Acoustics
A program that focuses on the scientific study of sound, and the properties and behavior of acoustic wave phenomena under different conditions. Includes instruction in wave theory, the acoustic wave equation, energy transformation, vibration phenomena, sound reflection and transmission, scattering and surface wave phenomena, singularity expansion theory, ducting, and applications to specific research problems such as underwater acoustics, crystallography, and health diagnostics.
- Schools offering
- 3
- Annual completions
- 95
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $80k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific study of sound, and the properties and behavior of acoustic wave phenomena under different conditions. Includes instruction in wave theory, the acoustic wave equation, energy transformation, vibration phenomena, sound reflection and transmission, scattering and surface wave phenomena, singularity expansion theory, ducting, and applications to specific research problems such as underwater acoustics, crystallography, and health diagnostics.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Physicists | $166k | +4.0% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Physics teachers, postsecondary | $97k | +2.5% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$80k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$74k
Bachelor's
$80k
Top colleges for Acoustics
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL | 0 | 51 | 51 |
| New York University | New York, NY | 0 | 43 | 43 |
| Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Related majors to explore
Physics, General
7,501 completions/yr
Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
664 completions/yr
Astrophysics
340 completions/yr
Physics, Other
240 completions/yr
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other
87 completions/yr
Optics/Optical Sciences
44 completions/yr
Health/Medical Physics
30 completions/yr
Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
25 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Acoustics field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Acoustics worth it? Read verdict