Sound Arts: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Sound Arts explores the creative, technical, and cultural dimensions of audio as a dynamic medium of expression. This interdisciplinary field integrates artistic practice with technological innovation, preparing students to shape sound in diverse contexts ranging from performance and digital media to experimental composition and immersive environments.
- Acoustics: The scientific study of sound production, transmission, and perception, providing foundational knowledge for manipulating audio in physical and digital spaces.
- Sound Design: The intentional creation and manipulation of audio elements to enhance narrative, emotion, or atmosphere in film, games, installations, and live performance.
- Music Theory: The analysis of musical structure, harmony, rhythm, and form to support compositional decision-making and critical listening.
- Musicology: The scholarly investigation of music’s historical, cultural, and social contexts across time and global traditions.
- Composing and Arranging: The development of original musical ideas and their adaptation for different instruments, voices, or technological platforms.
- Orchestration and Scoring: The art of assigning musical parts to instruments or digital sounds to achieve specific textures, dynamics, and expressive outcomes.
- Audio Editing and Production: The technical and creative processes involved in recording, manipulating, and refining sound for artistic and technical precision.
- Interdisciplinary Integration: The application of sound practices within fields such as computer programming, performance art, video production, and interactive media.
Sound Arts Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Sound Arts Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Sound Arts degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary and Music Directors and Composers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 110,220 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Music Directors and Composers 27-2041 | $63,670 | $34,990 - $157,010 | 12,330 | $30.61 |
Sound Arts Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,215 in Alabama to $103,385 in Hawaii—a 114% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 110,220 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Sound Arts by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Sound Arts programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Sound Arts is found at University of Massachusetts, Lowell (13 graduates), Modesto Junior College (MJC) (10 graduates), Onondaga Community College (OCC) (8 graduates), Michigan Technological University (MTU) (7 graduates), and College of the Canyons (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 53 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Lowell, Massachusetts | Public | uml.edu |
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| Onondaga Community College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Syracuse, New York | Public | sunyocc.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| College of the Canyons |
Associate's
|
6 | Santa Clarita, California | Public | canyons.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Oswego, New York | Public | oswego.edu |
| Union University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Jackson, Tennessee | Private | uu.edu |
| Bennington College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bennington, Vermont | Private | bennington.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Sound Arts programs
How much can I earn with a Sound Arts degree?
Salaries for Sound Arts graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Music Directors and Composers earn around $63,670. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $103,385 compared to $48,215 in Alabama. Approximately 110,220 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Sound Arts programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Sound Arts degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Massachusetts, Lowell (13 graduates), Modesto Junior College (MJC) (10 graduates), and Onondaga Community College (OCC) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Sound Arts degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Music Directors and Composers, . Related occupations employ approximately 110,220 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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