Sound Arts
A program that focuses on sound as a form of cultural expression, and its relationship to other disciplines such as computer programming, performance, and video. Includes instruction in acoustics; arranging, composing, and editing music; music theory; musicology; orchestration and scoring; and sound design.
- Schools offering
- 8
- Annual completions
- 42
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $44k
About this major
A program that focuses on sound as a form of cultural expression, and its relationship to other disciplines such as computer programming, performance, and video. Includes instruction in acoustics; arranging, composing, and editing music; music theory; musicology; orchestration and scoring; and sound design.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80k | +1.7% | Master's degree |
| Music directors and composers | $64k | -0.3% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$44k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$37k
Bachelor's
$44k
Top colleges for Sound Arts
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, MA | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| Onondaga Community College | Syracuse, NY | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| College of the Canyons | Santa Clarita, CA | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| State University of New York at Oswego | Oswego, NY | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Union University | Jackson, TN | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Bennington College | Bennington, VT | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing, MI | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
Music, General
7,606 completions/yr
Music Performance, General
3,958 completions/yr
Music Technology
1,542 completions/yr
Music Management
1,476 completions/yr
Musical Theatre
1,121 completions/yr
Music, Other
861 completions/yr
Music Theory and Composition
847 completions/yr
Jazz/Jazz Studies
341 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Sound Arts field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Sound Arts worth it? Read verdict