The AA in Sound Design provides a focused introduction to soundtrack creation for visual media. Emphasis is placed on recording, editing, and mixing soundtrack elements like dialog, sound effects, and ambiences. Students will learn foundational skills in digital audio workstations as well as layering and mixing techniques to create sonic worlds for visual media.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degree
Core Classes

This program is available online and on campus

MPT 106

Edit 1: The Art of Editing Core/3

Video editing can be a very powerful visual storytelling tool. Using Adobe Premiere Pro, you will use montage, screen direction, continuity, and stylistic concepts to edit a narrative scene.

MUS 101

Music Theory and Basic Notation Core/3

Get started on the right note. You'll acquire foundational skills in basic music theory and music notation, as well as basic keyboard techniques for success in later music courses.

MUS 102

Soundtrack Industry Overview Core/3

Learn the landscape of the sound and music industries, and how to prepare for success in your degree plan. You will identify key audio and music elements, the component parts of a soundtrack, and how music and sound relate to narrative media storytelling.

MUS 105

Pro Tools Specialist Certification Preparation Core/3

Avid's Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) technology is embraced by recording artists and audio production professionals around the world. You will be introduced to Avid Pro Tools, the industry standard for audio and music production. You will develop your core skills in recording, editing, audio processing, adding effects, and mixing music and sound design projects. You will be prepared to pass the 100 Level Pro Tools Specialist Certification exam.

MUS 120

Music Production 1 Core/3

Digital audio workstation technology is at the heart of music production today. Learn foundational skills in the use of DAW technology, MIDI, synthesizers, samplers, loops, and multi-track music production, while learning to construct musical ideas effectively.

MUS 125

Audio Production Core/3

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.

MUS 170

Music Production 2 Core/3

Learn advanced techniques in music production using digital audio workstation software. Increase your ability to compose original music for media and improve your editing skills. You'll learn to integrate MIDI with audio tracks, use plug-ins to create compelling mixes, and to sync music and audio with video.

MUS 188

Rhythm and Beat Production Core/3

Everything in the universe dances and has a rhythm. Using rhythm and beats, you'll learn how to create compelling groove in your music, no matter what style. Plus, you'll create drum tracks and beats to learn how rhythm and groove influence song arrangement.

MUS 370

Editing Music for Entertainment Media Core/3

Strong editing skills are the best entry into sound and music work in entertainment media. Learn to edit music for long and short form media with music stems, synchronize music to picture, master cross-fades and tempo mapping, and learn how to interpret the feeling of a scene and enhance its emotional impact. Strengthen your artistic and technical skills in this exciting class that takes your editing skills to a new level.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Core24
Sophomore Portfolio3
Major18
Liberal Arts15
Total60

AA SOUND DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework.
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
    1 Creative Communication course
    1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
    1 Employment Communications & Practices course
    1 Music Historical Awareness course

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Critical Analysis

  • Demonstrate an understanding of master work examples by applying the appropriate sound design principles to a variety of media projects

Sound Design

  • Construct effective sound design elements for film, television, animation, games and commercials
  • Design soundtracks which support the emotional content of the visual image
  • Create balanced sound mixes for final soundtracks

Production Techniques

  • Demonstrate proficiency at recording on a digital audio workstation (DAW)
  • Demonstrate familiarity with audio recording techniques, editing, and mixing

Professional Readiness

  • Produce basic materials to create a portfolio that showcases skills and supports career opportunities