Acoustics

Acoustics at The Pennsylvania State University is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of sound and vibration phenomena, their physical principles, and their applications across various fields. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines principles from physics, engineering, and mathematics to prepare graduates for careers in research, development, consulting, and industry sectors related to acoustics. Students will explore topics such as sound wave propagation, noise control, environmental acoustics, ultrasonics, noise measurement and analysis, audio engineering, and vibration isolation. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, modern computational tools, and real-world problem-solving skills to ensure graduates are well-prepared for professional challenges. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced sound labs, computational modeling software, and research centers dedicated to acoustics and noise control. The coursework is complemented by opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and collaboration with industry partners, fostering a practical understanding of acoustics principles in real-world scenarios. Graduates of the program will be equipped to contribute to the design of quieter products, improve environmental quality through noise mitigation, advance audio technology, and support advancements in medical ultrasonics and nondestructive testing. The program adheres to high academic standards and integrates opportunities for professional development and certification in acoustics. Whether pursuing a career in academia, industry, or government research, students will gain the analytical, technical, and experimental skills necessary to excel in the dynamic and expanding field of acoustics. With a strong foundation in scientific and engineering principles, graduates will be positioned to innovate and implement solutions that enhance quality of life through improved sound and vibration management.

The Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree is a non-thesis professional master’s degree, and it may be earned by resident students at University Park or through distance education. The Master of Engineering degree is based on graduate course work and a written paper or a developmental study must be submitted to the Acoustics Program. Normally, such a paper represents a study of a particular topic that is more limited than that necessary for a thesis. The paper is free of any formal requirements of the Graduate School, but it is expected that the student will use the Thesis Guide as an example of the appropriate format. The total number of credits required for the M. Eng. degree is 30 of which 18 credits must be from 500-level approved core courses in Acoustics. The 12 non-core course credits may be selected from the "Required and Approved" list of courses issued by the Acoustics Program Office. Students may take more than one credit of Colloquium (ACS 590) and more than six credits of Individual Study (ACS 596), but such additional credits cannot be applied to the total number of course credits required. Master of Engineering students may not apply research credits (ACS 600) to the total number of course credits required. The expected duration to complete the M.Eng. degree is 2 years for resident students. For additional details, please consult www.acs.psu.edu.

The Masters of Science (M.S.) degree program is based on a combination of graduate course work and research training that is documented and culminates (a) in a Master of Science thesis or (b) in a scholarly paper. The M.S. degree in Acoustics is only available for resident students at University Park. For track (a) both the course selection and research are directed by an adviser. When the student is working on the thesis research, at least two other faculty members, upon the adviser's suggestion, will be recommended to the Program Chair who will approve the thesis committee. The total number of credits required for the M.S. degree is 30, and at least 20 of those credits must be taken at University Park. 24 course credits are required, of which 18 must be from approved 500-level acoustics core courses. 6 Thesis Research credits (ACS 600) are required for students writing a Master of Science Thesis.

The scholarly paper track (b) is only available for students participating in the one-year M.S. program that requires 12-month continuous registration. As part of the one-year M.S. program students must take one credit of Research Topics (ACS 594) in both the fall and spring semesters, and take a special summer course, Contemporary Research Topics in Acoustics (ACS 580). The scholarly paper will be developed in the ACS 594 classes and will normally be completed as part of ACS 580. This paper will typically be a study of a particular topic that is more limited than that necessary for a thesis. The paper is free of any formal requirements of the Graduate School, but it is expected that the student will use the formatting as described in the Thesis Guide. Students in this one-year M.S. program will not take any Thesis Research credits (ACS 600).  The total number of credits required for the M.S. degree is 30, and at least 20 of those credits must be taken at University Park. 24 course credits are required, of which 18 must be from approved 500-level acoustics core courses. 

