Acoustical Engineer
Acoustics is a fancy word for the study of sound. So simply, an acoustical engineering is engineering for sound. It’s an acoustical engineer’s job to study, design and build classrooms, theaters, arenas, and outdoor stadiums to maximize the sound quality the building was designed for.
In some cases this means making a room quiet and minimizing outside noise. In other cases it means designing the layout of each room so that the noise from one room doesn’t affect the sound in another. In yet other cases it can be designing a theater or arena so that the quality of the sound is the same no matter where in the arena you are. This means that if you go to see your favorite band live, it doesn’t matter how close you are to the stage it will still sound great!
Acoustical engineers also design equipment to reduce or alter sound. They are experts in how sound waves travel and know how to place speakers and other sound-making equipment in a room to make it sound great!
To become an acoustical engineer you must complete a bachelor’s (4 years) degree in physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering and a master’s (2 years) or PhD (3-5 years) degree in acoustics.
Learn More about Acoustics
Check out the following website to learn more about different kinds of acoustics:
Click on the link below to explore cool activities you can do to learn about sound:
Listen to some cool sounds here:
Learn More about the History of Acoustical Engineering
Now you may think that acoustical engineering is a job for today’s world, but the Ancient Greeks and Mayans created amphitheaters and buildings that are amazing examples of acoustical engineering.
Check out the amphitheater in Epidaurus built by the ancient Greeks over two thousand years ago:
To learn about the Mayan’s acoustic engineering feats in ancient times check out this video:
