Courses
AE 100. Audio Engineering I. 3 Hours.
This course surveys the fundamental concepts of audio production. It introduces students to sound and psycho-acoustics, the principles of audio consoles and signal routing, and essential technologies such as loudspeakers, microphones, and signal processing. Throughout the course, students develop a common vocabulary relating to the audio industry, concepts, and career options. Lab work includes mixing and signal flow exercises. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations.
AE 101. Applied Audio Engineering I. 2 Hours.
This course is the lab segment for AE 100 Audio I, which introduces acoustics and psycho-acoustics, the principles of audio consoles and signal routing, and essential technologies such as loudspeakers, microphones, and signal processing. Throughout the course students develop a vocabulary of common audio definitions, concepts, and career options. Lab work includes mixing and signal flow exercises. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations.
AE 102. Music Structure and Style for Audio. 3 Hours.
This course fosters an appreciation of various musical genres and their typical forms, stylistic components, and instrumentation. Through regular music listening and analysis, students develop their abilities to communicate in professional music environments. Emphasis is made on critical listening skills that highlight the recording and mixing techniques common in music production. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations.
AE 103. Intro To Live Sound Production. 3 Hours.
This course introduces the concepts and practices of live sound engineering. In the lab, students learn analog console functionality and how to properly set up a system for a live event. In the lecture, students receive a survey of live sound essentials including console operation and gain structure, microphone usage, electrical fundamentals, monitor engineering, and the basics of system design. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 100 and (AE 101 or EP 122).
AE 104. Pro Tools 1. 3 Hours.
Pro Tools I offers an introduction to the most widely used application for music and post production in the world today. The course provides the foundational skills necessary for basic recording, mixing and editing within the Pro Tools environment. Students learn file structure, edit functions, time scale and ruler views, session configuration, recording and managing audio, importing audio and QuickTime movie files, MIDI basics, software based mixing, virtual instruments, region groups, looping audio, and the use of plug-ins. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 100 and AE 101.
AE 200. Audio Engineering II. 3 Hours.
In AE 200, students build upon their audio knowledge and experience obtained in Audio Tech. I, through classroom studies and hands-on recording and mixing. Students foster their knowledge by investigating audio fundamentals, signal flow, common recording technologies, and studio operation procedures. In the lab, students learn microphone, console, and session management techniques by recording live performers. In personal labs, students hone mixing and recording skills. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 103 and AE 104.
AE 201. Applied Audio Engineering II. 3 Hours.
In the studio, students learn microphone, console, and session management techniques through the recording of live performers. In personal labs, students hone mix skills through weekly mixing of prerecorded material. In order to continue in the Audio Engineering and/or Live Sound Program, students must earn a grade of “C+” or higher in this course. Prerequisite(s): AE 103 and AE 104.
AE 202. Intro To Music Production. 3 Hours.
This course helps students achieve an understanding of the ideas and principles behind the theory and the structure of music. Harmony, melody, rhythm, and form are explored, coupled with theory and ear training exercises, and composition projects. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 104.
AE 203. Sound Reinforcement Techniques I. 3 Hours.
This course reinforces live sound knowledge and skills through hands on experience. Topics include digital console operation, microphones, mixing workflows, wireless audio technologies, and advanced signal flow concepts. Participation in performance events is required, including concerts, video productions, sporting events, and variety shows. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 103.
AE 221. Intro to Post Production. 3 Hours.
This course explores the fundamentals of editing video as a complement to the audio portion of students' work. From file management to compression schemes and from editing on a timeline to distribution methods, students examine various facets of video, including commercials, films, live productions, and television shows. The course also looks at how certain aspects of audio post production integrate with variations of video, including a snapshot of Foley work, ADR, SFX mixing, and surround sound editing. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations.
AE 253. Live Entertainment Technology. 3 Hours.
Students in this course explore the multi-disciplinary nature of live event production and the fundamentals of stage lighting, theatrical and entertainment rigging, and video projection. Course outcomes emphasize event safety and methods for working effectively in a large, multi-department production crew. In addition, students become familiar with stage and production terminology, common job titles and their associated responsibilities, and complete mock load-ins and strikes in a variety of event scenarios.
