Top Audio Engineering Schools in North America

Starting a career in audio engineering requires a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, including a strong understanding of how to use the hardware and software involved in the field. It can be a challenge to acquire all this knowledge and skill on your own.

Audio engineering schools focus on preparing you for working in this field. A sound engineering course can be a certificate, diploma, or degree program — each has different pros and cons, and they can all help you get your foot in the door. 

The exact type of program and school you choose will affect your experience, but overall, you’ll learn theory, practical skills, develop a portfolio, and establish connections in the industry. All of these elements prepare you for a successful career after graduation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for broadcast, sound, and video technicians at 2%, as fast as average growth. The BLS also says these positions generally require postsecondary education, meaning anything beyond high school, and that specific education requirements vary by position.

The BLS combines several types of audio-visual positions. Zippia has its own data focusing on audio engineering, estimating a job growth rate of 10% from 2018-2028, exceeding the average. 

The above statistics focus on the United States, but we’re looking at all of North America. The Canadian Job Bank describes moderate growth, which is the average employment outlook for audio and video recording technicians in Ontario.

Ultimately, career prospects will vary based on where you live, your education credentials, and any work experience. Keep these moving pieces in mind as you build your new career.

Attending the right school for your career goals is a crucial decision. The most essential factor is what type of program and specific school is best suited to meet your needs. Defining your immediate and future career goals is the best way to start evaluating potential schools and programs.

Choosing a school that focuses on a very specific field of the Audio Industry can be very limiting and isolate your potential work opportunities post graduation. Identifying with a school that will expose you to as many possible jobs and networking opportunities gives young graduates and aspiring audio engineers a better chance to diversify their skill sets, and find what you're most excited to do for a job.

Those looking to get started in the field quickly may want to choose a diploma program, as will those with limited financial resources. However, a university degree can help create a more well-rounded education, but it will take longer and have higher costs. 

As we explore the top audio engineering schools, keep in mind that the best school will be different for everyone based on goals and needs.

The length of audio engineering programs varies between programs, with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees taking two and four years, respectively. More focused certificate and diploma programs are generally much shorter.

While the timeframe is a crucial factor to consider, the skills and knowledge gained from the program are the more critical elements. Conducting your own research by taking a tour of the school, meeting and speaking with past graduates of the program can be great starting points to determining if you align with the program and curriculum.

Additionally, credentials are a vital aspect of landing your first job. A diploma from a reputable school or university will help you stand out more than a certificate.

Looking broadly at the industry, you need practical experience and a strong understanding of theory to start working in the field. Employers typically specify the technical skills they need, such as the software and hardware you’ll use. 

Education requirements vary by each job listing, and earning credentials will help you stand out from other candidates and help convey your expertise, especially when you don’t have any work experience. Requirements also vary by focus, as music engineering programs cover different topics than live sound engineering.

Higher-level audio engineer positions will usually require a blend of work experience and credentials. Starting with entry-level positions paves the way for these higher-level positions, but it’s essential to consider future requirements when choosing the right program.

Absolutely. You should never commit to an audio school without seeing the gear and meeting the instructors. We encourage all prospective students to Book a Campus Tour to experience our eight dedicated studios firsthand.

Yes, there are several financial aid options available to help you fund your education at OIART. Because OIART is a registered private career college, students can access a variety of government and private funding sources:

• Federal and Provincial Student Loans: Canadian students can apply for government assistance through their provincial programs (such as OSAP in Ontario). OIART students may qualify for both federal (Canada Student Loans) and provincial funding.
• Scholarships: OIART offers several internal scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,000, including the Music Scholarship, the Post Graduate/Sabbatical Scholarship, the Jenn Lewis Scholarship (specifically for women applicants), and the Communications Arts Scholarship.
• RESP & Scholarship Trust Plans: As a registered institution, OIART qualifies for withdrawals and payments from all Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs).
• Bank Loans & Lines of Credit: Most major Canadian banks and credit unions offer student-specific loans or lines of credit for those attending qualifying post-secondary programs.

Note on Program Length: For financial aid purposes, many institutions consider OIART’s intensive 11-month academic year as the equivalent of a two-year program due to the high volume of instruction hours.

If you have specific questions about your eligibility, you can contact the OIART Financial Aid office directly for assistance.