Acoustical Engineering Education and Training

Continuous learning is the key to being a successful acoustical engineer

Acoustical engineering is a branch of engineering that monitors sounds and vibrations in order to find methods to reduce and minimize harmful and annoying sounds. This type of engineering is important to both the public and private sector. The acoustics of a workplace can make or break a business. Clients and customers do not want to frequent restaurants and offices where the noise level is unpleasantly loud. Too much noise in the workplace can decrease productivity of employees. Business owners may find themselves liable to lawsuits or subject to state-induced sanctions if they expose their employees to harmful noise levels.

Acoustical engineers find and fix problems of too much noise, as well as work with ultrasound and sonar in a variety of applications. Acoustical engineers can find plenty of employment in a variety of disciplines, including architectural acoustical engineering, audio engineering and electronic acoustical engineering, all of which can be rewarding and high-paying careers. Consider the following suggestions to find the appropriate training for the job you want:

1. Choose an acoustical engineering program.

2. Further your knowledge of acoustic engineering.

3. Land a job that lets you keep your skills sharp.

 

Earn an acoustical engineer degree

From certificate programs to post-doctoral degrees, there are many different levels of acoustical engineering programs. From online degrees to traditional colleges and universities, there is an unlimited supply of acoustical engineering education and training opportunities.
Try: The Acoustical Society of America provides good tutorials on how to map your education goals and career paths in acoustical engineering. You might also consider courses from The Stanford University Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. The Carnegie Mellon University Department of Mechanical Engineering offers the Acoustics, Vibrations and Noise Control Laboratory where you can conduct your research.

Continue your acoustical engineering training

Training yourself on acoustics in the workplace is the first step in choosing a career as an acoustics engineer. Acoustical engineering is a fascinating discipline that can lead to many interesting jobs, such as a noise-control acoustic engineer or in a recording studio.
Try: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers an online training guide on noise control for business owners and employees. Acoustics.com features continuing education opportunities in the acoustics field to help people add to an already existing skill-set. Home business owners should consider investing in “The Noise Control Manual for Residential Buildings” published by McGraw-Hill to learn more about audio engineering for residential applications.

Attend conferences where you can learn about acoustical engineering practices

Finding information about acoustics and acoustical engineering is not difficult. Acoustical engineers and others in the field of engineering acoustics can benefit from education and training obtained through conferences.
Try: You can join other acoustic engineering companies when you attend one of the noise conferences and meetings listed on the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse website. A worldwide forum on noise sources, INTER-NOISE 2009, is presented by the Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA.

 

• Acoustical engineers interested in the medical field may opt to work on and maintain ultrasound equipment in medical centers and hospitals.

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