Why pursue a B.A. in Audio Production at Nelson University?
- If you want a degree that teaches audio the way the industry actually works—hands-on, collaborative, and portfolio-driven—this program is built for you.
- The B.A. in Audio Production and Design prepares students for audio careers in both marketplace and ministry/church contexts, including music production, film post-production, live sound, and sound engineering for broadcast and multimedia.
- A key distinguishing feature of this program is the option for Dante Certification, giving graduates a recognized, industry-valued credential in networked audio.
- By pursuing this degree, students gain:
- Hands-on training in studio recording, live sound, and sound design for visual media
- Experience with industry-standard tools and workflows
- Client-ready skills, including collaboration, communication, and professional production practices
- Portfolio development through class projects spanning music, film, and live performance contexts
- Internship opportunities with studios, production companies, church media teams, and local audio production houses across DFW
What You’ll Learn
The B.A. in Audio Production and Design provides a comprehensive foundation in audio—from systems and signal flow to advanced production and immersive design—while emphasizing real-world readiness through applied projects, internships, and capstone-level work.
Students will develop a vast knowledge of audio production at all phases, including:
Working effectively with clients, teams, and creative stakeholders
Pre-production planning and session design
Capture/recording in studio and live environments
Editing, mixing, mastering, and deliverable preparation
Program Structure
- Hands-on, industry-focused curriculum
- This newly launched program builds upon and expands high-demand Communication Department courses already established, including Audio Production for Digital Media, Audio Production for Music, Sound for Cinema and Documentary and Live Audience Media Technologies. The expanded curriculum adds new coursework aligned with current industry standards.
- Dante Certification option: Students have the opportunity to pursue Dante Certification, strengthening their preparation for studio, live, and broadcast environments where networked audio systems are widely used.
- Collaborative learning environment – Students benefit from collaborative opportunities with Digital Media, Worship Studies and Communication.
Sample Courses
- Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
- Live Sound Production
- Spatial and Immersive Audio Design
- Audio Mixing and Mastering
- An entry-level Introduction to Audio Systems course to establish a consistent technical foundation
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts in Audio Production and Design must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Submission of standardized test scores
- A personal statement outlining academic and ministry goals
- Recommendations from a church or ministry leader
Additional admission requirements may apply.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The Bachelor of Arts in Audio Production and Design is structured to provide strong academic value while remaining financially accessible. Tuition is charged per credit hour, and students progress through the program within the standard 120-hour degree framework.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to qualifying students. Nelson University’s financial aid team is available to assist students in understanding tuition costs, payment options, and available funding resources.
Careers and Outcomes
| Possible Careers |
|---|
| Audio Engineer (Studio) |
| Music Producer |
| Live Sound Engineer |
| Broadcast Audio Technician |
FAQS
No prior professional audio experience is required. The program includes an Introduction to Audio Systems course designed to establish a strong technical foundation for all students. Whether you are new to audio production or have previous experience, coursework is structured to build skills progressively.
This program emphasizes hands-on learning, industry-standard technology, and real-world application. A key differentiator is the option to earn Dante Certification, a recognized industry credential in networked audio. Students also benefit from collaborative projects, portfolio development, and internships with studios, production companies, and church media teams across the DFW area.
Students work with industry-standard hardware and software, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, professional mixing consoles, Dante networked audio systems, and immersive audio tools. Training takes place in both studio and live production environments.
Internships are a core part of the program. Students complete applied internship experiences with local audio production houses, studios, production companies, or church media teams. These internships provide real-world experience, professional connections, and portfolio-ready work.
Graduates are prepared for careers in music production, live sound, broadcast audio, film and post-production sound, and church media, as well as roles that blend marketplace and ministry contexts. The program emphasizes technical skill, professional readiness, and client collaboration.