Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Noise Control and Building Acoustics provides students with a comprehensive understanding of noise control and building acoustics, applying critical thinking to evaluate and solve related problems. Students will use advanced knowledge and software tools, such as MATLAB, to analyze issues and communicate their solutions using online learning resources.

Program Details

• Credits and Costs: 9 Credits, $1,037 per credit
• Stackable Credential: Gain job-ready skills and update your résumé
• Program Objectives:
  • Develop a foundational understanding of acoustics and vibration principles that can be applied across various engineering and scientific disciplines.
  • Analyze complex acoustic systems using mass-spring models and explore phenomena such as resonance in both single- and multiple-degree-of-freedom systems.
  • Apply knowledge of noise control techniques and measurement standards to assess and mitigate noise and vibration in diverse environments.
  • Design and conduct experiments to investigate outdoor sound propagation and interpret results within real-world contexts, enhancing practical problem-solving skills.

Required Courses

• ACS 501: Elements of Acoustics and Vibration (3 credits)
  • Vibrational acoustics including mechanical oscillation, forced and damped response, vibration of strings, membranes, rods, bars, and plates.
• ACS 537: Noise Control Engineering (3 credits)
  • Introduction to the application of acoustic and vibration fundamentals to the analysis and reduction of noise and vibration problems in industrial and residential settings.

Additional Courses

• ACS 519: Sound-Structure Interaction (3 credits)
  • Acoustic radiation from and effects of fluid-loading on vibrating infinite and finite plates and shells. Acoustic transmission through and reflection from elastic plates and shells, acoustic excitation of elastic plates, and coupling between panels and acoustic spaces.
  • Prerequisite: ACS 501 and ACS 502
• ACS 533: Outdoor Sound Propagation (3 credits)
  • The course provides an overview of the ongoing research, theory, and practice of outdoor sound propagation, also called atmospheric acoustics.
• ACS 547: Noise Control Applications (3 credits)
  • Explores research into predicting noise from sound sources, designing methods to muffle sounds from pipe and duct systems, and ongoing research into acoustic enclosures and vibration control to block noise.

Using Certificate Credits Toward a Stackable Credentials Degree Pathway

As part of the stackable pathway, the courses required for this 9-credit certificate can also be applied to a Master of Engineering in Acoustics if you apply and are accepted into the program. You should plan to work closely with an adviser to determine the appropriate sequence of courses to match your education goals.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.

Career Opportunities

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Costs and Financial Aid

• Graduate Tuition: Calculated based on the number of credits for which you register.
• Tuition Rates:
  • 2025–26 Academic Year Rates:
    • 11 or fewer credits: $1,037 per credit
    • 12 or more credits: $12,448 per semester
  • 2026–27 Academic Year Rates:
    • 11 or fewer credits: $1,048 per credit
    • 12 or more credits: $12,572 per semester
• Paying for Your Certificate: Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Application Instructions

1. Review the admission requirements.
2. Gather your required materials.
   • Official transcripts from each institution attended.
   • English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
   • Résumé — Upload a one- to two-page résumé highlighting your full-time employment and/or military experience.
   • Statement of Intent — Provide a one-page summary of your prior or current experience in acoustics and why you are interested in pursuing a graduate certificate in acoustics.
3. Create a Penn State login account.
4. Review the Transfer Credit Policy.
5. Read the application instructions.
6. Complete the application.

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor.

Program Faculty

The Graduate Certificate in Noise Control and Building Acoustics program is offered by World Campus in partnership with the Penn State College of Engineering. You will take courses taught by graduate faculty who are active in research and experts in their fields, alongside other master's and doctoral students.