AE 299. Topic/. 1-6 Hour.
This course listing is intended to provide the opportunity for faculty to offer courses of interest in Communications Technology that would not normally be part of the University curriculum.
AE 300. Technical Foundations of Audio Systems. 3 Hours.
This course explores advanced audio theory including gain staging, loudness, electricity fundamentals, power, and grounding. It also addresses concerns in the design and interconnection of digital and analog audio equipment. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 200 and AE 201 and AE 203.
AE 301. Hybrid Mixing Techniques. 3 Hours.
In this course, students create music and post-production mixes, building technical and listening skills. A culminating cartoon project applies learned mix and recording skills in a complex post-production project. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 200 and AE 201 and AE 203.
AE 302. Electronic Music Technology. 3 Hours.
The course covers the practices and principles of analog and digital sound synthesis, sequencing, sampling, and MIDI. Use of both hardware and software devices are employed and students learn techniques to create music tracks with various controllers and synthesized instruments. Electronic Music Technology also includes an overview of industry and technology innovators, an introduction to sound design methods and applications, and a survey of electronic musical equipment commonly found in internship and employment scenarios. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 202.
AE 303. Sound Reinforcement Techniques II. 3 Hours.
In this course students expand their experience with digital consoles, mixing techniques, cable construction, microphones, monitor mixing, and the design and interconnection of modern audio systems. Participation at live events as a mix engineer is also required. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 203.
AE 311. Applications of Effective Recording. 3 Hours.
This course focuses primarily on recording in music and post-production environments. Topics include advanced instruction in signal flow, microphone choice and technique, preamplifier options, equalization and compression uses, and recording software. Regular recording of performance groups ensure that students have a full understanding of the tracking process. Students hone session management, communication, and record keeping skills to ensure an enjoyable studio experience for all and a quality final product. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 200 and AE 201 and AE 203.
AE 314. Pro Tools II Music. 3 Hours.
This course builds intermediate Pro Tools skills that are necessary in music production. Students learn the components of an HDx system, advanced mixing and editing options, the use of alternate production tools, time operations, alignment techniques, writing and editing automation, recording and comping multiple takes, plug-ins such as Auto Tune, virtual instruments, MIDI, and beat detective. Students complete hands-on projects involving recording and mixing music in the Pro Tools environment. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 300 and AE 301 and AE 311.
AE 324. Pro Tools II Post. 3 Hours.
This course builds intermediate Pro Tools skills in audio post production. Students learn the components of a HDx system, advanced mixing and editing options, the use of alternate production tools, time operations, alignment techniques, writing and editing automation, recording and comping multiple takes, elastic audio, virtual instruments, MIDI, and beat detective. Students complete hands-on projects involving editing and mixing audio for video in the Pro Tools environment. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 300 and AE 301 and AE 311.
AE 330. Internship. 3 Hours.
This experiential course is a supervised work experience with participating employers for Communications Technology students. It provides for the application of classroom learning in a professional work environment. Prerequisite(s): (Major= Communications Technology – Live Sound Technology or Major=BS Communications Technology - Audio Engineering or Major=BS Communications Technology – Video Production or Major=BS Communications Technology- WebMedia) and (College Level=Senior). Each student will find, will choose, or will be provided with an internship site. The site chosen will be based upon; (1) an interview conducted by the management of the internship site, (2) the acceptance by the internship coordinator, and (3) the student’s preference of location based on availability. The internship coordinator will have the final decision on all internship placements. The coordinator’s decision will be based on his/her interaction with the student during previous coursework and his/her understanding of the requirements of the student and the internship site. Every consideration will be given to the student’s personal preferences with regard to location and type of internship site. Prerequisite(s): College Level=Senior.
AE 351. Audio Electronics. 3 Hours.
This course investigates the design and maintenance of audio electronics. Students explore electronic components and their use in typical audio circuits. Students also use soldering, measurement, and other tools to construct cabling and kits. Other topics include power and grounding, electrical safety, noise solutions in audio systems, and analog interfacing. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 300.
