Sound Design (MFA)

Learn the essentials of AI-driven strategy, research, and design to excel in brand communications. Be empowered to innovate in a tech-focused industry by leveraging the latest AI tools. Create a brand and launch it through an AI-integrated campaign, showcasing your ability to synthesize and apply essential skills.

Learn to edit using non-linear Adobe Premiere Pro. You will explore the roots and theory of montage editing, screen direction, continuity, and elements of style across all genres. You will additionally learn how to create titles, basic color correction and visual effects.

What we hear is just as important as what we see. In this hands-on course you will learn the most important elements of creating effective, dynamic sound design for film: recording and editing dialog, sound effects, music and more - then add effects and do a final mix - all in synchronization with video. Learn the art and craft of sound design!

Avid's Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) technology is embraced by recording artists and audio production professionals around the world. You will learn Avid Pro Tools, the industry standard for audio and music production. You will develop core skills in recording, editing, audio processing, adding effects, and mixing music and sound design projects.

As an incoming graduate student, you'll get an industry overview of soundtrack production for media, learn foundational concepts, and learn strategies for success in the MUS curriculum and in your midpoint and final review.

Audio production skills are key to success in the media industry. In this course you will learn recording, microphones, signal flow, audio editing and more. Gain experience in recording voice, instruments, and how to combine elements to create balanced mixes.

Successful video games rely on realistic and compelling sound content. To build skills in audio production for game design, you'll record and edit audio assets like voice, sound effects and music, while learning how to put audio into a game engine utilizing middleware. (This course is cross-listed with MUS 317.)

In this course you will learn crucial music editing skills that combine the artistic and the technical. Emphasizing aesthetics, you will practice creating musical moods for visual media clips by editing existing music sources and use advanced techniques to synchronize and edit music to picture.

Study advanced interactive sound design using Unreal Engine for film, games, and XR. Learn spatial audio, Unreal’s Blueprint visual scripting to control interactive sound behavior, and tools such as FMOD and MetaSounds for procedural effects and ambiences. Students build real-time scenes and cinematics showcasing industry-ready, immersive audio implementation. (This course is cross-listed with MUS 337.)

Explore the world of experimental sound design and sound synthesis. Learn classic techniques like subtractive, additive, and FM synthesis and use tools like Logic Alchemy. Enjoy abstract uses of sound and music, audio art installations, and experimental technology. Discover how sound synthesis and experimentation will help you gain a larger and more creative perspective to enrich your career as a sonic artist. (This course is cross-listed with MUS 425.)

Develop your demo reel and portfolio materials in preparation to enter the soundtrack for media industry. You'll build a professional demo reel that demonstrates your abilities as a music creator or sound designer that effectively supports the narrative and emotional content of visual media. Professional practices in the entertainment media industry are also emphasized.