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Audio and Video Production

Audio and video degree programs focus on the production and employment arena responsible for the recording, editing, and finalization of audio and video for the purposes of art and/or entertainment.  Individuals in this field will work with various software and equipment to produce and finalize the given work.  Audio engineers may choose to work with software such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro, or Propellerheads.  Video producers may choose to work with software such as Pinnacle Studio, Adobe Premier Elements, or AVS Video Editor.   Individuals working in this field will typically work with other specialist to blend ideas, change effects, and make edits to meet client or supervisory demands.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,450

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

21.88%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

69,670

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Audio and Video Production Schools

Johns Hopkins students have a graduation rate above ninety percent in the degree in Audio and Video Production. The school offers both a bachelor’s degree or minor in film and media studies. Choose from a broad range of small, hands-on courses that combine theory and practice in film, television, popular culture, and new media. In this course, students are taught by renowned faculty who include award-winning filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, sound designers, composers, film critics, historians, and theorists.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

American University in Washington DC offers various courses in Audio Technology Program focused on both the art and the science of audio and music technology. With their strong core courses in sound synthesis, audio production, digital audio workstations, electronics, and physics, they secure 2nd in our top ranked audio and video production degree programs for this year.  Resulting in a high graduation rate in their approach that blends art and science in audio in the context of an educational program.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Brigham Young University offers various living on-campus living options for single and married students. If you want to study audio engineering and video production at Brigham Young University the school continues to create experts in the film industry. They provide an opportunity for students to be introduced to different areas within commercial music and sound and gives them a chance to briefly "sample" what it's like to be a film composer, a post-production audio engineer, location sound recordist, music producer, studio owner, and a variety of other areas. As a matter of fact, they have Practical Hands-On Experience where students are exposed to project-based, field trips, providing an opportunity to see firsthand how professional music and sound facilities function.

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Butler University only offers a School of Music degree. It is where they provide a student flexible curriculum that allows them to easily pursue a double major, study abroad, collaborate with internationally-acclaimed artists, participate in the Butler Symphony Orchestra or other ensembles, complete a major research project, or teach in the Butler Community Arts School. Further, Butler University is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). As a matter of fact, Over 100 Jordan College of the Arts students teach almost 2,000 young people annually at the Butler Community Arts School. As a result, their Music Education program boasts a nearly 100% placement rate.

Acceptance Rate

73.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Indiana University is known for its Individualized Major Program which allows students to tackle multidisciplinary studies, leading to a bachelor of arts degree conferred by the IUB College of Arts and Sciences. For Audio Engineering and Sound Production majors, they will let you collaborate directly with the talented students and faculty of the Jacobs School. The experience they taught to the students will lead them to build their own expertise by exposing them early to work on the numerous and varied performances of the school.

Acceptance Rate

77.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

In Ithaca University, they offer Sound Recording Technology named Bachelor of Music Program. It focuses on legacy recording techniques, trained in the latest recording and mixing methods in state-of-the-art facilities. Ithaca’s Music Program highlights the students independently working in studios during their freshman year as they are known for having the state of the art facilities.  Internship of the students is obviously high-profile placement. Ithaca College Recording Services program employs students to record over 400 concerts and recitals each year. Resulting in students becoming both an audio professional and a trained musician.

Acceptance Rate

72.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Lebanon College Valley offers many programs related to music. About audio and music production the school will help you to learn how the business works while helping run our in-house record label, VALE Music Group. Also, they practiced their students to start recording during freshman, like mixing tracks the very first week of school. A big-time alumni like Katie Hockenbury ’18 won a Fulbright to study the historical manufacturers of the Welsh Triple Harp. Also, Justin Weilnau '13 earns degrees in music and science at LVC and today teaches music at a major university. While other alumni pursued graduate study in performance, conducting, and composition at the University of Florida, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Binghamton University, among other institutions.

Acceptance Rate

79.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

York College of Pennsylvania provides students to learn how to be successful in the music industry. With the touch of entrepreneurship course on music by learning hands-on in our state-of-the-art recording studio and through real-world experiences like internships, experiential assignments, and projects. Students who came from here will definitely pursue careers in audio production, artist management, concert promotions, publishing, licensing, and marketing.

Acceptance Rate

68.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Michigan Technical University, a public four-year research institution located in Houghton, Michigan. The University has offered Audio Production and Technology in which they help the student to learn to become versatile in work with audio involved. They have this 24/7 studio access you don’t find at other schools which is designed to calibrate sound systems for live events and Program custom audio software. Master the mix and produce audio while in Summer internships with major companies like Disney, Marvel, and Cirque du Soleil move your resumé to the top of the pile. 

