If you have a passion for music but don't want to play instruments or sing, why not produce?
With a bachelor's degree in audio engineering, you'll be well on your way to perfecting the sound quality for recordings and mixing in studios.
Best of all, advances in digital technology allow you to earn a degree in audio engineering online without ever leaving your home.
Best Online Audio Engineering Schools and Universities
Read on for details about some of the best online audio engineering university programs in the country.
1. Atlanta Institute of Music and Media
Atlanta Institute of Music and Media (AIMM) offers a 100% online certificate in music production.
A certificate is less than a bachelor's degree, but a bachelor's degree isn't really required to be an audio engineer.
If you want to get out there and start working in music production as quickly as possible, this is the program for you.
The certificate program costs $425 per credit hour, or $15,300 total, and can be completed in as little as nine months of full-time study.
2. Berklee School of Music
The world-renowned Berklee School of Music has online courses, certificates, and degree programs in music production.
Certificate programs are designed to be completed within three to 18 months and require a commitment of five to 10 hours per week.
A bachelor's degree can be completed in two to four years with a similar time commitment of five to 10 hours per week.
Online tuition starts at $1,545 per course. Scholarships and financial aid are available to qualifying students.
3. Full Sail University
Full Sail University offers an online bachelor's degree in audio production designed for the independent entrepreneur.
The program covers the fundamentals of the music business, production and post-production techniques, and setting up a studio.
The program includes a production package that sets you up with all the software and gear you need to get started as an audio engineer.
Tuition starts at $767 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid are available, including Full Sail's $25,000 Momentum scholarship.
4. Liberty University
With Liberty University's music production program, you could earn a bachelor's in commercial music–music production 100% online.
The program features asynchronous classes on an eight-week accelerated schedule so you can complete your degree faster.
On average, students complete the music production program in around three and a half years of full-time study.
Tuition starts at $390 per credit hour for full-time students, or $455 per credit hour for part-time students. Financial aid is available.
5. The Los Angeles Film School
The Los Angeles Film School offers an online degree in audio production that puts you at the forefront of digital music technology.
The program is designed to give you specialized instruction in cutting edge digital media and production techniques.
Courses are asynchronous and accelerated so you can earn your degree on your terms and finish within 36 months of full-time study.
Tuition starts at $5,000 a semester for the online program, regardless of residency. Scholarships and financial aid are available if you qualify.
6. The Los Angeles Recording School
The Los Angeles Recording School offers both associate and bachelor's degrees in audio production 100% online.
The associate degree program can be completed in 18 months, while the bachelor's program requires at least 36 months of full-time study.
All students are outfitted with a digital audio gear package that includes everything you'll need to produce in the digital media environment.
The Los Angeles Recording School is a division of the Los Angeles Film School with similar tuition rates and application processes.
7. Virginia Wesleyan University
At Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU), you can earn a bachelor's degree in music production online in as little as two years.
The two-year accelerated program is available for students who've already completed their general education requirements.
Courses are offered 100% online in an asynchronous format so you can study at your own pace when it fits into your schedule.
Tuition starts at just $399 per credit hour, making it one of the most affordable online music production programs. Financial aid is available.
FAQs About Online Audio Engineering Programs
Keep reading for the answers to some of the most common questions about online audio engineering programs.
Can You Become an Audio Engineer Online?
Yes, advances in digital music production mean you don't need a full production studio to produce quality music.
Audio engineers working with a laptop equipped with the latest music software can easily learn and produce online.
What Degrees Are Best for Audio Engineering?
While some schools have audio engineering degrees, you might also get a degree in sound recording or music production.
All of these degrees will enable you to start a career as an audio engineer or music producer.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Audio Engineering Degree?
If you want to get a bachelor's degree, expect it to take at least three and a half years if you do an accelerated online degree program.
Associate degrees and certificates can be completed in about a year and a half and also provide adequate education to become a music producer.
Find the Right School for Audio Engineering Today
If you have a passion for sound, get an online degree in audio engineering and start a fulfilling career as a music producer.
