Sound Design is a Master Degree program (100% Online) offered by Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The program takes 36 units to complete, with a total tuition of $55,836.
Program Overview
The MA in Sound Design provides students with focused studio training in sound design, digital audio workstations, and industry standard practices in creating sonic worlds for visual media. Emphasis is placed on creative sound design techniques, and editorial practices in layering sounds in synchronization with visual media.
Develop a rare blend of technical expertise and aesthetic sensibility under faculty who work in the industry. You’ll train across the full audio pipeline—music production, composition and scoring, MIDI, recording, editing, mixing, sound design, dialogue, sound effects, and final mix—using tools like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Sibelius. Build momentum with credentialing courses such as Ableton Live Certification Prep, and on‑campus Avid Pro Tools Certification.
What sets this Program apart
Turn your passion for music and audio into a career. At the School of Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media, you’ll learn how to create, produce, record, edit, mix, and design sound that tells a story—and sticks. From scoring and MIDI to sound design and final mix, you’ll train with industry professionals and work across every part of media production. You’ll learn how to tap into AI to push your creativity and sharpen your edge.
This is where passion meets production—and turns into a career.
Online Learning Program. [img data-src="https://bpiqpjsgebtv-u1573.pressidiumcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MUS-ONLINE-Degree-hero-1920x500-copy.webp"]
Admission Requirements and Process
The Academy requires graduate applicants to demonstrate their ability and intent to complete a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Architecture program (M. Arch.). After submitting the application form and application fee, graduate applicants must submit a statement of intent, a résumé, college transcripts showing completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, and a portfolio/reel. Upon receiving all application requirements, the department will review and will recommend that the student be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory Coursework.
State authorization for online education.
Online education providers are required to seek authorization by many U.S. states and territories to enroll their residents and those physically located in their jurisdictions. Academy of Art University restricts enrollment for applicants in and from areas where online programs are not approved. Current and prospective students are encouraged to consult the university’s State Authorization for Distance Education Status Table to determine whether the Academy is authorized to offer their degree programs in the state where they will be located while taking online courses.
General Requirements
- Bachelor’s degreeTranscripts must show completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent; you must submit official or unofficial transcripts from the institution from which you graduated.
- Application and feeSubmit the graduate application form and the $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Statement of IntentSubmit an explanation of Graduate School goals and desired outcomes of the graduate degree in a one page, typed essay.
- RésuméSubmit an itemized list of educational and professional experience.
- Portfolio/ReelA body of work representing the chosen discipline is required for class placement in the graduate program; additional materials may be required by the specific departments.
- Department reviewUpon receiving all application requirements, the department will review and will recommend that the student be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory…
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions SpecialistSchedule a meeting with one of our admissions specialists. They’ll guide you to the school and program that best fits your goals and help you navigate the application process.
- 2Apply for admissionSubmit the graduate application form and the $50 non-refundable application fee.
- 3Send your supporting documentsSubmit your Statement of Intent, résumé and college transcripts showing completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
- 4Submit your portfolio/reelSubmit a body of work representing your chosen discipline; registration for the appropriate classes is based on the skills demonstrated in the portfolio/reel.
- 5Department reviewThe department reviews your application and recommends that you be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory Coursework.
- 6File the FAFSAComplete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov and use Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.FAFSA Code for San Francisco Campus: 007531
Program Schedule
Start dates. Spring 2027 semester starts 2/3/2027 (application deadline 1/25/2027); Summer 2027 starts 6/21/2027 (deadline 6/14/2027); Fall 2027 starts 9/8/2027 (deadline 8/30/2027).
Graduate students must carry a minimum study load of 9 units to be considered as full-time students. Students are expected to attend summer semesters to meet their scheduled completion date.
Our online programs offer immersive classroom experiences both in real time and on demand.
- February 03rd, 2027
- June 21st, 2027
- September 08th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Graduate & Art Teaching Credential tuition for Fall 2026–Summer 2027 is $1,551 per unit for domestic students ($1,857 per unit for international students); tuition is the same for both on-campus and online classes. This 36-unit program’s tuition is $55,836 for domestic students.
Fees.
