Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Physical Acoustics is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of physical acoustics principles, enabling them to conceptualize, evaluate, and solve related problems using advanced knowledge and software simulation tools like MATLAB.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.
• The program consists of 9 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.
• The program is a stackable credential, meaning that the courses can be applied to a Master of Engineering in Acoustics if the student is accepted into the program.

Program Objectives

• Develop an understanding of wave behavior in fluids using thermodynamics and hydrodynamics principles.
• Analyze nonlinear acoustics phenomena and assess the evolution of waveforms to determine shock formation and acoustic radiation forces.
• Apply statistical energy analysis techniques to quantify architectural acoustics.
• Use finite element methods for simulating acoustic fields and measuring outdoor sound propagation for medical and biological applications.

Program Courses

Required Courses (6 credits)

• ACS 502: Elements of Waves in Fluids (3 credits)
• ACS 515: Acoustics in Fluid Media (3 credits)

Additional Courses (3 credits)

• ACS 540: Nonlinear Acoustics in Fluids (3 credits)
• ACS 542: Physical Principles in Biomedical Ultrasonics (3 credits)
• ACS 544: Computational Acoustics (3 credits)
• ACS 560: Ocean Acoustics (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field.
• A junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
• English proficiency (for international applicants).

Application Instructions

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

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which the student registers.
• Tuition rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
• Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid.
• Private alternative loans may be an option to consider.

Career Opportunities

• The program is designed to help students prepare for careers in acoustics engineering or related positions.
• Students can use the knowledge gained from the program to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on their goals.

Stackable Credentials

• The program is part of a stackable credential pathway, allowing students to earn a Master of Engineering in Acoustics.
• Up to 15 credits earned in the certificate program may be transferred to the Master of Engineering in Acoustics.