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Audio Arts
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Contact: Robert BowenTitle: Department ChairContact: rbowen@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Audio Arts

Arts Division
Degree S0434

The Audio Arts degree provides students with conceptual, technical, and creative skills necessary for employment in audio-related positions in a variety of industries. These industries include, but are not limited to, music, film, TV, radio, animation, gaming, theater, event management, theme parks, commercial installations, and integrated systems. The program provides training in audio production, engineering, and business for recordings, live events, and multimedia. 

Students who successfully complete the Associate's of Science program will be able to:

  1. Collaborate effectively in the development of high-quality audio productions.
  2. Lead and manage complex audio productions. 
  3. Develop audio productions for a specified purpose in a variety of settings.
  4. Analyze and critique audio productions in their historical and cultural context.
  5. Analyze emerging technology and industry developments to make strategic decisions. 
  6. Operate advanced audio systems in recording, live, and multimedia settings. 
  7. Apply technical knowledge and skills to the development of high-quality audio productions.
  8. Apply creative audio techniques to the development of effective audio productions. 

While the audio job market is competitive and position placement is in no way guaranteed, successful graduates will gain competitive skills necessary for pursuing entry-level employment as a (n):

  1. Producer or director
  2. Studio, mix, or live sound engineer 
  3. Sound designer or arranger
  4. Sound editor
  5. Entertainer or performer 
  6. Audio and video equipment technician 
  7. Media and communication worker
  8. Communication equipment operator

Required Courses 

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • Audio and Video Technicians

      Audio and Video Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 27-4011.00

      Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $21.47

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $60,847.09
      Annual Job Openings
      936

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Broadcast Technicians

      Broadcast Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 27-4012.00

      Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $20.71

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $54,042.80
      Annual Job Openings
      1,181

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Sound Engineering Technicians

      Sound Engineering Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 27-4014.00

      Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $21.51

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $70,795.67
      Annual Job Openings
      752

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
How to Complete the Program

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Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Audio Arts

    Arts Division
    Degree S0434

    The Audio Arts degree provides students with conceptual, technical, and creative skills necessary for employment in audio-related positions in a variety of industries. These industries include, but are not limited to, music, film, TV, radio, animation, gaming, theater, event management, theme parks, commercial installations, and integrated systems. The program provides training in audio production, engineering, and business for recordings, live events, and multimedia. 

    Students who successfully complete the Associate's of Science program will be able to:

    1. Collaborate effectively in the development of high-quality audio productions.
    2. Lead and manage complex audio productions. 
    3. Develop audio productions for a specified purpose in a variety of settings.
    4. Analyze and critique audio productions in their historical and cultural context.
    5. Analyze emerging technology and industry developments to make strategic decisions. 
    6. Operate advanced audio systems in recording, live, and multimedia settings. 
    7. Apply technical knowledge and skills to the development of high-quality audio productions.
    8. Apply creative audio techniques to the development of effective audio productions. 

    While the audio job market is competitive and position placement is in no way guaranteed, successful graduates will gain competitive skills necessary for pursuing entry-level employment as a (n):

    1. Producer or director
    2. Studio, mix, or live sound engineer 
    3. Sound designer or arranger
    4. Sound editor
    5. Entertainer or performer 
    6. Audio and video equipment technician 
    7. Media and communication worker
    8. Communication equipment operator

    Required Courses 

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    MUSA 100Fundamentals of Audio Technology3
    MUSA 110Acoustics for Audio Production3
    MUSA 120Electronic Music3
    MUSA 130Business of Audio Production3
    MUSA 150Audio Recording3
    MUSA 160Live Sound Engineering3
    MUSA 200Audio Production3
    MUSA 210Audio for Multimedia3
    MUSA 220Sound Performance and Synthesis3
    MUSA 250Audio Capstone3
    Required Electives
    Select 6 units from the following6
    BUSM 66
    Small Business Management
    ELEC 50A
    Electronic Circuits - Direct Current (DC)
    ELEC 50B
    Electronic Circuits (AC)
    MUS 110A
    Music Fundamentals for Musicians
    MUSA 230
    Songwriting
    MUSA 299
    Work Experience in Audio Arts
    R-TV 01
    Introduction to Electronic Media
    R-TV 11A
    Beginning Radio Production
    THTR 14
    Stagecraft
    Total Units36

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Robert BowenTitle: Department ChairContact: rbowen@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 13-2457Phone: (909) 274 - 5332