Certificate in Audio Production
Hours: 15 On-Campus
About
The Certificate in Audio Production at Fort Hays State University equips students with the essential skills necessary for sound recording, mixing, and digital media production. Alongside technical training, the certificate offers insights into the entrepreneurial aspects of the music industry, teaching students how to market themselves and their work effectively.
By combining technical coursework with business instruction, the curriculum ensures that students acquire practical expertise and industry knowledge, thereby gaining a well-rounded understanding of audio production.
Why pursue a Certificate in Audio Production at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Audio Production offers a comprehensive approach that combines technical skills with industry knowledge. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention and direct mentorship from experienced faculty, ensuring a deep understanding of recording, mixing, and producing high-quality audio content.
Students also gain hands-on experience with professional equipment and software commonly used in the music, broadcasting, and entertainment industries. Whether pursuing a career in audio production, refining skills in music and media, or exploring opportunities in creative self-employment, this certificate equips students with the essential knowledge and tools necessary for success.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is ideal for individuals passionate about sound, music, and digital media production. It is suitable for:
- Students majoring in media, music, or communication
- Aspiring music producers, audio engineers, or sound designers
- Individuals interested in podcasting, radio broadcasting, or voiceover work
- Freelancers looking to enhance their sound production and editing skills
- Content creators who want to improve audio quality for digital projects
Real-World Applications
Students prepare for real-world careers by equipping them with technical expertise and industry knowledge essential for professional success. Through hands-on projects, they gain practical experience in recording, mixing, and mastering audio for various media formats, including music, podcasts, film, and more.
Beyond technical training, the certificate offers valuable professional experience through collaboration with the Tiger Media Network, an immersive production environment where students contribute to projects that reach real audiences. Its entrepreneurial focus further empowers them to develop personal branding and business strategies that will help them succeed in the music and entertainment industry.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University ensures students stay current with the latest advancements and trends in the audio production industry. From modern digital audio workstations (DAWs) to innovative sound design techniques, students gain hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in professional studios and media production.
The curriculum also includes courses such as Law of Cyberspace, which covers legal topics including intellectual property rights and licensing in digital media. Additionally, students explore media entrepreneurship, learning how to effectively market themselves and their work in a competitive digital landscape.
Hands-on Activities
The Certificate in Audio Production emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling students to develop practical skills that directly translate to professional settings. Throughout the coursework, they gain experience in studio recording, field recording, and post-production editing using industry-standard software and equipment.
Students apply these skills across diverse production environments, from recording audio for film projects to mixing music for local artists. Whether working independently or collaboratively, participants complete the certificate with real-world experience that provides a competitive edge in the job market.
What You’ll Learn:
- Record sound correctly in different environments
- Edit and mix audio using industry-standard software
- Produce finished audio projects for media distribution
- Apply entrepreneurial and marketing skills in the audio industry
- Understand the legal aspects of digital media production
How You’ll Learn:
- Hands-on training with professional recording equipment
- Studio and field recording exercises
- Real-world projects through Tiger Media Network
- Access to cutting-edge editing software
- Collaboration with faculty and industry experts
The certificate comprises five courses, totaling 15 credit hours, and equips students with a well-rounded foundation in the technical, creative, and business aspects of audio production. Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools allows students to develop practical skills in recording, mixing, and media entrepreneurship.
Students start by learning the fundamentals of sound recording, including microphone techniques and editing software, and progress to advanced topics such as mixing, mastering, and production workflows. The curriculum also covers the business and legal aspects of the industry, providing students with the knowledge to succeed in professional digital media environments.
INF 348: Beginning Audio Production
The study of audio production and the integration of technology-based techniques for the purpose of designing, implementing, and producing effective and attractive audio presentations. Course material is targeted toward information networking and communication majors, as well as those disciplines that utilize electronic media as communication tools.
INF 349: Convergent Media Lab
Presentation of television production and operations experience involving students in studio and remote productions through the operation of the access channels of Hays Cable television and the internet.
INF 658: Law of Cyberspace
This course is an in-depth examination of key legal issues central to the internet. This course examines internet operational issues, including copyright and fair use of images, text, video, and audio, domain name registration, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, and ISP liability. It examines the regulation of the internet and key criminal and civil rights issues such as email access, pornography, and hacking. It also explores essential e-commerce concepts such as digital signatures, online contracts, and shrink-wrap contracts.
Discover the full Certificate in Audio Production course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
The Certificate in Audio Production equips students with the skills needed to launch careers in the music and media industries as audio professionals. Students are prepared for a range of roles, including studio recording, film sound design, broadcasting, and music production.
Audio Engineer
Audio engineers are responsible for recording, editing, and mixing audio for various media, including music, film, television, and live events. They work in studios, on location, and in broadcasting environments to ensure high-quality sound production across various media formats.
Music Producer
Music producers work closely with artists and musicians to guide both the creative and technical aspects of music production. They oversee recording sessions, arrange songs, and manage final mixes to ensure the creation of professional-quality music.
Podcast Producer
Podcast producers manage the recording, editing, and post-production of podcast episodes. They ensure high-quality audio and often contribute to content development, branding, and marketing of the podcast series.
Sound Designer
Sound designers specialize in creating audio effects and soundscapes for films, video games, and multimedia projects. They manipulate and enhance sound to craft immersive and engaging experiences for audiences.
Freelance Audio Specialist
Freelance audio specialists work on contract-based projects in areas such as music production, post-production editing, and live sound engineering. They provide custom audio services to clients across various industries.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
For students interested in expanding their skills further, Fort Hays State University offers additional programs in media production, communication, and digital content creation:
- Minor in Media Production
- B.A./B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Digital Media Production and Journalism)
- Master of Professional Studies (Digital Cinema Studies)
Students work with professional recording equipment, mixing consoles, and editing software in real-world projects.
The certificate is on-campus only.
Students who complete the certificate can pursue careers as audio engineers, music producers, podcast editors, sound designers, or freelance audio specialists.
Students train with Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro, microphones, and mixing consoles in professional studios.
Information about the Department of Informatics
The Department of Informatics at FHSU offers a flexible and forward-thinking education tailored to students' interests in data, analytics, and digital media. This dynamic program empowers students to customize their curriculum and develop cutting-edge skills essential for leadership in today’s technology-driven world. Whether studying on campus or online, students learn to leverage data and technology to solve real-world challenges and shape their own career paths.
As one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields, informatics opens the door to a wide range of high-impact, high-paying careers—from data analytics and cybersecurity to digital media and information management. FHSU equips students with expert instruction, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong industry connections to help them succeed in a profession that has quickly become vital across nearly every sector.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Cybersecurity Club: The Cybersecurity Club is dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of evolving cybersecurity principles and techniques. Open to all students, regardless of experience or skill level, the club welcomes anyone with an interest in topics such as network security, digital forensics, penetration testing, secure coding, cryptography, reverse engineering, and more. Through hands-on activities and collaborative learning, the club provides a supportive environment for exploring the many facets of cybersecurity.
- Tiger Media Network: TMN is the student-run news outlet at FHSU, offering hands-on experience in various aspects of media production. Open to students with interests in videography, photography, news writing, journalism, and related fields, TMN provides valuable opportunities to develop practical skills while contributing to campus news and storytelling.
- Advanced Technology Student Organization: The Advanced Technology Student Organization (ATSO) offers a collaborative learning environment for students interested in exploring the ever-evolving world of technology. The organization brings together members to support one another’s educational growth while promoting innovation and technological advancement. ATSO’s primary goal is to foster knowledge-sharing and unite students in driving both the organization and FHSU's continued progress in the tech field.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
