The BYU Acoustics Program

Why study acoustics?

Acoustics is broadly interdisciplinary, and as such it encourages interaction with colleagues in many disciplines, including physics, mechanical and electrical engineering, mathematics, computer science, speech pathology, audiology, biomedicine, music, linguistics, and languages. The acoustics program at BYU is centered in the physics department with strong ties to mechanical and electrical engineering. Due to its broad interdisciplinary nature, we deal with a number of current research problems in, but not limited to, energy-based acoustics, active noise control, architectural and audio acoustics, nonlinear acoustics and vibration analysis.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers degrees which can involve a specialization in acoustics. The BS degree (Physics or Applied Physics, see the program description) can culminate in a senior thesis or project, where the student works with a faculty advisor to research and report an independent investigation. The MS and PhD degrees of the graduate program offer more intensive opportunity to research acoustic phenomena. Online information from the graduate catalog is available, but for more specific information, you may email one of the faculty. The Department of Mechanical Engineering also offers three analogous degrees which can involve acoustics. Research and class work, however, are often interdisciplinary.

Core acoustics courses are taught in the physics and engineering departments.  However, many other courses with specific  applications to acoustics are also offered at BYU. Click here for a full listing of Acoustics Related Courses offered at Brigham Young University (pdf format).

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