Eduacation In Audio Engineering

Q: I am an undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky with a major of electrical engineering, and I have long desired to work in the field of audio engineering. I'm very interested in hardware design, especially that of speakers, amplifiers, signal processors and the like--consumer electronics. I would like to continue my education at the graduate level after I receive my BS, but I have no idea where one studies audio engineering at a graduate level and what degree that person would pursue. So my question is this: is there some specific college or univeristy somewhere that offers degrees or programs specifically tailored to audio engineering? Or does the aspiring audio engineer pursue more general degrees while studying in internships? I've been looking around for answers and have found none, so I thought I would ask people who have been through the entire educational process. If it would be a good time for an internship during my undergraduate years, being at UK (which is in Lexington, KY), I have Thiel audio right here in town, and I've spoken with Jim Thiel and know that they offer internships. So I have some ideas for things, I just don't know what is "standard procedure," so-to-speak.

A: -A reality of Audio Engineering is that most of the NEW work is being done is SOFTWARE, not HARDWARE. Some of the hardware we use today has been around, more or less unchanged, since the 20's (transformers, tubes, speakers) or 60's (transistors, op-amps). Specifically, audio engineering needs interfaces and better ad/da conversion etc. We are now digital, so now we need algorithms for plugins, etc.. -The thing about graduate degrees is that to some extent you can mix and match things and make your own set of studies within a program. This means finding an EE program with someone who will consent to being your advisor, who is doing work in audio. There are a lot of other folks out there... certainly there are at least half a dozen folks at MIT doing various audio-related work. Check out recent issues of the JAES and see who is publishing work that looks interesting to you. An internship is NEVER a bad idea at any time, and it can also be a good thing to take while you are in the middle of an undergraduate program. With luck it can also help you pay for your degree. Your school may also have a co-op program to help with this.

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