Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Audio Devices and Signal Processing provides students with a comprehensive understanding of audio devices and signal processing principles, enabling them to critically evaluate and solve related problems using advanced techniques and software simulation tools, such as MATLAB.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.
• The program consists of 9 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.
• The program is designed to help students with undergraduate degrees in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field prepare to succeed in roles such as audio engineer, sound engineer, acoustics engineer, or other related positions.

Required Courses

• ACS 503: Signal Analysis for Acoustics and Vibration (3 credits)
• ACS 514: Electroacoustic Transducers (3 credits)

Additional Courses

• ACS 523: Signal Analysis for Acoustics and Vibration II (3 credits)
• ACS 524: Transducers II and Acoustics System Modeling (3 credits)
• ACS 551: Spatial Sound and 3-D Audio (3 credits)
• ACS 552: Architectural Acoustics Theory and Applications (3 credits)

Career Opportunities

The knowledge gained from this program can be used to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on the student's goals.

Costs and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which the student registers.
• Tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year are $1,037 per credit for 11 or fewer credits and $12,448 per semester for 12 or more credits.
• Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program.

Application Instructions

• Review the admission requirements.
• Gather required materials, including official transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable).
• Create a Penn State login account.
• Review the transfer credit policy.
• Complete the online application.

Admissions Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
• An undergraduate degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field that would provide substantial preparation in mathematics.
• A junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Stackable Credentials

The courses required for this certificate can also be applied to a Master of Engineering in Acoustics if the student applies and is accepted into the program.