Acceptance Rate

74.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Musicians Institute is a private institution that is Located in Hollywood, California.  This school provides professional level education and training in music and music theory. Various programs for students to choose from who love music is the most reason why this University is top ranked. The Audio Engineering degree is the most popular and secure it ranked as the Best Audio Engineering in the country. This is the result of how unique they are in blending, having state-of-the-art equipment and recording spaces. 

Acceptance Rate

68.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Greenville College provides a variety of degree programs for students to assist them in their growth and development. It is located in Greenville, Illinois, and operated as a private institution. As the university offers Music Industry Studies, they provide a broad foundation in studio recording and live audio production, commercial music performance, and music entrepreneurship. Moreover, they will give concentration lessons in audio engineering (including studio recording, live audio/lighting design, Audio Post Production & Game Audio Design) and commercial music performance under the umbrella of MIS as well as a Songwriting Minor.

Acceptance Rate

56.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Principia College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Elsah, IL, which is a predominantly rural area. The higher teacher/student ratio and access to faculty and teachers are due primarily to the smaller enrollment, over 500 students, maintained by Principia College.

Here is a list of some of the popular programs Principia College offers:

  • Communications And Journalism
  • Visual And Performing Arts
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences

To be considered for admissions, students may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit any transcripts or test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. Students may provide either the ACT or SAT exam scores to be considered for admissions at Principia College. A score between 1376 - 1911 on the SAT, or 21 - 30 for the ACT is usually submitted among accepted students. 80% of those who apply are accepted to this school, of which 61 percent choose to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found here.

Tuition is approximately $28,000 per year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should check the school's net price calculator to determine cost. The price of on-campus housing is around $5,100 for the year. Some students at Principia College may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically provided in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The Principia College Panthers participate in a number of intercollegiate athletic programs, with competitions managed and overseen by the NCAA.

Contact information, admission forms, areas of study, and much more can be accessed on school's website at http://www.principiacollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

91.43

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Ball State University has proven itself when we talk about producing experts in the Music media and production industry. BSU helps their aspiring audio engineer and music experts by providing them the fundamentals crucial to successful work in all media that tap into the creative power of sound. The immersive learning programs at Ball State University help blend the technical know-how with the creative spirit to make the most of the latent resources available. 

Acceptance Rate

76.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Belmont University located at Nashville, Tennessee has provided a variety of degree programs for students just to aid and guide them in their growth and development. In which, in terms of quality education Belmont already proved their capacity of teaching. They offer various programs related to Music such as Audio Engineering, Music Business, Creative Entertainment Industry Studies, Song Writing, Motion Pictures, and College of Music and Performing Arts. It is indeed a globally competitive university. There is no doubt since they are really hands-on and well-experienced with unique insights into the vast expanse of technology and art in this field of study.  

Acceptance Rate

83.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

George Fox University is a private institution that offers professional-level education and training in music and music theory. GFU has a unique approach to vocational training for musicians, audio production, and recording engineering that has been proven effective for many years. They provide a top ranked audio production certificate program that includes both a hands-on and instructional environment to help develop technical talents. It is an immersive program to obtain Pro Tools Certification in music production and audio for film post-production.

Acceptance Rate

82.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Minnesota State University – Moorhead offers over two hundred academic programs for both graduate and undergraduate students. In terms of producing competitive graduates, they reach 88.6% employment in their field of study after graduation.  MSU offers students a robust audio technology degree to help students develop and growth via analytical and creative pursuits.  The highlights of the MSU audio tech degree include access to a state-of-the-art facility, academic engagement, highly focused curriculum, renown reputation, and interdisciplinary partnerships with other MSU programs.  Blending all aspects of this degree allow students a full suite of tools and a perspective of the music industry other schools simply do not offer to students. 

Acceptance Rate

65.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Kuyper College is a nonprofit private college that has a large selection of degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Grand Rapids, MI, in a predominantly suburban area. The Protestant (Other) affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. The school enrolls 340 students per year, allowing for a more personalized education. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Kuyper College offers:

  • Public Administration And Social Services
  • Theology And Religious Vocations
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
  • Education
  • Communications And Journalism
  • Business And Marketing Studies
Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, school records, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the admissions staff. Most students admitted to Kuyper College score in-between 20 to 25 on the ACT exam. This school has an admissions rate of around 55 percent of which only 30 percent decided to enroll.  More information regarding admissions can be gathered via their primary portal or by simply requesting information via our portal. The cost of tuition is approximately $19,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. Students at this school may be eligible for aid which is generally loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Students who wish to view more about Kuyper College can visit their website at kuyper.edu.

Acceptance Rate

62

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Malone University is a non-profit private institution, it offers an assortment of educational opportunities to all aspiring students. Music programs at Malone University are notable for the depth and breadth of opportunities they offer, no matter what type of music career you’re seeking. They offer Certificate programs in Piano Pedagogy and Voice Pedagogy are also offered and scholarships are available through audition. Furthermore, they’re Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Malone's Department of Music prepares students to enjoy music on whatever level they choose. An interesting fact about them students musicians regardless of major are eligible to receive $8,000 and $23,000 in music and institutional total scholarship funds.

