Master of Science in Acoustics

This option allows students to complete the required coursework and a scholarly paper to earn the M.S. degree in Acoustics within one calendar year. Students admitted to the one-year M.S. option are not eligible to receive funding in the form of a graduate research assistantship. Students in the one-year M.S. track are expected to pay for tuition and living expenses.
The Graduate Program in Acoustics at Penn State is a unique interdisciplinary program leading to master's and doctoral degrees in acoustics. The program is focused entirely on acoustics, a subject touching many diverse disciplines such as architectural acoustics, biomedical ultrasound, noise and vibration control, transducer design, underwater acoustics, signal processing, aeroacoustics, structural vibration, speech and communication, outdoor propagation, computational methods, and much more.

The graduate degrees offered by the Graduate Program in Acoustics (M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D.) are advanced technical, engineering degrees and entering students are required to possess a minimum background in math, physics, and engineering. An applicant's undergraduate background must, at a minimum, include at least two semester of calculus-based physics and mathematics to include complex variables and differential equations. In addition, an undergraduate knowledge of statics and dynamics, linear algebra, electronic circuit analysis, and the ability to use mathematical analysis software such as MATLAB is expected. The minimum acceptable undergraduate grade point average is 3.0 (on a 4.0 point scale) with a B+ or better average in mathematics, physical science, and engineering courses.
An individual having a baccalaureate degree from a United States institution of higher learning, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution of higher education, either in an accredited engineering curriculum or in some other program such as engineering, physics, or mathematics, will meet the minimum required background in math, physics, and engineering and can apply for admission to the Graduate Program in Acoustics.

An individual with a non-technical undergraduate degree (for example: an B.A. in Sound Recording Technology, or Music) may apply, but acceptance into the Program will depend significantly on the applicant's specific background and motives to pursue advanced study in acoustics. Some students may have to take additional courses, beyond their undergraduate degree, in order to meet the minimum required background in math, physics, and engineering

Regardless of the applicant's background and motives, any and all students applying for admission must meet the following minimum requirements:

At least four semesters of calculus, including: Calculus 1 (derivatives), Calculus 2 (integrals), Calculus 3 (multivariable integrals), and Differential Equations. Familiarity with complex numbers is also expected.
At least two semesters of calculus-based physics: Physics 1 (Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, heat, waves), and Physics 2 (electricity and magnetism, circuits)

If offered admission and the offer is accepted, receipt by the Graduate School of official/original transcripts/documents from all post-secondary institutions attended (and official English translation, if the language of instruction is not English) International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60