The majority of degree programs in recording engineering are typically at the bachelor's level. However, international students interested in pursuing more advanced positions in the audio recording industry should consider a graduate degree in recording engineering. Graduate degree programs can open many more advanced career options as this article explains.
A master's degree in recording engineering generally takes two to three years to complete, although many schools offer part-time schooling options to accommodate working students. While an undergraduate degree provides students with a more general overview of the technology and skills involved in recording and manipulating sound, a graduate degree in recording engineering focuses on the more advanced skills and techniques necessary to capture and edit sounds. The programs teach students how recording engineering fits in with various related disciplines, such as computer science, digital animation and video production. Master's programs in recording engineering are generally geared towards professionals who want to further their careers in the recording industry. Students who earn a graduate degree in recording engineering are better prepared for careers in the electronic media industry, such as careers as producers, engineers, or teachers.
Necessary Coursework
International students who pursue a master's degree in recording engineering should expect to attend seminars about the science and engineering behind sound recording technologies, as well as how to use these technologies to achieve new levels in the field of audio recording. Students in these programs will learn the properties and capabilities of recording technology, sound physics, audio aesthetics, and how the recording industry functions as a business. Some master's programs in recording engineering also offer business and management classes. These classes are ideal for students who hope to graduate with the leadership skills necessary for upper-level positions in the recording industry. Students interested in achieving a graduate degree in recording engineering will take a variety of classes on different subjects, including:
- Music and technology
- Audio science technology
- Digital audio systems
- Audio recording for film
- Musical acoustics
- Advanced recording systems
- Electroacoustics
- Multi-track production
- Legal issues in recording arts
- Musical instrument digital interface
- Digital and audio recording
- Recording acoustics
- Music theory
- Science of audio
Prerequisites
International students who wish to earn a master's degree in recording engineering must first earn a bachelor's degree. Although a bachelor's degree in a related field is not always necessary, it is encouraged, and some master's programs in recording engineering require that students have a bachelor's degree in sound, recording, or audio production. Most master's programs require students to submit a portfolio showcasing their work and skill level before they can be accepted. The requirements regarding the portfolio's contents vary according to school, but it should ideally demonstrate a high level of competence in a number of areas, such as audio engineering, audio production, acoustics and music theory. Students without a bachelor's degree in a related field can still be accepted to a master's degree program in recording engineering if their portfolio is impressive enough.
Possible Career Paths
A master's degree in recording engineering is the highest attainable level of education in the field. Students who graduate with this degree have a large number of career options available to them. Students may choose to go into broadcasting, video game production or live performing arts. Other career options include:
- Audio engineer
- Audio engineering manager
- Audio forensics specialist
- Music producer
- Film score arranger
- Recording arts management
- Television audio producer
- Radio producer
Graduates with a master's degree in recording engineering will also have the option of becoming college professors and teaching in academia.