Acceptance Rate

70.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

This university offers various course programs related to video production and audio engineering. Savannah College of Art and Design, located in Savannah, GA, is a nonprofit private art institution. They offer a Master of Cinema Studies, both a Masters Degree and a Bachelor of Advertising, Animation, Film and Television, Visual Effects, and Production Design. These programs of SCAD provide every resource to help a student to develop their own signature style.

Acceptance Rate

95.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Minnesota State University - Mankato provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to aid them in their growth and development. The university offers 2 bachelor courses for music majors and only 1 minor, the Music and Entertainment Industries Minor which has 18 credits. They are guaranteed to offer quality education and experience in order for the students to succeed in the professional marketplace in the Music Industry.

Acceptance Rate

62.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Texas State University is a public research university opened in 1903 in San Marco, Texas. It is a very popular university that produces competent students and its graduation rates are 57.37% on our site. Moreover, they offer various audio and visual classes to help students to build themselves. And Music is not new to them, one thing they do before a freshmen can go to the Sound Recording Technology program is they need to pass the Audition and send an application first. Not just that, they offered Arts in Music, Music in Music Studies, Music in Performance, Minor in Music, and Digital Media Information. 

Acceptance Rate

81.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Northwest University is a Christian University in Washington State that scores 42.24% on our site. It was established in 1934 and now it offers 70 majors and academic programs. And one the best programs they offer related in Music is the Audio Production degree program where Steve Smith a Grammy Award Winning Recording Engineer is the Creative Director of the University. Therefore, there is no doubt that this University produces well-skilled musicians and audio engineering in the Music Industry. The Audio Production Program they offered holds a four-year accredited program in the Pacific Northwest that offers a depth training in the Recording industry.  More information can be found via the school website.

Acceptance Rate

93.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Living Arts College is a small college in Raleigh, North Carolina that offers qualified students a handful of targeted academic programs focused on creativity and technical acumen.  The audio production degree at Living Arts College offers training, industry know-how, client relations, and studio management skills within the course.  Students will take core classes in addition to studio development, audio production, portfolio development, and website marketing.  The combination of these courses under the tutelage of highly training audio engineers help students get a leg-up on the competition as they look to enter the highly competitive workforce in the music industry.

Acceptance Rate

100

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

North Central University is a nonprofit private institution located in Minneapolis. The Music Production programs of the university prepare the students with their skills to be a successful career in the recording industry. Imagine, through the courses in audio engineering, ProTools, and music production you’ll perfect the craft of audio recording, mixing, mastering, and producing. An internship will help the students gain real-world experience. Also, with the value of connections with pros in the industry. Plus, North Central’s state-of-the-art recording facilities will give you opportunities to practice with the latest performance and recording technology.

Acceptance Rate

89.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Columbia College - Chicago provides various academic programs that will help the students to embody what they dream to be. The Bachelor of Arts in Music in the school will push the students to be in their professional level. Composition and Production programs grant many opportunities to the students to build their own identity in the Music Industry. The innovative works of the School resulted in reaching 40.58% of graduation rates on our site. And because of this, they secure their place as one of the top ranked schools on our site. Meaning, the quality of education and training they give their students will surely ensure their success in the Music Industry. 

Acceptance Rate

90.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

What is an Audio & Video Producer?

Video and music producing is the field of study that leverages leading-edge technology and unique equipment to produce a variety of content through visual and auditory mediums. Video and audio specialists typically work for broadcasters or production companies to capture multimedia from presentations, concerts, schools, public presentations, music videos, newscasts, conventions, films, and a variety of live events.

In a recent survey by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the top job responsibilities of music production specialist and video engineer specialist were brought into focus. A list of the top job duties of a video producer and sound engineer include:

  1. Selecting equipment and software for particular venues
  2. Operating sound board and mixing board
  3. Analyzing audio and video techniques and production methods with executives
  4. Operating video and audio equipment
  5. Installation of audio and video equipment in a variety of settings from schools to conventions
  6. Utilizing software to properly edit sound files and videos
  7. Aligning audio and video images to ensure they are in synch
  8. Capturing visual and audio files as additional texture for production

Do Sound Producers Require Degrees?

For entry-level jobs in the field, a certificate from an accredited college or trade school is recommended in addition to general education requirements. Higher level jobs typically favor graduates with a formal music production or video engineering degree such as an associate degree and bachelor degree from an accredited college. Each organization or consulting firm will ultimately decide upon candidate requirements given the size of the job, the scope of the project, and the budget they are working within.

