You are here: Master of Arts in Audio Technology

Man in headphones next to soundboard

Back to top

Learn Audio Technology in Washington, DC

Class

The MA in audio technology at American University focuses on both the art and science of music technology to prepare students for a variety of careers in the industry. Students take courses in critical listening, sound synthesis, music production and mixing, digital instrument design, post-production, and film scoring. Ranked number one by Education Portal, our program will give you the education and experience you need to succeed.

As a student in the audio technology program, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the areas that interest you most, from sound design to music production. You’ll work alongside nationally recognized audio engineers and faculty with industry expertise, gaining the practical experience top recording studios and production facilities look for in their new technicians.

A Flexible Program With Solid Results

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 concentrate on music recording and production or computer music.

You’ll have access to cutting-edge recording facilities designed by the architect who worked with Jimi Hendrix to design Electric Lady Studios. You’ll also get directly involved in the recording process, from setup to teardown, and collaborate with top audio engineers.

Learn From Industry Experts

Our audio technology faculty members are passionate about the industry. They attend events across the country, enduring that our students stay up to date on the latest trends.  Here are a few of the conferences we attend each year:

  • Audio Engineering Society Convention in New York City and California
  • South By Southwest in Austin, Texas
  • International Computer Music Conference, held in cities around the world

Outstanding Opportunities in DC

Washington, DC, is the ideal location for those passionate about audio technology. DC has a vibrant music scene and plenty of opportunities for internships and hands-on experiences. Our students have interned at 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our master’s degree program prepares students for careers as recording studio engineers; sound designers for TV, film, and video games; acousticians; and music business professionals. You can also use your degree as a foundation for a doctoral degree at a research university.

Our graduates work in recording studios, production facilities, and live performance venues around the country. Some notable careers:

  • Freelance Audio Engineer for recording artists including Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and Ludacris
  • Head Engineer and Producer at House Studios
  • Manager of NASCAR at Sirius XM
  • Broadcast Engineer at BBC
  • Live and Studio Sound Engineer at PBS
  • Distribution Engineer at Discovery Communications

Reason #1: Flexibility. We partner with the Departments of Computer Science and Physics, other performing arts programs, and the School of Communication, so you can customize your degree and investigate the areas that interest you most. Concentrate in music recording and production, post-production, or computer music.

Reason #2: Location. Washington, DC, is a cosmopolitan hub with one of the best music scenes in the country and a dynamic arts and culture scene that rivals many larger cities.

Reason #3: Connections. Our faculty have industry connections that help our students land their dream jobs and internships. Plus, we regularly bring in some of the most successful people in the industry to give guest lectures. Previous guests have included the CEO of Pandora and the creator of R2D2 Sounds.

News

Photograph of audio technology equipment.

Alumni ·

CAS Alumnus Develops Music App

Read More

Alumnus Spotlight

James Reber, CAS/BA 2013

Audio Technology

At AU, several opportunities proved integral to my future success in the field.

A passion for sound and music brought James Reber to AU's audio technology program. As part of his undergraduate coursework, he completed an internship with the BBC, which led to his career as a broadcast engineer working on the BBC's news programs, including World News America. He also teaches undergraduate courses in audio technology, bringing his broadcasting experience back to AU.

Our State-of-the-Art Recording Studios

Drum room

Drum room with access to Foley pits

Soundboard

Three control rooms

Woman singing

Four isolation booths

Woman at piano

Recording space with variable acoustics

A Look Inside the MA in Audio Tech

1:50

Get a look inside the Audio Technology Master's Program. Faculty, alumni, and students say what sets this program apart from others. Additional information and degree requirements can be found on the MA webpage.