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Certificate in Audio and Sound Recording - Atlanta & Houston Campuses
Audio Recording and Sound Design Certificate
The goal of the Audio Recording and Sound Design Certificate is to provide students with an introduction to the technical and creative skills needed in the audio and sound recording industries. This certificate program is designed to help students work to develop skills needed to pursue career paths in music and/or motion picture recording.
In this Audio Recording and Sound Design program, students will explore a variety of audio production subjects such as sound recording, post-production, producing, and engineering. During the program, students will have the opportunity to earn third-party certifications in various industry-standard software applications.
Next start date
Program Credits
180
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Atlanta,
Houston,
Classes start on Dec 24, 2025
Audio Recording and Sound Design Certificate Program Overview
AIU’s Audio Recording and Sound Design Certificate is designed to introduce the technical and creative skills needed in the audio and sound recording industries. Through this certificate program, students will have the opportunity to explore some of the skill sets and knowledge common to producers in the audio industry.
By studying key topics in audio and sound, students can explore their creative and technical abilities by building professional soundtracks, including pre-production, production, editing, effects, and mixing.
Audio Recording and Sound Design Certificate Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
|
Audio Production I
DFAP102
This course introduces students to basic audio concepts, techniques, theories and equipment; including microphones, the studio mixing console and nonlinear recording and editing. This course introduces students to basic audio concepts, techniques, theories and equipment; including microphones, the studio mixing console and nonlinear recording and editing. |
DFAP102 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Audio Production II
DFAP205
Students learn thoroughly the concepts and methodologies required for multi-track recording, mixing and editing. This course will focus on industry standard Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) application skills including editing, level balancing, imaging, use of EQ, dynamic processing, spatial effects and multi-track organization. Students learn thoroughly the concepts and methodologies required for multi-track recording, mixing and editing. This course will focus on industry standard Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) application skills including editing, level balancing, imaging, use of EQ, dynamic processing, spatial effects and multi-track organization. |
DFAP205 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Critical Listening
DFAP305
Students will be taken through a series of listening exercises designed to teach them to listen critically to frequency, loudness (expressed in decibels), distortion and time based effects. Focus will be placed upon developing basic listening skills that lead to accurate analysis of recorded sound. Students will be taken through a series of listening exercises designed to teach them to listen critically to frequency, loudness (expressed in decibels), distortion and time based effects. Focus will be placed upon developing basic listening skills that lead to accurate analysis of recorded sound. |
DFAP305 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Music Mixing and Mastering
DFAP313
Working with a series of pre-recorded music sessions students will focus on mixing techniques and be able to creatively utilize effects, processors and automation. Working with a series of pre-recorded music sessions students will focus on mixing techniques and be able to creatively utilize effects, processors and automation. |
DFAP313 | 4.5 | ||||
|
MIDI and Electronic Music
DFAP316
An introductory course focusing on the creation of music via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students learn how to record, sequence and edit their own music using a computer with appropriate software and MIDI keyboard.
An introductory course focusing on the creation of music via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students learn how to record, sequence and edit their own music using a computer with appropriate software and MIDI keyboard.
|
DFAP316 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Producing and Engineering
DFAP438
In this class students will develop and apply advanced multitrack recording techniques, advanced song production, talent direction, and studio communication skills in several music projects.
In this class students will develop and apply advanced multitrack recording techniques, advanced song production, talent direction, and studio communication skills in several music projects.
|
DFAP438 | 4.5 | ||||
| 27 Total Credit Hours | 27 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the three phases of the audio production process (preproduction, production and postproduction) and the contributions of audio specialists at each.
- Appropriately apply various industry-standard software, hardware, and techniques in a practical setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate protocol, behavior and professionalism as applicable in field, studio and postproduction environments.
- Contribute appropriately in a variety of capacities to the production of audio projects.
Classes Overview
-
Audio Production I
This course introduces students to basic audio concepts, techniques, theories and equipment; including microphones, the studio mixing console and nonlinear recording and editing.
-
Audio Production II
Students learn thoroughly the concepts and methodologies required for multi-track recording, mixing and editing. This course will focus on industry standard Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) application skills including editing, level balancing, imaging, use of EQ, dynamic processing, spatial effects and multi-track organization.
-
Critical Listening
Students will be taken through a series of listening exercises designed to teach them to listen critically to frequency, loudness (expressed in decibels), distortion and time based effects. Focus will be placed upon developing basic listening skills that lead to accurate analysis of recorded sound.
-
Music Mixing and Mastering
Working with a series of pre-recorded music sessions students will focus on mixing techniques and be able to creatively utilize effects, processors and automation.
-
MIDI and Electronic Music
An introductory course focusing on the creation of music via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students learn how to record, sequence and edit their own music using a computer with appropriate software and MIDI keyboard.
-
Producing and Engineering
In this class students will develop and apply advanced multitrack recording techniques, advanced song production, talent direction, and studio communication skills in several music projects.
Course content subject to change.
Faculty
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Frequently Asked Questions
An Audio Recording Sound Design certificate is a skills-focused credential designed to provide the core studio fundamentals behind capturing, editing, and shaping sound for music and media. It is designed to help students prepare to pursue opportunities in a DAW to record multi-track sessions, program MIDI, practice critical listening, and learn mixing, mastering, and basic post-production techniques. At AIU, the Audio and Sound Recording Certificate (available on the Atlanta Houston campuses) encompasses courses such as Critical Listening, Audio Production I II, MIDI Electronic Music, Producing Engineering, and Music Mixing Mastering, with opportunities to pursue third-party software certifications.
No–AIU's Audio Recording and Sound Design Certificate is offered on campus at our Atlanta and Houston locations and is not currently available online.
Some potential career paths for a certificate in audio recording may be*:
Music Director and Composer - Writes original music for songs and media cues; builds arrangements in a DAW, programs MIDI, and collaborates with engineers on tracking and revisions–applying certificate-driven skills in multi-track recording, MIDI production, and mixing/mastering.
Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians - Set up, operate, and maintain audio-visual and broadcast equipment for radio, TV, live events or recordings, often advancing into supervisory technician or chief engineer roles with experience.
Explore design-related job positions and descriptions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
*AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.
To start on your path to pursuing a certificate in audio recording and sound design at AIU, follow these steps:
1. Explore AIU's accredited program to review core courses in critical listening, audio production I II, MIDI electronic music, producing engineering, and music mixing mastering–and see how each maps to your educational goals.
2. Review the admission requirements, which typically include a high school diploma or equivalent–AIU does not require SAT or ACT scores for enrollment.
3. Evaluate tuition and financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, or payment plans that may help make your education more accessible*.
4. Submit your application before the next term begins–once enrolled, familiarize yourself with AIU's online learning platform to prepare for your courses and begin working toward your certificate in audio recording and sound design.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
AIU's on-campus Audio and Sound Recording Certificate is structured to be completed in approximately 12 months when you follow the recommended course sequence. The actual completion time may be shorter or longer, depending on campus scheduling, the number of courses taken each session, and any scheduled breaks.
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Classes start December 24, 2025
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