Best institutions to study Music Technology
A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the composition, recording, synthesis, and performance of music; audio-visual production; scoring for film and multimedia; and software and multimedia development.
122 U.S. institutions graduated 2,092 Music Technology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0913, a specialization of Music (CIP 50.09), and leads most directly to the Sound Engineering Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 27-4014).
About Music Technology programs
A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the composition, recording, synthesis, and performance of music; audio-visual production; scoring for film and multimedia; and software and multimedia development. Includes instruction in music theory, music history, composition, acoustics, recording technology, computer composition, electronic music synthesis, technology-based performance, 3D sound and spatial audio, and music business and law.
See also: 10.0203 - Recording Arts Technology/Technician.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Music Technology program focuses on the creative integration of music and technology, preparing students to apply technical skills in various aspects of music production. This program is ideal for individuals interested in composing, recording, and performing music, as well as those looking to explore audio-visual production and multimedia development.
Students will gain knowledge in music theory, composition, acoustics, recording technology, and electronic music synthesis. Coursework emphasizes critical skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication, equipping graduates for diverse roles in the music industry.
Credentials awarded
What Music Technology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree984 graduates / yr · 70 institutions47%
- Associate's degree602 graduates / yr · 28 institutions29%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year244 graduates / yr · 28 institutions12%
- Master's degree138 graduates / yr · 11 institutions6.6%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years105 graduates / yr · 8 institutions5.0%
- Award of less than 12 weeks8 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.4%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate7 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.2%
Graduates over time
Music Technology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 310 |
| 2013 | 521 |
| 2014 | 716 |
| 2015 | 900 |
| 2016 | 1,060 |
| 2017 | 1,282 |
| 2018 | 1,548 |
| 2019 | 1,576 |
| 2020 | 1,735 |
| 2021 | 1,782 |
| 2022 | 1,669 |
| 2023 | 1,755 |
| 2024 | 1,932 |
| 2025 | 2,092 |
Top 50 institutions for Music Technology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FLPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 359 | 44% | $32,163 | $25,005 |
| 2 | Los Angeles Film School Hollywood, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 311 | 41% | $32,792 | $21,399 |
| 3 | Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TNPublicBachelor's | 113 | 54% | — | $27,586 |
| 4 | Shoreline College Shoreline, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 99 | 29% | — | — |
| 5 | Southern Utah University Cedar City, UTPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 91 | 61% | — | — |
| 6 | California College of Music Pasadena, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 60 | 70% | $18,922 | — |
| 7 | Atlanta Institute of Music and Media Duluth, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 53 | 33% | $33,678 | $24,109 |
| 8 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAssociate's | 41 | 48% | — | $22,985 |
| 9 | Portland Community College Portland, ORPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 40 | 18% | — | — |
| 10 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster's | 34 | 75% | — | $19,507 |
| 11 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublicBachelor's | 33 | 67% | — | $32,781 |
| 12 | Miami Dade College Miami, FLPublicAssociate's | 28 | 46% | — | — |
| 13 | Portland State University Portland, ORPublicBachelor's | 26 | 53% | — | $17,638 |
| 14 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 25 | 32% | — | — |
| 15 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAssociate's | 24 | 38% | — | — |
| 16 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 24 | 54% | — | — |
| 17 | Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, NJPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 24 | 87% | $34,827 | $21,623 |
| 18 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OKPublicBachelor's | 24 | 37% | — | $19,162 |
| 19 | Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FLPublicAssociate's | 23 | 43% | — | — |
| 20 | University of Silicon Valley San Jose, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 22 | 29% | $30,599 | — |
| 21 | University of New Haven West Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 22 | 63% | $32,614 | $22,171 |
| 22 | Schenectady County Community College Schenectady, NYPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 22 | 32% | — | — |
| 23 | Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millersville, PAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 58% | — | $26,895 |
| 24 | Lewis and Clark Community College Godfrey, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 18 | 44% | — | — |
| 25 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 45% | — | $24,952 |
| 26 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 94% | $11,888 | $16,479 |
| 27 | University of North Carolina Asheville Asheville, NCPublicBachelor's | 15 | 54% | — | — |
| 28 | Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 24% | — | — |
| 29 | Belmont University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 15 | 71% | $29,246 | $24,016 |
| 30 | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 14 | 94% | $23,803 | — |
| 31 | Oberlin College Oberlin, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 13 | 81% | $28,313 | $17,141 |
