VICTOR W. SPARROW, Interim Chair of the Graduate Program in Acoustics
217A ARL Building
814-865-6364; Fax—814-865-3119
Ph.D., M.S., M.Eng.
The aim of this program is to enable the student interested in acoustics to obtain an integrated program covering acoustical science and engineering applications of acoustics.
Student curricula are individually tailored and integrated through a selection of core and elective courses in areas such as basic acoustics, physical acoustics, underwater acoustics, signal processing, optics, architectural acoustics, medical ultrasonics, aeroacoustics, vibrations, wave propagation, speech, physiological acoustics, psychoacoustics, thermoacoustics, hydroacoustics, and computational acoustics. The courses are offered by the Graduate Program in Acoustics and by other participating University departments, including Aerospace Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science and Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Meteorology, Geosciences, Physics, Speech Communication, and Communication Disorders.
Requirements listed here are in addition to general Graduate School requirements stated in the GENERAL INFORMATION section of the Graduate Bulletin.
Entering students should hold a bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field that would provide substantial preparation in mathematics (a minimum of two semesters of calculus-based physics and mathematics to include complex variables and differential equations). In addition, an undergraduate knowledge of statics and dynamics, linear algebra, and electronic circuit analysis, and the ability to use mathematical analysis software is expected. Students with a 3.00 junior/senior average (on a 4.00 scale), appropriate course backgrounds, and a B+ or better average in mathematics, physical science, and engineering courses will be considered for admission. The best-qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number of spaces that are available for new students. An individual with nontechnical background may also apply, but acceptance into the program will depend significantly on the applicant's undergraduate background and motives to pursue advanced study in acoustics. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 grade-point average may be made for students with special backgrounds and abilities.
Scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required. For applicants required by the Office of Graduate Enrollment to take the TOEFL, minimum require TOEFL scores are 237 (computer-based test) or 580 (paper-based test).
In addition to the acoustics courses listed here, the following courses on acoustics and closely related areas are available: AERSP 511, 524, 525; A E 458, 520; BIOE 506, 516; CMPEN 485; E E 460, 530, 557, 560, 561, 562; E SC 536, 537; E MCH 412, 516, 521, 524A,B,C, 525, 527, 528, 560, 562, 570; GEOSC 504, 507A,B; 551; M E 471, 554; PHYS 443, 533. This list may change as other departments continue to add new courses relevant to acoustics.
Graduate assistantships and other forms of student aid are described in the STUDENT AID section of the Graduate Bulletin.
Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 599 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.
Faculty updated: 12/21/12
UCA Revision #2: 7/30/07