Overview

The School of Drama encourages interdisciplinary collaborative opportunities for students through partnerships with other departments including Computer Science, Engineering, Music, Art, Entertainment Technology, Robotics and Design.

The Sound Design Option trains innovative and thoughtful artists to be leaders, practitioners and theorists in the evolving discipline of sound design for the arts and entertainment industries.

The School of Drama Sound Design Option of Carnegie Mellon University teaches students the process of theatrical sound design, including conceptualization, theory and technology.

An understanding of text, world building and storytelling, as well as understanding the physics of sound and the technologies utilized are essential components of the sound design curriculum.

Students apply their skills though class work, productions, internships and interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.

Careers

Sound Design students take full design responsibilities on productions directed by faculty, visiting directors and student directors.

Students have the opportunity to work on a range of production media including musicals, cabaret, theater, dance and events.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition for Theatrical Sound Design

Advanced Digital Sound Design Skills

Ear Training

Theatrical Sound System Design

Sound Forum

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Carnegie Mellon courses are measured in units rather than credits or credit hours

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Pittsburgh, United States

Disciplines

Sound Engineering View 114 other Bachelors in Sound Engineering in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application

$75 application fee*

Official high school transcript (please review our Academic Requirements)**

All required standardized testing official score reports, which includes the TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Secondary School Counselor Evaluation

Teacher Recommendation

Common Application essay

Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement, which includes three short answer questions

All fine arts applicants to the Schools of Drama and Music are required to arrange required pre-screen, audition or portfolio review.

All fine art applications to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design are required to submit required portfolio and creative materials.

Home schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines and a list of all textbooks used.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year
Out-of-State

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year

Living costs

Pittsburgh

United States

1148 - 1944 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Sound Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Pittsburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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