Change How We Hear the World
The Master of Arts in Sound Arts and Industries is a one-year, dynamic and immersive graduate program that fosters creativity and critical thinking, catering to a student body with a wide-range of interests, including media storytellers, musicians, artists, designers, and scholars. It is designed to nurture and develop the creative talents of those whose practice revolves around the art and science of sound. This program explores the intricate and vast world of sonic expression and equips students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the evolving landscape of sound arts and industries, making it an innovative and intensive experience.
Northwestern is the place for sound.
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The Fall 2026 Application will open on September 1, 2025
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SoundBites The Place for Sound
The MA in Sound Arts and Industries is a one-year master’s program for media storytellers, artists, designers, theorists and others who place sonic expression at the center of their practice.
Screen and Stage
Immerse yourself in the world of audio production and technology with 24/7 access to studio spaces, complete with industry standard recording, editing, and production tools. Develop hands-on expertise in recording, editing, mixing, and mastering techniques, empowering you to craft top-tier sonic content while enjoying an ideal environment for experimentation and project development.
Academy and Industry
Showcase your voice in podcasts, installations, documentaries, sonic essays and film soundtracks. We have dedicated staff to support your internship search in sound industries from radio to TV and film, from theatre to gaming.
Program
The MA in Sound Arts and Industries at Northwestern University integrates sound theory and history with contemporary sound practice in the Chicago area’s dynamic sound, music, film and podcasting scenes.
Faculty
Our faculty is a dynamic team comprised of academics and professionals from a wide range of fields, including Radio-Television-Film, Theatre, Music Theory & Cognition, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Podcasting, Journalism, Acoustical Engineering, and Sound Engineering. This eclectic blend of expertise ensures that our students receive a well-rounded and comprehensive education.