Audio Arts Certificate Level I

The Audio Arts Certificate Level I provides students with conceptual and technical skills necessary for employment in audio-related positions in a variety of industries.  These industries include, but are not limited to, music, film, TV, radio, animation, gaming, theater, event management, theme parks, commercial installations, and integrated systems.  The program provides technical training in audio production, engineering, and business for recordings, live events, and multimedia.  Students who successfully complete the Certificate Level I will be able to:

• Collaborate effectively in the development of high-quality audio productions.
• Engineer audio in a variety of settings.
• Analyze and critique audio productions in their historical and cultural context.
• Analyze emerging technology and industry developments to make technical decisions.
• Operate audio systems in recording, live, and multimedia settings.
• Apply technical knowledge and skills to the development of high-quality audio productions. 

While the audio job market is competitive and position placement is in no way guaranteed, successful graduates will gain competitive skills necessary for pursuing entry-level employment as a(n):

• Studio, mix, or live sound engineer
• Sound designer or arranger
• Sound editor
• Audio and video equipment technician
• Media and communication worker
• Communication equipment operator

We are aiming for 50 annual completers

The Audio Arts Certificate Level I will prepare students for sound engineering and audio/video technician job. The Centers of Excellence Labor Market Analysis of these occupations dated February 2024 indicates that all criteria for endorsement of a certificate are being met. This includes that there is a supply gap, that a living wage is attainable, and that a non-degree award such as this certificate is appropriate for entry level work.  

There are few audio programs at either the community college or four-year level.  Audio courses are generally included as part of a commercial music or music technology degree.  Unfortunately, because they are music-focused, they do not provide the depth or breadth of audio skills needed to pursue employment in fields outside of music.

As a result, Mt San Antonio College developed the Audio Arts program to meet the unmet need for trained audio professionals.  We provide students skills that will allow them to work in a variety of fields, including music, film, TV, theater, live sound, animation, gaming, events, and commercial installations.

The goals of this program are:

• Career and technical training in the field of audio. 
• Training for immediate workforce placement in the field of audio.
• Training for work in a variety of industries with audio positions. 
• To increase the number of students attaining certificates and degrees in audio.

To attain these goals, our objectives have been to:

• Offer an Associates of Science in Audio Arts for advanced training in audio and academic breadth.
• Offer a 36-unit Certificate Level II in Audio Arts for advanced training in audio.
• Offer a 21-unit Certificate Level I in Audio Arts for entry-level employable skills in audio.

The curriculum outline is as follows:

We launched an Audio Arts Associates of Science degree in 2018. We are now creating both the Certificate Levels I & II.  The Certificate Level I curriculum consists of 21 units, or seven courses. It provides the minimum training for entry level positions.  The training is primarily technical.  The Certificate Level II curriculum adds 15 units, or five courses to the Certificate Level I requirements.  It provides advanced training for audio jobs and covers more conceptual, creative, and leadership skills. The degree curriculum then adds the Mt SAC general education and degree requirements to the Certificate Level II curriculum.

Citrus College Recording Tech, Chaffey College Commercial Music

We are aiming for 50 completers per year

This is a new certificate, but based on the curriculum for an existing degree.