An Audio/Visual Degree Is an Easier Path to the Movies and Television Than You May Think

Most people view working in the movies, television, and even radio as a pipe dream, but an audio/visual degree could make that dream a reality. Those with audio/visual degrees can become:

• Audio recording engineers
• Boom operators
• Broadcast and sound engineering technicians
• Film and video editors
• Radio operators
• Sound effects editors

Exciting Audio Careers

Sound engineering technicians control all of the sound on the set or location, choosing the equipment and setting it up with the help of film recorders. Film and video editors help cut the film or program together to assemble the finished product. Finally, sound effects editors and audio recording engineers add the prerecorded and live sound, music, and ambient noise to the completed film or TV show.

What's the Best Audio/Visual Degree Program?

Audio/Visual degree programs are available on-campus and online. Online education has the advantage of a flexible schedule and the convenience of learning from home, which can make it easier to maintain a full-time job while you study. Whether you choose to study online or on-campus, obtaining an internship in radio, music videos, or corporate films and videos can help give you the practical experience that employers value.
As digital technology has advanced and become such a part of our culture, coursework in digital editing, video, and electronic mixing can prove especially useful. Many also prepare for jobs in this field or for a promotion with degrees in broadcast technology, electronics, or computer networking.

Audio/Visual Career Prospects

Approximately 30 percent of broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators work in radio and at television stations, 17 percent go into the motion picture, video, and sound recording industries, and 13 percent are self-employed. The rest go into other industries including sales, training programs, and employee communications. In 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technicians, radio operators, and camera operators had median annual salaries between $32,200 and $46,500 with film and video editors earning slightly more.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians and Radio Operators
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Motion Picture and Video Industries
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Professional and Related Occupations

Laura Horwitz has worked as a freelance writer and researcher for seven years in both London and the US, focusing frequently on education and career advice. She has also taught English and journalism. She currently lives in Los Angeles.