Study Audio Engineering Institute (SAE) offers an associate degree in audio technology that provides graduates with the entry-level skills they need to work as recording engineers, post production engineers or live sound engineers. Over 20 studios and workstations are located on the Atlanta campus. In addition, students are provided with an Apple laptop music computer package. The program consists of 72 semester credit hours and takes one year to complete as a full-time student. In addition to regular classes, individual lab time is scheduled. The cost for an associate degree in 2011 was $25,495. SAE also offers a shorter diploma program that can be completed in nine months and costs $18,925.
Students at Georgia State University's School of Music can earn a Bachelor of Music degree in music recording technology that qualifies them to work as audio engineers and music technologists. Applicants must audition for admission, and have a solid background in performance and reading music. The program at Georgia State balances artistic and technical skills. In addition to the coursework, students take part in an internship.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in audio production at the Art Institute of Atlanta learn the basic principles of sound physics along with technical skills. Instructors use industry-related equipment to provide hands-on experience in recording, editing, mixing and mastering sound. Courses cover music theory, electronics and recording techniques. Students are required to develop a portfolio of their skills that they can show prospective employers.
Graduates are ready for entry-level jobs at production companies, record labels, recording studios, mastering studios, radio stations or CD and DVD manufacturing companies. The program consists of 192 credit hours and takes three years to complete. In 2011, the cost was $486 per credit or $7,776 per quarter.
The program at the Atlanta Institute of Music is designed for students who already have a background in the recording arts, and is designed to help them gain professional skills they need. Classes consist of a combination of private and group instruction and include audio, video and computer labs and live clinics. Students develop a recorded portfolio they can use to find employment in the music production field. In 2011, the cost for the Recording program ranged from $6,600 to $10,325 depending on which technology kit was chosen.