Sonic Education: Exploring the Sound Design Bachelor’s Degree

The University of Montana’s Sound Design and Media Technology B.F.A. stands out for its in-depth exploration of the sonic arts, facilitated by state-of-the-art equipment and a collaborative learning environment. As part of the School of Visual and Media Arts (SVMA), this program is a perfect fit for those passionate about sound and media, including audio engineers, sound developers, sound artists, and musicians of all genres.  

Continue reading to discover why the University of Montana is the best college for a sound design degree. Our program boasts award-winning faculty who prioritize individualized learning and a comprehensive curriculum with specialized areas of focus. Moreover, like all Grizzly degrees, the Sound Design program provides numerous real-world opportunities to enhance your portfolio and professional network.   

Meet Your Dean: Dr. Michael Musick

Dr. Michael Musick is interim dean of the College of the Arts and Media (CAM), of which SVMA is a part. He transplanted to Missoula in 2016 after obtaining his Ph.D. in Music Technology at New York University. Before stepping into the interim dean position, Dr. Musick was an associate professor of sound design and built the curriculum into a BFA degree.

“We know that sound is important to everything we do,” said Dr. Musick, sitting in the program’s sound studio encircled by speakers. “Just as visual arts have so many different mediums or practices, there are so many different ways you can take sound and apply it professionally within the economy as an artist or as a creative. The goal with this degree is to give students a taste of several of those things and then allow them to choose where they want to go.”

Besides having the right name for the job, Dr. Musick has an infectious energy that reflects his deep passions and extensive knowledge. Some of his favorite subjects to discuss are machine learning, the pure soundscapes of Montana, and the evolving sound economy. But it’s talking about UM Sound Design that gets him most excited.

“Our program stands out because it takes advantage of the broad cross-section of faculty within the sound areas of the College of the Arts and Media. It’s a really interesting group of faculty that allows students to take advantage of the strengths our college has. Each of the schools in CAM is incredible, but when you look at the college as a whole, the portfolio of faculty and opportunities are incredibly significant.”

Sound Design Curriculum

See the entire Sound Design Curriculum here

The Sound Design degree at the University of Montana begins with a broad curriculum covering a wide range of sonic studies. Many of these introductory classes are within the Audio Core of the Sound Design Degree, representing 19 of the 68 credits required to graduate.

Complete one of the following courses:

Alongside the Audio Core, other Sound Design requirements include classes within subcategories like:

• Creative Coding
• Interdisciplinary and Interactive Arts
• Music Foundations
• Composition
• Creative Process

Secondary Area of Interest and Senior Capstone

To complete the Sound Design Degree, students must choose a nine-credit Secondary Area of Interest that dives deep into a single component of the sonic arts. A senior project is also required before graduating, and you’ll have complete creative control over showcasing everything you’ve learned.

Recommend Secondary Areas of Interest:

• Immersive & Interactive Media
• Experimental Sound & Music
• Sound for Games
• Sound for Film
• Coding & Development
• Narrative, Storytelling & Podcasting
• Visual & Fine Arts
• Business Management

See the entire Sound Design Curriculum here

Sound Design Degree Jobs

Jobs with a Sound Design degree are as broad as the curriculum covered at the University of Montana. After graduating, you’ll qualify for several entry-level and mid-career sound design jobs, with increased earning power over time.

Some of the jobs with a Sound Design degree include:

• Sound Artist
• Musician / Composer
• Interactive, Installation, New Media Artist
• Sound Designer / Developer (for video games, film, TV, radio, podcasts, theater, etc.)
• Audio Supervisor
• Audio Engineer (applications include music studio, radio, film, TV, live sound, theater, video games)
• Programmer
• Audio/Sound Researcher

Salaries with a Sound Design Degree

Salaries with a Sound Design degree differ as much as the range of jobs available. According to Zip Recruiter, audio supervisors make an average salary of $70,000, while a sound designer's salary averages around $80,000. Salary growth is expected as the immersive experience economy grows.

In contrast to other degrees in sonic arts or sound arts, the BFA at the University of Montana includes Creative Coding classes, translating to better collaboration with technical teams.

“The goal with this degree is to create adaptable alumni. They have to take creative coding, so they are going to be dangerous enough when working with developers,” Dr. Musick said.  

Sound Design in Montana

Besides having several pure landscapes unaltered by artificial sound, Montana’s growing experiential economy makes UM an excellent base camp for Sound Design graduates. Music festivals have increased yearly throughout the Treasure State, and a generous film tax credit increasingly invites major Hollywood and TV productions to explore our natural resources. (Think Kevin Costner and Yellowstone)

But more than anything, our individualized and catered nature makes the University of Montana the best college for a Sound Design degree. Our mid-size status means you’ll receive cutting-edge opportunities in Sound Design, and your professors will know who you are and help guide your interests. Set yourself up with a future that makes some noise!

Learn more about majoring in Sound Design at UM

Find out more about the stimulating world of the sonic arts with an undergraduate degree in Sound Design & Media Technology at the University of Montana.