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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Sound engineeringCreative portfolioSTEM preparation

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Sound engineeringCreative portfolioSTEM preparation

Browse programs

Theatre

Composition & music studies

Dance

Music performance

Music education

Music technology

Quick links

BS Sound Engineering

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Sound engineeringCreative portfolioSTEM preparation

Program Recognition

BS Sound Engineering is an undergraduate music degree pathway in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

SMTD publishes this exact degree or applied-area option in its current undergraduate catalog and admission requirements.

Training

The curriculum combines university study with conservatory-level studio, musicianship, ensemble, and performance work.

A recording of an original composition (two to five minutes long) for any combination of electronic and/or acoustic instruments and digital sounds. If the composition has a notated score, please include it. Applicants may include two contrasting compositions to fulfill items 6 and 7;

And 7. Pick two additional items from the following list:

Performance & Productions

Soundtrap (Browser based DAW)

Applicants who advance are evaluated by SMTD faculty through the format and repertoire rules published for Performing Arts Technology.

Degree Flexibility

Students apply through the Common Application and complete an SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and area.

The December 1 Artistic Profile deadline applies to first-year undergraduate SMTD applicants for Fall 2027.

The 120-credit BS requires 12 credits in mathematics, 10 in physics, and 20 in engineering.

Required engineering work fulfills a Minor in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering.

Digital signal processing, circuits, computer programming, sound reinforcement, and advanced studio production anchor the technical sequence.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.90

Admit rate

16%

school-wide

Grad rate

93%

Enrollment

34.2K

Earnings

$84K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$18,346

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$63,962

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$38,548

Before aid

Average net price

$13,138

After aid

Estimating Costs · finaid.umich.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BS Sound Engineering is an undergraduate music degree pathway in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

SMTD publishes this exact degree or applied-area option in its current undergraduate catalog and admission requirements.

Training

The curriculum combines university study with conservatory-level studio, musicianship, ensemble, and performance work.

And 7. Pick two additional items from the following list:

Performance & Productions

Soundtrap (Browser based DAW)

Applicants who advance are evaluated by SMTD faculty through the format and repertoire rules published for Performing Arts Technology.

Degree Flexibility

Students apply through the Common Application and complete an SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and area.

The December 1 Artistic Profile deadline applies to first-year undergraduate SMTD applicants for Fall 2027.

The 120-credit BS requires 12 credits in mathematics, 10 in physics, and 20 in engineering.

Required engineering work fulfills a Minor in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering.

Digital signal processing, circuits, computer programming, sound reinforcement, and advanced studio production anchor the technical sequence.

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BS Sound Engineering is an undergraduate music degree pathway in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

SMTD publishes this exact degree or applied-area option in its current undergraduate catalog and admission requirements.

Training

The curriculum combines university study with conservatory-level studio, musicianship, ensemble, and performance work.

And 7. Pick two additional items from the following list:

Performance & Productions

Soundtrap (Browser based DAW)

Applicants who advance are evaluated by SMTD faculty through the format and repertoire rules published for Performing Arts Technology.

Degree Flexibility

Students apply through the Common Application and complete an SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and area.

The December 1 Artistic Profile deadline applies to first-year undergraduate SMTD applicants for Fall 2027.

The 120-credit BS requires 12 credits in mathematics, 10 in physics, and 20 in engineering.

Required engineering work fulfills a Minor in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering.

Digital signal processing, circuits, computer programming, sound reinforcement, and advanced studio production anchor the technical sequence.

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$75

Deadline

Early application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Fall 2027 SMTD Application DeadlineDec 1, 2026

Fall 2027 Regular Decision Application DeadlineFeb 1, 2027

Requirements Deadlines · admissions.umich.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The prescreen and the university application can come in either order; both are required before a decision.

Apply

School Website

Fee

Artistic Profile Fee

$45

Deadline

SMTD Artistic Profile deadlineDec 1, 2026

Auditions

PAT interview

Jan 29, 2027Feb 5 & 12, 2027

Official page · admissions.smtd.umich.edu Undergraduate Audition Dates · smtd.umich.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Additional Materials

Portfolio

Portfolio: Submit a recording of yourself performing on a traditional acoustic instrument or voice, preferably with other instruments.

Portfolio: Submit a remix, arrangement, interpretation, or cover of one of the two works specified by PAT.

