The MA in Audio Technology (ATEC) at American University focuses on the art and science of music technology to prepare you for success in careers across the industry.
You’ll explore the areas that interest you most, from sound design to music production. You will work alongside nationally recognized audio engineers and faculty with industry expertise, gaining the practical experience that top recording studios and production facilities are looking for. And you’ll get hands-on experience through internships and job opportunities in Washington, DC, and beyond.
Request Info How to Apply
AU’s location is ideal for those passionate about audio technology, with its vibrant music scene, robust opportunities for internships and hands-on experiences — with the highest average salaries in the nation for audio and video technicians and 7% projected growth (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 report).
AU offers an organization for everyone, such as AU Women in Audio, which brings industry stars to campus and invites artists to record and mix with them in the studio. Students also engineer music and podcasts in our state of the art facilities.
The master’s in audio technology gives you the freedom to customize your degree based on your interests. Within our 30-credit program, you can decide whether you want to focus on music recording and production or computer music — preview Courses & Times.
You’ll have access to cutting-edge recording facilities designed by the architect who worked with Jimi Hendrix to create Electric Lady Studios. You’ll be directly involved in the recording process, from setup through post-production. And you will collaborate with top audio engineers and become part of a thriving student and alumni network.
“Learning proper mixing workflow in class was so critical, as it helps me interface with these professionals in the industry during email exchanges and interviews. Once they hear me asking about concepts like mix bus compression, stems, or send/return channels, they know I’m speaking their language.”
—Jonathan Cornell (MA, audio technology ’23),
Head of Music at Immersive Audio Album
DC is an ideal location for people passionate about audio technology. It has a vibrant music scene and plenty of opportunities for internships and hands-on experiences. Internship sites for our students include NPR, BBC, Capital Post Production, Cue Recording Studios, Cutting Room Studios, Discovery Communications, National Science Foundation, SiriusXM, and Takoma Media.
Our faculty members have connections with recording studios, radio stations, post-production facilities, and live performance venues throughout the area. Our graduates work in recording studios, production facilities, broadcasting studios, and live performance venues, creating a solid alumni network in the DC area and across the country.
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 21% employment growth for broadcast, sound, and video technicians (vs. 8% for all occupations) from 2020 to 2030 — with the DC area projected to have twice the nationwide concentration of audio technician and engineering jobs. According to the BLS's more recent Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report, the DC area offers the nation's highest average salaries for audio and video technicians.
Recent graduates have gone on to work at
Following core classes, students take advanced studies and electives to advance and focus their skillsets on career interests and goals.
Ready to dive in? Start your application.