- Application Fee: $50 (one-time, nonrefundable)
- Registration Fee: $50 per semester (nonrefundable after the cancellation period)
- Enrollment Fee: $95 for first-term domestic students, charged in lieu of the $50 registration fee ($100 for international students)
- Student Activity Fee: waived for students taking all courses online
- Student Tuition Recovery Fund: $0
- Course fees vary by course; fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections
- Materials/Supplies: $545 average per semester
Estimated program charges for a domestic student taking all courses online: tuition $55,836, application fee $50, enrollment fee $95, registration fees $200, for $56,181, plus course fees. Course fees vary by course, and fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections (see the Course Fees & Prerequisites list). The university’s published Total Program Cost estimates are for full-time, onsite students.
Payment options. Academy of Art offers many different ways to help you structure your payments, including interest-free installment plans and pre-payment options. The installment plan enables students to pay their tuition in four separate payments during Fall and Spring and two separate payments for Summer.
Financial aid. Federal aid available to Academy of Art University graduate students includes Federal Work Study, Direct Stafford (unsubsidized) Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. Complete the FAFSA using Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.
Military and veterans. The Academy processes the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Yellow Ribbon Program, Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31), DEA (Chapter 35), Military Tuition Assistance and MyCAA.
Net Price Calculator. Estimate your cost with the Academy of Art University Net Price Calculator: https://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/academyart
Living expenses. The cost of attendance budget includes the costs of tuition and fees, books, supplies, monthly allowances for room and board, transportation to and from school, and personal expenses such as clothes. Estimates of (Monthly) Living Expenses, 2026-2027:
- Food & Housing: $1,393 (student living with parents); $2,729 (student not living with parents); $4,133 (student living on campus, avg.)
- Personal Expenses: $507; $634; $441
- Transportation: $134; $184; $154
Federal student loan debt. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet:
- Most recent three year cohort default rate, as reported by the United States Department of Education: 2023: 0%; 2024: 0%.
- The percentage of enrolled students in 2023/2024 receiving federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 44%; 2024: 43%.
- The percentage of graduates in 2023/2024 who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 33%; 2024: 50%.
- The average amount of federal student loan debt of 2023/2024 graduates who took out federal student loans at this institution: 2023: $14,395; 2024: $14,864.
Curriculum
Master of Arts (MA) Degree – Major Classes.
This program is available online and on campus.
Unit Requirements.
- Major Coursework: 33 units
- Graduate Liberal Arts: 3 units
- Total: 36 units
MA Sound Design Degree Requirements.
- Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review.
- Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units.
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
- 1 Major Designated Graduate Liberal Arts course
Program Learning Outcomes.
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Listening Skills and Critical Thinking
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the singular elements and overall combinations of sound design
Soundtrack for Visual Media
- Create sound which supports or heightens the emotional impact of visual imagery
Production Skills and Technical Knowledge
- Demonstrate proficiency with software related to contemporary sound production techniques
Professional Readiness
- Think critically and demonstrate flexibility in creating or editing audio for client needs
- Complete a final project which reflects professional goals
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Turn up your passion and your career. At the School of Music Production & Sound Design, you’ll master every beat of the audio pipeline, from scoring and sound design to AI-driven mixing, graduating with the skills and credits to make your mark in film, games, and beyond.
- Score Composer
- Music Editor
- Production Recordist
- Re-recording Mixer
- Sound Designer
- Sound Editor
Program performance. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet filed with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (calendar years 2023 & 2024, revised November 25, 2025):
- On-Time Completion Rate: 2023: 56% (5 of 9 students available for graduation); 2024: 0% (0 of 3 students available for graduation).
- Placement Rate % Employed in the Field: 2023: 33% (1 of 3 graduates available for employment); 2024: 0% (0 of 1 graduates available for employment).
- License Examination Passage Rates: Not Applicable.
- Annual salary and wages reported for 2023 graduates employed in the field (1): $85,001 - $90,000: 1.
Graduation and retention rates (university-wide).
- Graduate Students (Full-time): % of all incoming full-time students (503) in Fall 2019 graduated in 5 years: 75%.
- Retention Rates – 2024 Cohort: All incoming full-time graduate students (199) in Fall 2024 re-enrolled in Fall 2025: 81%.
What to expect as a Academy of Art University student
Rock out with friends in our Jam Room, adjacent to a sound mixing stage and equipped with a variety of instruments and mics. Everything is free for you to use.
Collaborate with students from Motion Pictures & Television, Animation & Visual Effects, and Game Development on real projects—everything from animated films to video games—that travel the global film festival circuit.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Academy of Art University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), currently on warning; its accredited status continues during the Warning period.
Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the San Francisco Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 910 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 83.4% rather than 100%.
Testimonials
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