The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares students for entry-level employment in the audio engineering field. As the most comprehensive program offered, it includes required core coursework along with advanced study in audio electronics, music business, and music theory. Students will further develop their technical and professional skills through a structured internship experience. Students will leave this program ready to begin a career in the industry or transfer to a university.
Audio Engineering
Career/Technical Certificate
If you have an ear for perfection, San Jacinto College can help you get started down the road to a career as an audio engineer. Work in a recording studio or in live sound reinforcement. Master your skills here and you’ll go far!
Turn Up Your Future in Audio Engineering
Why you should choose San Jac's Audio Engineering program.
Start a Career in Audio and Music Production
This program helps you prepare for jobs in recording, live sound, and audio production. You can work in music, film, radio, or live events. You will learn the skills employers look for in the audio industry.
Learn With Real Studio Equipment
You'll train using real recording gear, microphones, mixers, and audio software. This hands-on experience will help you feel confident working in studios and live sound settings.
Build Creative and Technical Skills
You will learn how to record, edit, mix, and improve sound. Our program teaches you how to create high-quality audio for music, video, and other media.
Prepare for Many Career Options
With this program, you'll be able to get jobs such as an audio engineer, recording technician, or live sound technician. The skills you learn can also help you transfer to a university and continue your education in music production or digital media.
Careers
Broadcast Technician
$44,913
Sound Engineering Technician
$59,364
Audio and Video Technicians
$49,340
Opportunities
Graduates of this program have become entrepreneurs and professionals working in:
- Recording studios
- Television and radio stations
- Convention centers and other event venues
- Hotels
- Churches
Locations
Salary Source: Texas Wages
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
Music Recording, AAS
Music, Sound Recording, Occupational Certificate
Certificate
The Occupational Certificate prepares students to enter the Associate of Applied Science or Certificate of Technology program, or advance in their current career. This fast-track program allows students to focus on recording and learn both the business and technical aspects of audio engineering.
1 Year
Music, Techniques of Audio Engineering, Certificate of Technology
Certificate
The Certificate of Technology is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment, advancement in their current role, or continued study in the associate degree program. Coursework emphasizes theory, hands-on technical training, musical development, and essential business concepts. Students will also gain real-world experience through an internship. No core academic courses are required.
2 Years
CAREER TRACKS
The content below shows a flowchart of the career tracks.
After San Jacinto College
Sounds great, but how do I apply?
Ready to take the first step toward an exciting future? It’s time to apply to San
Jac. We’ll guide you through the process and help you start building your future,
today.
Audio Engineering Facilities
Take a virtual tour of our audio engineering facilities, then find out more about each building below!
Music Facilities
The audio engineering program has dedicated workspaces for classes, hands-on learning,
and collaboration.
MIDI Lab
Central Campus C-15.107
Features 13 digital audio workstations with:
- 27-inch iMacs
- Pro Tools and Reason 11 software
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface
- M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 keyboard
Recording Studio A
Located in the Davison Technical Building
Features:
- State-of-the-art control room
- Large tracking room
- Steinway piano and drum rooms
- Microphones and outbound gear
- 40-channel Solid State Logic SL4000 G+ console with Total Recall and Ultimation motorized fader system
- Avid Pro Tools Ultimate HDX with 48 I/O
Recording Studio B
Located in the Davison Technical Building
Features:
- Solid State Logic Origin 32 channel analog console with automation
- Avid Pro Tools Ultimate HDX system with 16 inputs and outputs
- Shared access to drum room with Studio A
- Can be used as an additional iso room for Studio A
Audio 1 Classroom / Live Sound Lab
Located in the Davison Technical Building
Features:
- 9 different digital mixing consoles
- Midas Legend 3000 and Allen & Heath GL4000 analog consoles
- 2 different line array units
- Martin Audio WPM audio playback system
Classroom
Located in the Anderson-Ball Classroom Building
Features:
- Slate Media Technology RAVEN MTi CORE Station
- 2 RAVEN MTi multi-touch control panels
Ready to Work Behind the Sound?
Get clear answers about training, equipment, and career paths in audio engineering.
Audio engineers record, edit, mix, and improve sound. They work on music, podcasts,
film audio, live events, and more. Their job is to make sure sound is clear, balanced,
and professional.
You’ll learn how to record and mix music, set up microphones, run live sound, and
use digital audio software. You’ll also study sound theory, signal flow, and production
techniques used in the industry.
Students train with state-of-the-art professional studio equipment and industry-standard tools, including:
-
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
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Professional microphones such as various models of Shure, AKG, Neumann, Warm Audio, Røde, Crown, and more
-
Mixing consoles
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Studio monitors and headphones
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Audio interfaces and signal processors
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Live sound equipment like digital consoles by DiGiCo, Yamaha, Avid, and analog consoles like Midas Soundcraft, and Allen & Heath
You’ll gain hands-on experience using the same types of tools found in recording studios and live venues.
No prior experience is needed. The program is designed to teach you from the ground up while helping you build real technical skills along the way.
This program is currently offered at our Central Campus.
Audio Engineering Club
Network and gain valuable experience outside the classroom through our audio engineering
club.
Get hands-on audio engineering experience outside the classroom. AEO members not
only provide live sound reinforcement to events on and off campus, they also host
a podcast, and tour major Houston concert venues and recording studios. This organization
is open to audio engineering majors.
Get More Information
Get More Information
Support for your studies
At San Jac, you’re never alone. Our teams ensure you have the support you need to
achieve your academic goals.
Vetted records new music with the audio engineering program
I think bringing a band like Vetted to campus provides something tangible that
our students can latch on to in order to better prepare them for real world scenarios.”
Professor of Audio Engineering
San Jacinto College recently welcomed Vetted, a band of wounded warriors and military veterans, to its Central Campus. The band collaborated with the College’s audio engineering technology program to record new music.
“I was fortunate to experience a recording session like this early on in my musical journey, and it inspired me to pursue a career in the recording industry. Most of our students have not had that opportunity, so I think providing that experience here at San Jac is something that makes our program special,” said Andrew Fidder.
