find the courses they need at colleges, some technical schools, and universities. If they have already completed an Associates degree program, they will have already taken care of their liberal arts requirement; if not they will focus on this during the first years of their degree program and shift their attention primarily to audio production in the final phases. These programs allow students to begin to pursue specialties and specific aspects of various careers in the industry.
A Masters degree program in audio production is typically found at higher level and specialized universities, major colleges, and audio production schools. A student’s general education courses are well behind them at this point, as are foundation courses in the basic tools and equipment and popular industry techniques. Students at this level are better able to refine their skills and focus on aspects of the recording arts and audio production that interest them. Many times, a Masters program will include a business focus.
DO I NEED A DEGREE?
Short answer: no! But you most likely do need to have a diploma proving that you attended a specialized school to learn the craft. If a student pursues a diploma, they are laying the foundation for their future success by establishing their knowledge of industry standards, equipment, and techniques. This knowledge and the skills students will develop over the course of their program will give them an advantage over someone who hasn’t had any professional exposure to the audio engineering industry before seeking work within it. Any additional schooling after earning a diploma is just icing on the cake: it won’t hurt to have, but don’t feel like you need it to succeed!
GET YOUR RECORDING ARTS DIPLOMA WITH US!
If you’re interested in learning more about how an audio engineering education could help you pursue your dreams of a career in the audio production and recording arts industries, we would love to help connect you with information on our current programs! F.I.R.S.T. Institute is one of the top audio production schools in Florida, and we’d love to be part of your academic journey. Our staff is standing by to answer your questions, and even schedule a tour of our lovely Orlando campus for you.
