Audio Production and Technology—BS

Learn the secrets of audio alchemy

Hear The Calling: Amplify Your Future With a Degree in Audio Production and Technology

You enter the room. Sounds leap around you. Sensors track your movements—the sounds change depending on where you stand and what you're doing. You can’t see speakers, but you know there must be a ton of them because the sound is coming from everywhere. The system and technology behind this must be incredible. So are the audio technologists who create it.

In Michigan Tech's audio production and technology degree program, study the tools, techniques, equipment, and theory of modern sound production, from studio to stage, to theme parks and beyond. If you love creative problem-solving and technology, this program gives you the tools you need to succeed in the complex, sophisticated world of audio technology.

Make sound amazing. Make amazing sounds. Many of our students walk right into high-level jobs after graduation. Paul Bristol's first job as AV/Control systems designer and engineer for Smart Monkeys, a themed entertainment company that sends him all over the world. His first assignment: The Rockettes at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. His latest assignment: U2's Las Vegas Residency at Sphere.

Audio Production Prowess Unleashed: Be Job-Ready on Day 1

Huskies with a degree in audio production and technology are ready to hit the ground running on their first day on the job. At Tech you’ll:

Learn the full range of core skills essential to contemporary audio systems, including the physics behind sound production, fundamentals of computer networking and programming, and electrical engineering.
Build technology prowess over the course of earning your degree, progressing from basic analog equipment to advanced customized systems with dozens of speakers and custom-programmed controls.
Practice and perfect your craft in Michigan Tech's sound production facilities, which include several surround-sound mixing rooms for cinema, theater, and gaming production—unlike most audio programs, facilities, and equipment are available to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Record original content, compose original music, work on stage productions, concerts, and more.
Work one-on-one in our intentionally small classes. Get advice and guidance from instructors who work professionally in sound all over the world.
Design and calibrate sound systems for music, theater, and other live events.
Program custom software and computer systems for audio.
Mix concerts as lead engineer.
Record, mix, master, and produce albums.
Calibrate and program interactive installations.

8:1

student-to-faculty ratio
9
minors to help you customize your degree
5
sound labs to perfect your craft

Tomorrow Needs Listeners

As the need for modern sound production from studio to stage grows, so does the need for sound-sational audio technologists who can enhance audio quality across many environments. By employing your newfound knowledge of acoustics, signal processing, and audio equipment you’ll help deliver immersive, high-quality, and memorable audio experiences. Your degree in audio production and technology helps you deliver what tomorrow needs.

Career Advising

One-on-one advising keeps you moving forward. You'll consider summer internships, jobs, résumé and portfolio preparation—everything you need to line up the kind of work you want and build the career you desire.

Career Opportunities for Audio Production and Technology Majors

Your future career options are unlimited with a degree in audio production and technology.
Jobs include:

AV Engineer
Live Sound Mixer
Microphone Designer
Recording Engineer
Sound Editor
Sound Engineer
Sound Systems Installer
Speaker Designer
Wireless Systems Engineer

Companies Hiring Michigan Tech Audio Production and Technology Majors

Almost any company creating sound content requires an audio production and technology expert. The growing list of companies that have recently hired Michigan Tech audio production and technology graduates includes:

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying audio production and technology degree program at Michigan's flagship technological university.

"My education at Michigan Tech was invaluable because it provided me with a deep understanding of the latest audio production tools and techniques, equipping me with the expertise needed to excel in the industry. The program's emphasis on real-world projects and industry connections allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making me well-prepared for a fulfilling career."Paul Bristol '16, BS Audio Production and Technology

Full STEAM Ahead

Combine your love of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) into a career that requires creative, artistic, and technical skills. In the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, we emphasize creativity, self-motivation, and concrete goals—attributes that, combined with academic performance, add up to success. Develop critical skills to continue as a lifelong learner who adapts to ever-evolving entertainment industry technology. Our programs and faculty engage students and enrich campus by involving scholars from diverse fields in ambitious and meaningful projects, exhibitions, and performances.

Access state-of-the-art facilities: Michigan Tech’s Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts—the region’s premier performing arts center—and the Walker Arts and Humanities Center are home to a traditional performance hall, flexible black box space, costume and scene shops, and a packed schedule of multimedia events. Work side-by-side with faculty on Michigan Tech productions and complete high-tech training in all aspects of the profession in well-equipped shops, labs, and performance venues—many with 24/7 access.
Get personalized attention: With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, you can build valuable relationships with world-class professors. Our limited enrollment allows for smaller classes, personal quality educational time with faculty and staff, and more exploratory time in the studio (with industry-specific equipment and tools).
Build a career: Working one-on-one with your advisor, understand how to develop your career path—from student internships to post-graduation employment in the industry. Develop networks and strengthen your presentation and interview skills at professional industry conferences and events. Build your professional portfolio. Graduates prepared for a thrilling career in the arts and entertainment industry.
Get involved: Join the 250 member strong Huskies Pep Band or one of 12 other ensembles. Get involved with any of our 30+ music performances, 6+ art exhibitions or events, and 5 theatre shows. Or join any number of professional organizations on campus—WMTU; Audio Engineering Society; Mu Beta Psi (national music fraternity, non-music majors welcome); Sound Girls; Above The Bridge Records ; Sound and Lighting Service; and more.

Undergraduate Majors in Visual and Performing Arts

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minors

Play an instrument. Sing in an ensemble. Act. Sculpt. Sew. Build. Students from all majors can perform, design, compose, and lead with a minor in the Visual and Performing Arts Program. We emphasize artistic, practical, and analytical attributes that round out your education and create lifetime memories. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Tomorrow Needs You

The world of entertainment is being transformed by technology, with applications expanding into event staging, museum displays, themed retail events, theme parks, and more. Supercharge your creative, analytical, and technical skills at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to entertain the world.

Study Audio Production and Technology at Michigan Tech

"I do think I'm being really well prepared for the future. I do feel pretty confident just with everything we've been able to do and with these connections that I've made."Jos Olson

"We have historically had very good success finding smart, talented people coming out of the hybrid programs at MTU, combining engineering with theatre or audio studies. Of all of our recruiting over the years, MTU has provided the most successful results."Jason Pontius, Director of Operations, Smart Monkeys