Build Your Future as a Sound Technician

The Sound Technician Certificate is designed to prepare the student for occupational competency as a sound technician in educational, community and resident theatres as well as theme parks, television and motion picture studios. Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic technical theatre terminology as it relates to sound/audio.
  • Identify and demonstrate the practical aspects of safe and effective use of tools and equipment associated with sound/audio for the theatre.
  • Identify and describe the different types of drawings for theatrical sound/audio.
  • Identify and explain collaboration and concept as it relates to the sound/audio design process.

For additional information, visit the Fullerton College Theatre Arts Department website: http://theatre.fullcoll.edu/.

Degrees & Certificates

  • Apply online at fullcoll.edu
  • Apply for financial aid: fafsa.ed.gov
  • Take the online orientation
  • Take assessment exam
  • Meet with a Counselor
  • Update Personal info in My Gateway
  • Register for classes
  • Pay fees

Kevin Clowes
Scenic Artist
714.992.7295
kclowes@fullcoll.edu

Zachary Harless
Lighting Technician/Stage Management
714.992.7299
zharless@fullcoll.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost is $46 per unit. Non-resident tuition: $258 per unit PLUS enrollment fees (Non-Resident Tuition includes $19.00 Capital Outlay fee per Ed Code 76141).

Costs may vary; please visit website for more information: http://admissions.fullcoll.edu/fees-refunds/.

Associate degree or certificate completion depends on program unit requirements and whether student is enrolled full time or part time.

For information on jobs in this industry sector and their median annual salaries visit: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Career opportunities:
• Audio Engineer
• Audio Operator
• Broadcast Engineer
• Broadcast Technician
• Sound Engineer
• Sound Technician
• Studio Engineer

Overall employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Employment of audio and visual equipment technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. More audio and video technicians should be needed to set up new equipment or upgrade and maintain old, complex systems for a variety of organizations.

More companies are increasing their audio and video budgets so they can use video conferencing to reduce travel costs and communicate worldwide with other offices and clients. In addition, an increase in the use of digital signs across a wide variety of industries, such as schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and retail stores should lead to higher demand for audio and video equipment technicians.

Schools and universities are also seeking to improve their audio and video capabilities in order to attract and keep the best students. More audio and visual technicians may be needed to install and maintain interactive whiteboards and wireless projectors so teachers can give multimedia presentations and record lectures.

Employment of broadcast technicians is projected to decline 3 percent from 2016 to 2026. More consumers may choose free over-the-air television programming instead of cable or satellite services, in a practice commonly referred to as “cord-cutting.” This may contribute to stronger demand for broadcast television. However, most major networks use a single facility to broadcast to multiple stations, which limits the growth potential for broadcast technicians.

Employment of sound engineering technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The television and motion picture industry will continue to need technicians to improve the sound quality of shows and movies.

Contact Our Department

Zachary Harless

Average Salary in this Field

$26,730 to

$143,800 Per Year

Careers in this Field

Audio Engineer

Studio Engineer

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