Undergrad/Grad Cert or Grad Degree in Audio Engineering

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by soupbone, Jul 8, 2010.

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  1. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member

    Got a quick question for a friend. He's looking for like the title indicates a cert or degree in audio engineering. I searched here but found very limited info. His Bachelor's is in Film, Theatre and Communication Arts and he's looking to broaden his marketability. He's already employed by a major news station as a floor manager.

    He considered an MBA but I'm not sure that would be better than getting a professional cert or Master's in Entertainment Business, Audio Engineering, or possible Project Management.

    Since I'm not even remotely familiar with this industry I figured I'd ask here since maybe some of you might have more familiarity with the subject. Thanks! :)

    *EDIT* Forgot to add this needs to be DL preferably with a B&M campus.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 8, 2010
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    He might should check out my alma mater Musician's Institute of Hollywood. I believe they offer a certificate in that. They are, however, unaccredited. I don't really think accreditation matters that much in this case. I believe they offer it online, but I haven't been there in many years, so I don't actually know. It is possible that the field of audio engineering is not amenable to DL.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 8, 2010
  3. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member


    I'll have him look into that school. I really don't know if it matters or not to be honest. I have little to no knowledge about this field.

    It is very possible it isn't a major he could do via DL. He mentioned that there might be physical limitation like the use of equipment that may be the why.

    That's why I thought he might do better with a management or business related degree. I told him that he might fare better with something other than an MBA but I also know very little about those as well. I thought there may be some market saturation issues with the MBA but feel free to correct my assumptions as I haven't researched it.

    Full Sail offers an M.S. in Entertainment Business ( Entertainment Business Master's Degree : Full Sail Online)
    he might look into which is why I was also asking for those types of degrees as well. Thanks! :)

    *EDIT* I also suggested that he look into professional certs but I simply have no idea if they even exist.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 8, 2010
  4. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    I happen to have two relatives who specialize in this field - a degree (or even a few courses) in electronics or physics is a good basis for audio engineering whether recording, broadcast, or movies. He could earn an AAS or BSAST in these areas from TESC.

    There are B&M degrees available in audio engineering but I am not aware of any DL degrees.
     
  5. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    I have worked (part-time) as an audio engineer in small studios for about 10 years now. Degrees mean nothing in this field. The MBA will not be helpful here (at least not in a direct way). What your friend will need is experience. To get that, he will need to find a good studio where he can intern (most likely for free, although some larger studios pay their interns a small hourly rate). This will mostly need to be an evening/weekend gig, on top of his current job. It will be tough, and at first he'll be probably just making coffee. However, if this is what your friend really wants to do with his life, then the effort will be worth it. BTW, the pay (even for experienced engineers) is generally not very good. You also have to deal with some crazy egos, even from small bands/artists that are playing in cofee shops! Of course, it can also be a very rewarding career. There is nothing like recording and mixing a band that sounds amazing and really has their act together. That makes it all worth it.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 8, 2010
  6. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I'm actually the studio guitarist for a small time record label. I come in and do the guitar parts when they are recording singers who have no band, and sometimes when they do but the guitarist isn't up to snuff. This is a once-in-a-while, part-time gig that only pays a little. I'm stating this give a little credence to my next statement.

    I would say with some certainty that the recording industry is imploding to some extent. Home recording setups have become so sophisticated that it is taking a good deal of work from all but the top studios. Downloading has destroyed much of the profit in the industry. I'm pretty certain that for all but a very few, the recording industry is not a very good field to get into.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 8, 2010
  7. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    I agree. If the OP's friend is really interested in audio engineering, I think broadcast engineering (radio/TV) might be a better option. He already works at a news station, perhaps he could (very) slowly, transition into a new role with his same employer. Not sure whether broadcast engineers make more $$ than a floor manager, if that is an important consideration (and who isn't considered about money these days?!).
     
  8. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    I agree this works for many areas of audio engineering but technical knowledge is required for more advanced audio engineering projects (that, I might add, pay big bucks).

    One way to obtain an instant credential is to become a member of the AES
    Audio Engineering Society (AES)
    This can be added to a resume, networking opportunities occur, and journals and conferences are great sources of knowledge.

    AES also has tutorials.
     
  9. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member

    Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll pass those along for sure. Last night I started looking harder and some schools offer Entertainment Management Graduate Degrees but I haven't found much like it via DL. Since these are both areas he's currently interested in do you know of any of these types of degrees via DL?
     

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