AAS in Audio

The Diploma in Audio program is an intensive practical and theoretical course of study that provides students with the knowledge and skills to shape audio design and creation. Students attending this program learn both the technical and creative components of audio design and the business principles of the entertainment industry. This is a hands-on, project-based program culminating in a major capstone project that draws upon the range of knowledge and skills learned throughout the program. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Audio is also offered, adding general education coursework to the same audio core.

Program Outcomes

Students in the Audio program should learn to:

• Develop, plan, and complete an audio production within a specified timeframe adopting professional work practices
• Demonstrate the ability to implement conceptual and theoretical principles of existing media to inform audio production practice
• Apply appropriate audio production methods and techniques effectively in a variety of settings using a range of hardware and software solutions
• Demonstrate an applied knowledge of production principles and methods integrated within a selection of audio production environments
• Collaborate with others to effectively plan and execute a range of responses to sometimes complex projects
• Effectively evaluate and reflect on the methods, processes, and outcomes of creative audio production and work practice
• Identify areas for improving professional performance through reflective practice

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Audio Programs can expect to learn skills to be prepared for entry level positions in such audio technology careers as A/V Director, Dialogue Editor, Film Sound Engineer, Front of House Engineer, Live Sound Technician, Assistant Mix Engineer, Sound Designer, Sound Editor, Monitor Engineer, Music Director, Producer, Assistant Audio Engineer, Board Operator, Sound Engineer, Boom Operator, Sound Technician, and Studio Technician.

This is a hands-on, project-based program culminating in a major capstone project that draws upon the range of knowledge and skills learned throughout the program. Studios and workstations are equipped with industry-standard hardware and software, and graduates may return to audit any classes previously taken in the program without being charged additional tuition.

Admission to SAE Institute is open to any individual who is seriously interested in creative media industries and meets all necessary entrance requirements. No previous experience is required. Prospective students must meet all admissions requirements, including having a fully executed enrollment agreement, before the first day of the module.

The Diploma in Audio program consists of 11 courses taken in 12 months. Students enrolled full-time in the diploma program take 3 courses in their first semester and 4 courses in their second and third semesters with a short break between modules and semesters. Students must successfully complete 40 credit hours of core Audio and 4 credits of Career Preparation courses (44 total credits) to receive a Diploma in Audio.

The Associate of Applied Science in Audio program consists of 16 courses (64 credits). At the Atlanta campus it is taken over 19 months, with students taking 3 courses each semester and 4 in the final semester; at some campuses it is taken over 16 months with 2 courses per module. It requires 40 credit hours of core Audio, 20 credits of General Education Courses, and 4 credits of Career Preparation.

Tuition is charged by the credit hour. All courses require a technology package (tablet, headphones, external hard drive, and required electronic book subscriptions) and a per-semester technology fee; the technology package may be purchased from the school or supplied by the student if it meets system requirements. A non-refundable administrative fee applies to the first module. Repeat/repeated course tuition is charged per credit. Institutional scholarships include a Diploma in Audio Needs Based Scholarship for students enrolled in the Diploma in Audio program.

SAE Institute students who qualify may apply for several different forms of financial assistance to help pay for tuition, materials, and/or living expenses. Students should meet with Financial Services for complete information, requirements, applications, and filing deadlines.

Students who wish to apply for financial aid are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible. Most sources of student financial aid, including Title IV Federal Student Aid programs, require students to complete and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.gov. Private student lending and payment options may also be available to assist qualified students in achieving their goals when not covered by federal or state programs.

Title IV Federal Student Aid

Title IV Federal Student Aid programs are available to students who qualify, including the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct PLUS Loan (Parent PLUS Loan), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program. Alternative (private) loan programs may also be available. All SAE Institute campuses are approved by the US Department of Education to offer Title IV federal financial aid and by the State Approving Agency for various benefits for veterans.

Institutional Loans and Aid

Students enrolled at SAE Institute are eligible to participate in an Institutional Loan program offered by UNISA as a third party provider, designed to cover the cost of tuition, technology packages, and fees in excess of available federal aid. Institutional aid also includes the Returning Student Completion Grant, the SAE Institute High School Class of 2026 Scholarship, and the Diploma in Audio Needs Based Scholarship. Full-time employees and their eligible family members may qualify for an Employee Tuition Discount.

Total program tuition is $38,400 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

SAE Institute offers students a wide range of support services to assist students in obtaining employment opportunities in their field of study after graduation. Career assistance not only involves informing students of available opportunities, but also working to prepare them for their job search before graduation. The Career Services staff is dedicated to assisting students in developing a career plan and to supporting them in the process of obtaining employment in their field of study after graduation. Services provided by the Career Services staff include:

• Individual career guidance
• Interview technique training
• Resume preparation
• Employer search
• Job search assistance
• E-Portfolio Development through Portfolium

SAE Institute sponsors a variety of opportunities for students to learn about and prepare for future employment. These may include periodic field trips, guests, and other activities that bring students into direct contact with employers and work sites. SAE Institute does not guarantee employment or salaries.

SAE Institute graduates may return to the same campus and audit any classes previously taken in the program without being charged additional tuition. Support professional growth of graduates is offered through lifetime career services.

SAE Institute teaches using a Student-centered Active Education design that promotes learning through practical experiences that replicate common professional competencies. Curriculum is delivered through practice-based activities, guided discussions, and real-world assessments in an engaging, diverse, and creative environment, and is taught by qualified, experienced, professional faculty.

SAE Institute campuses regularly upgrade their equipment, software, and educational materials in order to stay current with rapidly changing technology. Facilities feature multiple classrooms, surround sound theaters, studios and workstations equipped with industry-standard hardware and software from manufacturers such as AKG, Apple, Avid Pro Tools, Focusrite, Native Instruments, Neumann, PreSonus, Sennheiser, Shure, Slate Digital, Solid State Logic, Universal Audio, and Waves. Some courses are taught in a blended format, with some content online and some classroom instruction.

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) functions as the campus library, giving students access to online resources, trade journals, books, equipment manuals, media, and other materials. SAE Institute provides a variety of student services: Student Success Managers and Student Advisors help students set up peer mentoring, disability accommodations, and tutoring, and develop academic success skills such as time management, focused studying, and executive functioning. SAE Institute also sponsors a variety of clubs and activities on campus, including the Student Alliance, campus clubs, and student events.