Undergraduate acoustical engineering programs at the University of Hartford.

Abstract

The University of Hartford has two undergraduate engineering programs in the area of acoustics: (1) the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) with Acoustics Concentration and (2) the Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in Acoustical Engineering & Music. The first curriculum is part of a BSME degree program that has required courses in vibration as well as engineering acoustics since the 1960s. The Acoustical Engineering & Music degree is a unique program that was instituted in 1976, where applicants must have the equivalent math and science background required of all engineering students and also must successfully pass the entrance requirements of the Hartt School (University of Hartford’s music conservatory)—including the audition. Both programs encompass the same engineering vibrations and acoustics courses, as well as the same acoustics projects sequence. Alumni of both undergraduate programs have successfully obtained positions in consulting (architectural and environmental) audio product and A/V design, musical instrument design, hearing- and psychoacoustic-related design, noise control, as well as pursued graduate degrees. The use of real world industry-sponsored acoustic projects for engineering design courses throughout the curriculum will be described, as well as the programs’ continuous improvement plan and accreditation status.