Portfolio: Choose two additional works from the published options: original composition, engineered stereo mix, original video, visual art, sound for visual media, or documentation of an electronic or interactive performance system.

Portfolio: For portfolio items 4 through 7, include a paragraph describing equipment, software, techniques, motivation, and your contribution to collaborative work.

Portfolio: Disclose and describe any generative-AI tools used, and follow PAT's published audio-file specifications.

Personal statement

300 words

Write a personal statement (300 words maximum) describing your reasons for choosing to pursue studies in Performing Arts Technology. Discuss what you hope to gain that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to, as well as what your unique contributions to the PAT community would be.

Portfolio item 1. "Please disclose and describe any generative AI tools (including translation) used in creating any of the portfolio items. For items 1–3, include a brief statement on AI use at the end of each item.". Submit in SMTD Artistic Profile.

Dream project

300 words

Describe in detail (300 words maximum) a ‘dream project’ you would like to accomplish during your time in the PAT program. In your response, consider how the project aligns with your long-term aspirations in music and the field of performing arts technology. Discuss specific classes, skills, or features of the program that would enable you to go beyond your current abilities to accomplish this project. Feel free to speculate on the future of music, envision your purpose within that future, and explore how you might push the boundaries of what is possible with current technology.

Portfolio item 2. "Please disclose and describe any generative AI tools (including translation) used in creating any of the portfolio items. For items 1–3, include a brief statement on AI use at the end of each item.". Submit in SMTD Artistic Profile.

Sample essay (listening response)

300 words

Provide a sample essay (300 words maximum) that responds to either TransCraniumExpress by Kyle Bruckmann or minipops 67 [120.2][source field mix] by Aphex Twin. Whichever piece you select, describe your response to hearing the piece, and what features of the music you think prompted that particular response. Describe the aesthetic and technical qualities of the piece that distinguish it from other music you have heard, or that relate it to other music with which you are familiar.

Portfolio item 3. "Please disclose and describe any generative AI tools (including translation) used in creating any of the portfolio items. For items 1–3, include a brief statement on AI use at the end of each item.". Submit in SMTD Artistic Profile.

Requirements For Pre Screening Portfolios Auditions Interviews · smtd.umich.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

University Essays

Prescreen essays are listed with the requirements.

Common App personal essay

250–650 words · Choose 1 of 7 prompts · Written once for all your Common App schools

Background, identity, interest, or talent: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Facing adversity: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Challenging an idea: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Gratitude: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Personal growth: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Intellectual curiosity: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Topic of your choice: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

The Common App enforces the length inside the application.

University of Michigan Question 1

100–300 words

At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans.

University of Michigan Question 2

100–550 words

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate college or school (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

Application · Common App Essay Questions · admissions.umich.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the Common Application to the University of Michigan.

Complete the SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and performance area.

The Artistic Profile carries a $45 fee; a waiver is available.

Follow the portal instructions for supporting documents and media uploads.

Scholarship Info

Scholarship Consideration

SMTD admission auditions are used for merit-scholarship consideration where applicable.

University financial-aid and fee-waiver processes are separate from the Artistic Profile.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.90

Admit rate

16%

school-wide

Grad rate

93%

Enrollment

34.2K

Earnings

$84K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$18,346

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$63,962

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$38,548

Before aid

Average net price

$13,138

After aid

Estimating Costs · finaid.umich.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

BS Sound Engineering is an undergraduate music degree pathway in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

SMTD publishes this exact degree or applied-area option in its current undergraduate catalog and admission requirements.

Training

The curriculum combines university study with conservatory-level studio, musicianship, ensemble, and performance work.

And 7. Pick two additional items from the following list:

Performance & Productions

Soundtrap (Browser based DAW)

Applicants who advance are evaluated by SMTD faculty through the format and repertoire rules published for Performing Arts Technology.

Degree Flexibility

Students apply through the Common Application and complete an SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and area.

The December 1 Artistic Profile deadline applies to first-year undergraduate SMTD applicants for Fall 2027.

The 120-credit BS requires 12 credits in mathematics, 10 in physics, and 20 in engineering.

Required engineering work fulfills a Minor in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering.

Digital signal processing, circuits, computer programming, sound reinforcement, and advanced studio production anchor the technical sequence.

Updated 2d ago