Sound Design and Technology

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What is Sound Design and Technology?

This program is a concentration within Theatre. A degree in Sound Design and Technology prepares students for professional roles in sound design. In this program, you will gain current knowledge of sound design, equipment standards, and trends. You'll gain technical skills that allow you to troubleshoot and solve problems. Students learn how to create and collaborate with other designers. Our program offers students hands-on experience working as sound designers and engineers on productions in theatre, lyric theatre, and dance. You can apply directly into this concentration, although you must submit a portfolio before being accepted.

Career Options

Deck and stage engineering
Front-of-house engineering & mixing
Monitor engineering
Show engineering
Sound design
Soundboard operation

Post-Graduation Success¹

78% employed or continuing education

64% employed after graduation

14% attending graduate school

Insufficient survey data is available for average starting annual income.

Sample employer destinations: UPSTAGING, Des Moines Metro Opera, Broadway at The National, The Juilliard School, Ogunquit Playhouse, Technical Theatre Services, Creative Artists Agency, Tricoci, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Next Generation School View All

Sample grad school destinations: Arkansas State University View All

Program Resources

College of Fine & Applied Arts Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong talent review (audition or portfolio)

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

4.7 years to degree

97% returned for second year

74% graduated within 4 years

83% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $14,912
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $39,652

Non-Resident

Tuition: $37,588
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $62,668

International

Tuition: $38,630
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,710

Related Majors

Lighting Design and Technology - FAA

Scenic Design - FAA

Scenic Technology - FAA

Stage Management - FAA

Theatre Studies - FAA

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.