Sound Studies B.A. / Minor
Study sound as both an art and a science, from music theory to acoustics, recording, and sound design.
Manhattan University's Sound Studies program reimagines music study for the 21st century, pairing traditional musicianship with audio technology, acoustics, and critical listening. You'll work with industry-standard equipment, learn from working professionals, and build skills that carry into recording, acoustic consulting, sound design, and beyond.
This program is part of Communication, Sound & Media Arts
The Manhattan Advantage
Why Study Sound Studies at Manhattan University?
At Manhattan University, Sound Studies students gain a rare combination of musicianship, technical skill, and critical perspective. The program blends traditional music study with audio technology and the science of sound, all taught in small classes by faculty who are active in the field. Through hands-on lab work, faculty-mentored projects, and industry partnerships across New York City, students graduate ready to shape how the world is heard, whether in the studio, the concert hall, or the built environment.
Facilities & Technology
Industry-Standard Facilities
Sound Studies students compose, mix, record, and perform across a suite of dedicated creative spaces on campus. The Digital Audio/Piano Lab pairs nine 88-key digital pianos with professional DAW software, including Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro, in an acoustically treated surround-sound environment. The Dolby Atmos Sound Immersion Room offers a Neumann 14.1 multi-speaker system for spatial audio, while the Critical Sound Studies personal studio and multiple acoustically treated rehearsal and recording spaces give students hands-on command of the tools used across the audio industry. Performance venues, including a Black Box Theater and the 127-seat Hayden Hall Auditorium, round out a campus built for every stage of creative work.
Academics
Curriculum & Courses
Explore courses that build skills across music theory, performance, digital audio, acoustics, and sound design, combining creative practice with the technical and critical study of sound.
To view the whole curriculum, please visit Manhattan University's academic catalog.
- Acoustics and Sound Control
- Advanced Music Theory
- Audio Mixing and Music Production
- Contemporary Sound Design
- Digital Audio Recording and Editing
- Early Music Soundscapes: Antiquity to 1800
- Fundamentals of Music Theory
- History of Sound Recording and Audio Technology
- Methods in Sound Studies
- Modern Music and the Avant Garde
- Piano Skills I
- Guitar Skills I
Sound Studies and Music Minors
Sound Studies Minor:
The Sound Studies minor focuses on the technical and scientific side of sound, with coursework centered on music production, acoustics, and sound ecology. It pairs well with majors across the arts, sciences, communication, and engineering, giving students hands-on skills in recording, audio technology, and the study of sound in the environment.
Music Minor:
The Music minor offers a broader foundation in music, with additional coursework in performance, theory, and history. It is well-suited to students who want to deepen their musicianship and musical knowledge alongside any major.
Learn From Leaders in the Field
Sound Studies faculty are active producers, acousticians, sound artists, and scholars whose work spans the recording industry, acoustic consulting, performance, and published research. In small classes, they mentor students one-on-one, bring real-world projects into the classroom, and help connect students to internships across New York City's audio industry.
Why Study in New York City
New York City is one of the world's great centers for sound, music, and audio innovation, from recording studios and broadcast media to concert halls, theaters, and acoustic consulting firms. Sound Studies students tap directly into that ecosystem through partnerships with the Metropolitan Opera, Trinity Consultants, the Paul Taylor Dance Company at Lincoln Center, and area recording studios. These connections turn coursework into real-world experience, giving students internships, mentorship, and a professional network in one of the most competitive audio markets in the country.
Sound Studies is a program which will foster your growth in a variety of ways thanks to its diverse courses and professors. This program is a place where you can enrich your life, your music, and enliven your passions. Between its diverse education of musicology, sound engineering, production, performance, and appreciation, you are sure to come out with a strong foundation to launch your future."
Luis Chavez '23
Director of Music, St. Mary's Catholic Church
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. That foundation delivers: Manhattan University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), a measure of how strongly a degree here translates into graduates' career earnings.
Potential Careers
Sound Studies graduates pursue careers in recording, acoustics, sound design, and the broader audio industry, applying creative and technical skills to how the world is heard.
- Acoustician
- Audio Sound Designer
- Audiologist
- Composer
- Disc Jockey
- Foley Artist
- Music Engineer
- Music Producer
- Music Teacher
- Music Therapist
- Professional Musician
- Sound Engineer
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our Jasper Guarantee, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.
More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.
- View Tuition & Fees
- Explore Financial Aid
- Learn More About Scholarships
- Learn About the Jasper Guarantee
A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.
A Smarter Investment in Your Future
Jasper Guarantee
At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years, ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.
Admissions Information
Start Your Journey in Sound Studies
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements and key deadlines below to take the next step toward a future in data-driven business.
Requirements:
- Application & transcript
- SAT/ACT optional
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Deadlines:
- Early Action: November 15
- Regular Decision: February 1
Admission and Application Process
International Students:
Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.