Sound Arts and Industries (MA) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The MA in Sound Arts and Industries is a one-year graduate programme for media storytellers, artists, designers, musicians and scholars whose work centres on sound. It combines advanced studio practice with critical and industry awareness.

Faculty: School of Communication | Department: Sound Arts and Industries | Duration: 1 year full-time (four academic quarters) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Coursework covers sound design for film, television and video games, music production, podcasting, post-production and emerging media, and sound theory and history. A capstone course focuses on launching a sustainable creative career, with training in the SoundTank, Hobson/Lucas Soundstage and Kushner Podcast Lab.

Career pathways

Sound design, music production, podcasting and post-production roles in media and creative industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Requires a four-year US bachelor's degree or comparable non-US degree from a regionally accredited institution (may apply before finishing). Application includes statement of purpose, personal statement, resume, three recommenders, and unofficial transcripts. GRE/GMAT not reviewed. International applicants: TOEFL 100 overall with Speaking 26 (code B399) or IELTS 7.5, taken within two years; Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials not accepted; waivable with a degree taught in English. Application fee $40. Priority deadline January 15, 2027; final deadline June 15, 2027 or until space fills. Sound work samples are required only for scholarship consideration. $500 tuition deposit on acceptance.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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