Classes in a certificate program or degree-granting program in audio and video production include classes such as: signal processing, transmedia design, essentials of Pro Tools, psychology, audio production, creative presentation, creative writing, mixing concepts, quantitative principles, analog recording systems, recording consoles, studio recording, mastering, live music production, music copywriting, and business administration.

Top Video Production School

A video production degree is a subset of A/V production with a singular focus on visual media. Students will earn an associates degree in video production or bachelor degree master degree in video production to have the best opportunity to enter the competitive video production field. From entry-level positions through upper level film editing and production, the combination of a formal education and work experience in the field provide the best opportunity for career mobility. Video production students will create a portfolio during their time in college while taking classes to enhance skills and knowledge with video: editing, producing, directing, design, camera operation, lighting, sound, special effects, and mastering.

Top Sound and Film Degrees

The audio engineering and audio production track is an area of specialty that may be offered as either an associates degree or a certificate program. It will take about a year to complete a certificate program and 2 years for an associates degree from an accredited college. Students will learn the intricacies of recording, cabling, live sound production, testing equipment, music theory, electrical codes, recording techniques, sound editing, sound design, along with analog and digital recordings. Quickly find the best audio engineering schools by requesting information from the schools below.

Best Production Degree College

Individuals wishing to enter the field of audio and video production will typically pursue an education through an art or film school, usually earning a bachelors degree. An education in this field will cover both practical and theoretical applications of audio and video production, educating individuals in the various programs used by the music and entertainment industry, and how best to apply ones knowledge in completing a given project.

A curriculum in audio and video production may include:

  • Lighting Techniques
  • Audio Production
  • Video Editing
  • Camera Operation
  • Film and Digital Media

Though art and film schools are the traditional location where one would find such a program, it is also true that many traditional colleges and universities also offer an equivalent curriculum. Identifying the right program depends largely on the type of work the individual wishes to pursue, and the level of education they wish to receive. Short programs can offer targeted education in a specific area, whereas four year or graduate studies can provide a broader or more in depth education that may lead to wider varieties for employment.

Careers in Sound & Film Production

Once an education is received, individuals may pursue careers in a variety of related fields. The most common is editing, special effects, or recording, though careers in cinematography, pre-production, planning and others are also possible. Work can be procured through a variety of sources, including television stations, recording studios, post-production houses, freelance, and more. Individuals should be able to take criticism and work under the supervision of others in order, including a willingness to revisit and adjust previously completed material.

Due to emerging technologies that allow for the distribution of content quickly, demand for professionals capable of producing quality content is expected to increase over the next decade. As such trained and knowledgeable individuals should be able to find some form of work related to their area of expertise.

The median annual income of an audio and video production specialist is currently $59,040 according to the BLS with an expected growth rate of 11% is expected over the coming decade. This rate of job growth is nearly twice the average rate of job growth during this time frame adding some 6,400 jobs during this reporting period. Students earning a master's degree in video production average $110,000 a year according to the latest survey performed by Payscale.

Top Jobs of an Audio and Visual Production Major

Video and audio production school graduates will find a variety of job types available to choose from after graduating from an accredited college or trade school.  To help students understand the vernacular and job type variations, we have assembled a list to make the process more efficient.  A list of the top jobs of an audio and video production major include:

  • Broadcast Engineer
  • Reporter
  • Sound Engineer
  • Producer
  • Multimedia Artist
  • Animator
  • Editor
  • Recording Engineer
  • A/V Technician
  • Audio Technician
  • Sound Editor
  • Field Technician
  • A/V Specialist
  • Broadcast Engineer
  • Master Control Operator
  • Videographer
  • Production Assistant
  • Floor Director
  • Photojournalist
  • Foley Artist
  • Production Technician
  • Studio Camera Operator
  • Sound Mixer
  • Film Editor
Top Employers of Audio and Video Production Graduates
  1. Motion Picture Industry
  2. Radio & Television Broadcasting
  3. Cable Operators
  4. Scientific & Technical Consulting Firms
  5. Local Government
  6. Independent Artists
  7. Spectator Sports
Top Paying States for Video and Audio Production Graduates
  1. District of Columbia     $87,220
  2. New York                        $82,870
  3. California                        $75,550
  4. Oregon                            $65,880
  5. Washington                   $65,000

Sound and Film Resources

Additional resources and video production programs may be found at through the Digital Media Organization. The DMO is a professional association dedicated to protecting the rights of its members and encourage lawful usage of media and technology. The planning guide MUSTC and production AAAS planning are another set of solid guides worth studying. The engineering production AAAS offers a comprehensive roadmap in addition to guide close MUSTC. Please read and follow the planning guide close to get the most of the resource. Students may also be interested in organizations such as the Audio Engineering Society (AES), MVPA, or the California Film Commission (CFC).

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