The 6 non-core course credits for either track may be selected from the "Required and Approved" list of courses issued by the Acoustics Program Office. Students may take more than one credit of Colloquium (ACS 590) and more than six credits of Individual Studies (ACS 596) for the paper track or Thesis Research (ACS 600) for the thesis track, but such additional credits cannot be applied to the total number of course credits required for the M.S. degree. The expected duration to complete the M.S. degree with thesis is 2 to 2.5 years and approximately 1 year for students in the one-year resident M.S. program. 

Courses

Entering students should hold a bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field that would provide substantial preparation in mathematics (a minimum of two semesters of calculus-based physics and mathematics to include complex variables and differential equations). In addition, an undergraduate knowledge of statics and dynamics, linear algebra, and electronic circuit analysis, and the ability to use mathematical analysis software is expected. Students with a 3.00 junior/senior average (on a 4.00 scale), appropriate course backgrounds, and a B+ or better average in mathematics, physical science, and engineering courses will be considered for admission. The best-qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number of spaces that are available for new students. An individual with nontechnical background may also apply, but acceptance into the program will depend significantly on the applicant's undergraduate background and motives to pursue advanced study in acoustics. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 grade-point average may be made for students with special backgrounds and abilities.

Scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required. As English is the language of instruction, English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) are required for all international applicants. Please see the English Proficiency requirements listed in the Graduate Bulletin. In addition, the Acoustics Program requires a minimum speaking score on the TOEFL internet based test (iBT) of 25 or a minimum acceptable composite score from the International English Language Testing System of 6.5.

Scholarships

Assistantships

The most common form of graduate support, teaching and research assistantships, include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. Recipients are assigned to a faculty adviser who supervises the experience. Graduate assistants support undergraduate instruction or undertake research projects. A specified time commitment of 10-30 hours per week is required depending on the unit (a half-time/20 hour per week commitment is typical). Appointments are available only to graduate students who are registered for courses and enrolled in degree programs.

Fellowships

Fellowships are highly prestigious financial support packages that typically include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. They derive from University or outside awards. Unlike assistantships, they do not have a required work commitment; they are duty-free. Recipients must be enrolled in degree programs and be registered full time. Fellowship recipients are not permitted to accept employment without obtaining approval from the unit and/or agency supporting the fellowship.

Traineeships

Training grants are derived from agencies outside the University and are intended to support specific student learning experiences in core curricular areas and research methods. Institutional awards, typically under the direction of a faculty principal investigator, afford funding to support selected students with stipends, tuition grants-in-aid, and often include a subsidy for medical insurance.

The Pennsylvania State University offers specialized programs related to acoustics primarily within its College of Engineering and College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. The program focuses on the scientific principles and engineering applications of acoustics, including sound generation, propagation, and reception. Students in this program gain a comprehensive understanding of acoustical theory, signal processing, and sound measurement. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in various industries such as audio engineering, environmental acoustics, architectural acoustics, and noise control. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through laboratory work, research projects, and collaborations with industry partners, ensuring graduates are well-equipped with practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Students have access to advanced laboratories and instrumentation for acoustical analysis, enabling them to conduct experiments related to sound wave behavior, acoustic materials, and vibration analysis. The curriculum typically includes coursework in physics, engineering fundamentals, digital signal processing, and acoustical measurement techniques. Graduates of the program are prepared for employment in research and development, consulting, manufacturing, and government agencies concerned with noise pollution and environmental impact assessments. The university also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing acoustics students to work with experts in areas such as mechanical engineering, music technology, and environmental science. Research initiatives often focus on areas such as noise mitigation, underwater acoustics, audio signal processing, and sound quality improvement. Students interested in acoustics can also pursue minors or supplementary courses in related fields to broaden their expertise. The program supports professional development through seminars, workshops, and conference participation, fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to acoustical science and engineering. Overall, Penn State's acoustics program aims to produce graduates who are capable of addressing complex acoustical challenges through innovative solutions and advanced research, making significant contributions to industry and academia.