Sound Design Minor
Make sound for music, games, and media — theory, electronic music, recording studio, and game audio — in a flexible 18-credit program.
Program Overview
The sound design minor at Shawnee State University offers a hands-on introduction to the art and science of audio creation. Whether your interests lie in music production, game audio, or sound design for film and animation, this program gives you the tools and knowledge to bring your creative vision to life in various sound design jobs.
Rooted in a diverse curriculum that blends music theory, electronic music, audio recording, and sound art, sound design classes prepare students to make informed creative decisions in a fast-evolving digital landscape. It complements a variety of majors, including game design, digital simulation, music, film, and communication.
At Shawnee State, our students benefit from small class sizes, one-on-one mentorship from experienced faculty, and access to state-of-the-art equipment. You'll gain both the creative insight and technical expertise to work across entertainment, media, and tech industries.
At A Glance
Sound Design Minor
Degree
Minor
Format
On campus
Length
Complete alongside your major
Credits
18
Class Size
12:1
Location
Main Campus, Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
Why Study Sound Design Minor at Shawnee University
You'll work in a real recording studio with industry-standard tools, alongside faculty who produce and design sound professionally.
Coursework spans the field — music theory, electronic music, recording, sound design, applied composition, and game audio — so the minor adapts to where your interests sit.
Small class sizes mean faculty mentor you through projects, not just lecture at you about them.
It pairs cleanly with game design, music, film, communication, and digital simulation majors that need strong audio collaborators.
A grade of C or better is required in all courses applied to the minor; pass/no-credit courses don't count.
The Sound Design Minor requires 18 credit hours chosen from a list of approved music courses, so students can tailor the program to their interests.
- MUSI 1111 — Music Theory I
- MUSI 1112 — Music Theory II
- MUSI 2323 — Applied Audio Practicum
- MUSI 3360 — Sound Design
- MUSI 3481 — Applied Composition
- MUSI 3611 — Electronic Music
- MUSI 3621 — Recording Studio
- MUSI 4360 — Game Audio
The Sound Design Minor is a strong fit for students majoring in:
- Game & Simulation Arts or digital simulation
- Music or music technology
- Communication, film, or media
- Fine arts and creative practice
- Any field where audio storytelling is part of the work — from podcasts to immersive experiences
Classes and recording sessions take place in the music and recording studio facilities on the Shawnee State campus in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Sound Design Minor Frequently Asked Questions
Some background helps for the theory courses, but the minor is open to students from any major. Talk with the department about placement if you're starting fresh.
Yes. Game Audio (MUSI 4360) focuses on sound for interactive media and is offered alongside courses in electronic music and recording studio work.
Yes. The Applied Audio Practicum is built around hands-on production, and many courses produce work you can use in a portfolio or reel.
Very cleanly. Game studios value cross-trained collaborators who can talk about both art and audio — the minor is a strong second credential on a B.F.A.