AE 352. Speaker Systems: Design & Optimization. 3 Hours.
This course focuses upon sound system design and optimization. Processing, amplifiers, loudspeakers, and system analysis tools are investigated in detail. Special attention is paid to system optimization, including impedance, phase, and coverage concerns. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 300.
AE 353. Broadcast Audio Engineering. 3 Hours.
In this course students receive hands-on training on multiple sound reinforcement consoles. Key topics in this course include advanced live sound signal flow, design, commissioning and setup of complex digital live audio systems, and a survey of broadcast mixing fundamentals. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 203.
AE 354. Broadcast Audio Engineering Event Practicum. 1 Hour.
In this course students receive hands-on training on multiple sound reinforcement consoles. Key components of this course include advanced live sound signal flow, design, commissioning & setup of complex digital live audio systems, and a survey of broadcast mixing fundamentals. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 203.
AE 402. Sound Design for Modern Media. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to envisioning and producing sounds for visual media including film, television, computer-based animation, websites and games. Applications involve creating and refining cut effects, ambiences, sound iconography and an introduction to Foley effects. The course focuses on the practices and skills required to utilize computer-based post-production software and prepares students for the role of sound designer and to work under a supervising sound editor. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production and Live Sound Production concentrations.
AE 403. Live Sound Production. 3 Hours.
In this course, students explore the duties of the sound reinforcement professional, including advancing a show, and creating music style and event appropriate mixes. Additional topics include microphone selection, system troubleshooting, and operation of QLab and Smaart software applications. Significant projects include the completion of a variety of weekly mix assignments, and participation at live events as event leads and mix engineers. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 352 and AE 353.
AE 404. Live Sound Production Practicum. 1 Hour.
This practicum provides experience that supplements and reinforces the learning and undertakings of AE 403, Live Sound Production. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations.
AE 411. Music Engineering & Production. 3 Hours.
This course instructs students in advanced music production procedures including the setup and use of the API Vision for tracking and mix sessions, recording and mix techniques, troubleshooting in the studio, working with producers and artists, use of software to edit recorded performances, and mastering. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 300 and AE 301 and AE 311.
AE 421. Post Production. 3 Hours.
This course offers foundation level training in audio post-production for TV, film, and other media. Processes such as dialogue editing, ADR, sound effects editing and design, Foley recording, music editing and mixing (re-recording) are investigated in lecture and practiced through personal lab projects. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 300 and AE 301 and AE 311.
AE 451. Advanced Music Engineering & Production. 3 Hours.
As the capstone course in the Music Production curriculum, students have the opportunity to put learned skills to use by recording, mixing and mastering a complete musical project. Students are responsible for selecting an artist, helping them prepare and record their material, then mix, master, and deliver results in a production-ready package. Students receive significant studio time to complete the project to the satisfaction of both the artist and faculty advisor. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 411.
AE 453. Advanced Live Sound Production. 3 Hours.
As a capstone course, Advanced Live Sound Production puts graduating students’ knowledge to test. Functioning as Event Leads, students advance and manage multiple live events. Development of professional skills is central, including personal organization, time management, interpersonal communication, and troubleshooting. For the capstone project, students complete a semester long research project on a topic of their choice. Also present is advanced exploration of specific live audio technologies, and continued expansion of mixing skills through mix labs and event participation. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 403.
AE 454. Advanced Live Sound Production Practicum. 1 Hour.
This practicum provides students an opportunity to implement knowledge and skills gained throughout the Live Sound Production program in an event environment. It parallels the capstone course, AE 453. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations.
AE 461. Advanced Post Production. 3 Hours.
In Advanced Audio Post students gain further experience in the production of audio for visual medias. Students complete extensive projects and receive significant studio time to record, edit, and mix sound effects, Foley, dialogue, and music. A minimum of C+ must be earned for all required Audio Engineering courses in the Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production concentrations. Prerequisite(s): AE 421.
AE 499. Topic/. 3 Hours.
This course listing is intended to provide the opportunity for faculty to offer advanced courses of interest in Audio Engineering that would not normally be part of the University curriculum.