The MA in Sound Arts and Industries is a one-year graduate program at Northwestern University that explores the creative, technical and theoretical aspects of sound. Students study sound design, podcasting, music production, audio storytelling, and sound for video games, while also exploring emerging fields and technologies shaping the future of media, art and communication.

The program is based on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus, just north of Chicago. Students benefit from access to world-class facilities and Northwestern’s rich offerings in music, theater, and the arts as well as Chicago’s vibrant creative and media scene. This dynamic environment provides unique opportunities to collaborate, perform, produce and engage with industry professionals across disciplines.

The MA in Sound Arts and Industries is a fully in-person program on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus.

The MA is a full-time, 1-year intensive program that begins in September and ends in August. Full-time students complete four consecutive quarters, including a summer capstone experience.

The program consists of 12 graduate-level credits. Full-time students complete all coursework over four quarters: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Classes begin in September, and students graduate the following August.

2025–26 Academic Year

Tuition

• Total cost-to-degree: $74,496
  This covers tuition for four full-time quarters in the one-year program.
• Part-time per-credit tuition: $6,208 per credit

Tuition rates are set each spring by the School of Communication for the following academic year. Updated rates will be posted as soon as they are finalized.

Application & Enrollment Fees

• Application fee: $40
  • Waived for applicants who attend an info session
• Tuition deposit: $500
  • Required to confirm enrollment after admission
  • Applied toward tuition

Required Fees

• Health Services Fee: $861
  • Covers access to on-campus health services (Evanston & Chicago), counseling, digital health via TimelyCare, and wellness programming
• Health Insurance (NU-SHIP): Approximately $5,919 (2025–26 estimate)
  • This is a separate fee and must be waived if you have other qualifying coverage or enrolled in during your studies.

Required Deposits (one-time, refundable)

These deposits allow access to equipment, studios, and facilities throughout the program.

• SoundTank key deposit: $50
• Equipment deposit: $50
• Studio deposit: $100

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. A background in sound is not required, but a demonstrated interest in sound and media is strongly encouraged. To apply, you’ll need:

1. Completed online application
2. $40 application fee
   • Waived if you attend an info session
3. Statement of Purpose
4. Personal Statement
5. Names and email addresses for three academic or professional references
6. Current resume
7. Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
   • If your degree was earned outside the U.S., transcripts must be submitted to Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES) for course-by-course evaluation.
8. TOEFL or IELTS score
   • For international applicants, unless your undergraduate degree was taught in English

Students gain hands-on experience in:

• Sound design for film, animation and video games
• Podcast production and audio drama
• Audio post-production and mixing
• Music recording and editing
• Interactive sound design and sound for live events
• The cultural, historical and scientific study of sound

We welcome applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds! Musicians, filmmakers, podcasters, writers, engineers, artists, and more. You don’t need a formal audio background, just an interest in sound and creative expression and hold a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree — or a comparable non-U.S. degree — from a regionally accredited institution.

Our alumni work in:

• Film sound design
• Music studios and post-production houses
• Podcast and radio production
• Video Game audio
• Museums and installation art
• Higher education and research
• Tech, software, and immersive media

Yes, we offer a limited number of scholarships based on merit and need. U.S. students can also apply for federal student loans. International students are eligible for some institutional support but not U.S. federal loans.

Yes, international applicants are encouraged to apply. We support the F-1 visa process and offer guidance through Northwestern’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services.

Samples of work are not required for admission to the MA in Sound Arts and Industries but are required for scholarship consideration. You can submit audio projects, music, films, podcasts or other sound-related work that showcases your skills or interests.

The Priority Deadline is January 15. Applications submitted by this date receive full consideration for scholarship funding. The final deadline is typically in June, space permitting.

We’d love to hear from you!

Email us at sound@northwestern.edu
Or visit our Contact page to schedule a meeting or sign up for an info session.