Acoustical Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Acoustical Engineering is a specialized field dedicated to the scientific and technical exploration of sound behavior, particularly in underwater environments, with a strong emphasis on defense and security applications. This program equips students with advanced knowledge in the physics of sound transmission and the engineering principles behind detecting, analyzing, and manipulating acoustic signals for strategic use.
- Acoustics: The foundational study of sound wave generation, transmission, and interaction with various media, including water, solids, and air, with a focus on underwater environments.
- Electrical Engineering: Core principles of circuit design, signal transmission, and system integration essential for developing and maintaining acoustic sensing and communication systems.
- Underwater Sound Wave Propagation: Analysis of how sound travels through marine environments, including the effects of temperature, salinity, depth, and oceanic layers on signal integrity and range.
- Reception of Underwater Acoustic Signals: Techniques and technologies used to detect and capture faint or complex sound patterns using hydrophones and advanced sensor arrays.
- Military Applications of Underwater Sound: Strategic deployment of acoustic systems in maritime surveillance, submarine detection, and anti-submarine warfare operations.
- Acoustic Signal Processing: Advanced computational methods for filtering, enhancing, classifying, and interpreting underwater acoustic data to extract actionable intelligence.
Acoustical Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Acoustical Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Acoustical Engineering degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. 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 64,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
Acoustical Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,350 in Vermont to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 64,410 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 Acoustical Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Acoustical Engineering 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 Acoustical Engineering is found at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (17 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 17 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
17 | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Acoustical Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Acoustical Engineering degree?
Salaries for Acoustical Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $58,350 in Vermont. Approximately 64,410 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 Acoustical Engineering programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Acoustical Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (17 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.
Is enrollment in Acoustical Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 3 in 2010 to a peak of 20 in 2020, before declining slightly to 17 in 2023-24. This represents a 467% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Acoustical Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 64,410 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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