| 32 | Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 59% | $22,906 | — |
| 33 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicBachelor's | 12 | 58% | — | $24,775 |
| 34 | SUNY Broome Community College Binghamton, NYPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 23% | — | — |
| 35 | CUNY City College New York, NYPublicBachelor's | 12 | 57% | — | $19,145 |
| 36 | Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 46% | $17,604 | — |
| 37 | Lebanon Valley College Annville, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 65% | $24,925 | $49,383 |
| 38 | Shenandoah University Winchester, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 67% | $27,455 | — |
| 39 | Los Angeles College of Music Pasadena, CAPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 11 | 41% | $41,257 | $24,059 |
| 40 | Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FLPublicAssociate's | 10 | 39% | — | — |
| 41 | Kent State University at Stark North Canton, OHPublicBachelor's | 10 | 37% | — | $24,340 |
| 42 | DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond, WAPrivate for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 61% | $39,863 | — |
| 43 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 9 | 90% | — | $15,289 |
| 44 | American InterContinental University - Atlanta Atlanta, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 21% | $17,531 | $22,690 |
| 45 | American InterContinental University - Houston Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 5% | $18,264 | $22,690 |
| 46 | Seattle Film Institute Seattle, WAPrivate for-profitMaster's | 9 | 57% | $41,903 | — |
| 47 | Columbia College Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 52% | $28,087 | $19,943 |
| 48 | Champlain College Burlington, VTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 65% | $32,531 | — |
| 49 | University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 64% | — | $43,764 |
| 50 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 7 | 16% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Music field (CIP 50.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 37 states
Where Music Technology graduates come from. Each state links to all Music programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-4014, Sound Engineering Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Music Technology program can pursue careers as Sound Engineering Technicians, with an annual median wage of $66,430. Despite a projected decline in job growth of -1.7%, there are approximately 1,200 annual openings in related fields, often requiring postsecondary nondegree awards.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 50.0913
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sound Engineering Techniciansprimary SOC 27-4014 | $73,130 | -1.7% Decline | ~1,200 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Music Directors and Composers SOC 27-2041 | $73,710 | -0.3% Little or no change | ~4,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio SOC 27-2091 | — | +3.8% About as fast as average | ~1,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Music Technology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
- Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
- Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
Tools and technology used
Other Music specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Music (CIP 50.09).
- MusicCIP 50.090110,232 graduates / yr976 institutions
- Music PerformanceCIP 50.09036,946 graduates / yr375 institutions
- Music Theory and CompositionCIP 50.09041,282 graduates / yr145 institutions
- MusicCIP 50.09991,199 graduates / yr88 institutions
- Voice and OperaCIP 50.0908641 graduates / yr81 institutions
- Jazz/CIP 50.0910
Jazz Studies 592 graduates / yr59 institutions - Stringed InstrumentsCIP 50.0911583 graduates / yr29 institutions
- Keyboard InstrumentsCIP 50.0907528 graduates / yr59 institutions
- Music PedagogyCIP 50.0912397 graduates / yr51 institutions
- Musicology and EthnomusicologyCIP 50.0905165 graduates / yr36 institutions
- ConductingCIP 50.0906159 graduates / yr53 institutions
- Woodwind InstrumentsCIP 50.0915148 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Music History, Literature, and TheoryCIP 50.0902131 graduates / yr28 institutions
- Brass InstrumentsCIP 50.0914103 graduates / yr15 institutions
- Percussion InstrumentsCIP 50.091640 graduates / yr14 institutions
- Sound ArtsCIP 50.0917partial data38 graduates / yr7 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Music Technology?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication, among others.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Sound Engineering Technician, Music Director, or in various roles within audio production.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows a decline of -1.7%, with about 1,200 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Music Technology?+
Music Technology is CIP 50.0913 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Music (CIP 50.09). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the composition, recording, synthesis, and performance of music; audio-visual production; scoring for film and multimedia; and software and multimedia development. Includes instruction in music theory, music history, composition, acoustics, recording technology, computer composition, electronic music synthesis, technology-based performance, 3D sound and spatial audio, and music business and law.
How many institutions offer Music Technology programs?+
122 U.S. institutions reported Music Technology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 37 states, awarding 2,092 credentials in the year. That is 8.3% of all Music graduates.
How much do Music Technology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Sound Engineering Technicians occupation, which Music Technology most directly leads to, pays a median of $73,130 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Music field report median earnings of $23,127 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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