Why is there an application process?
Students are more likely to succeed in our program if they know the program in detail prior to entry. Also,
we are better equipped to advise students wisely when we know their knowledge and goals upon entry. Lastly,
if Audio Engineering is not a good fit for you, we are available to guide you in the evaluation of other
educational opportunities at Spokane Falls.
What happens when more students are interested in Audio Engineering than program capacity allows us to
admit?
Audio Engineering is an open access program. As long as there are seats in the program and you have
completed the admissions process, you will be admitted. Historically, however, about 120 or more students
express interest in and/or apply for the program. Program capacity is 40. When student applications exceed
program capacity, a committee evaluates students based upon a holistic scoring process that takes into
consideration:
- Placement scores in reading, writing and math
- Communication skills (spoken and written)
- Musical experience/background
- Audio engineering experience
- Motivation and goals
These criteria are predictors of student success in the program. For example, in many of the Audio
Engineering Program courses, it is beneficial for students to possess some musical background: Music
Theory, Piano, Midi Arranging, and Digital Audio I-VI. Similarly, it is beneficial across the curriculum to
be a skilled reader (as students must absorb large amounts of complex information through reading). However,
no student is excluded from consideration based upon any one criterion. You may not be the strongest reader
in the world, but your experience with audio engineering software may more than offset that. We honor the
unique strengths of every student and consider their overall preparedness.
What happens if I am not admitted?
SFCC offers students many choices. The most common degree is the
Associate of Arts. In addition, we offer an
Associate of Science Transfer, an
Associate of Fine Arts, a wide range of
Associate in Applied Science degrees, and
career-technical certificates.
What should I know about the program?
There are several things you should know about Audio Engineering at Spokane Falls.
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Audio Engineering is Fall Quarter entry—meaning all students in the program enter in the Fall together
and travel through the program together. A motto of Audio Engineering is “La Familia.” We are one
family, one cohort, all students together for the full two years. Cohorts are a proven model for
academic success, as cohorts nurture student bonds, creating an organic and continuous support network.
When you join Audio Engineering, you join a collective dedicated to the success of all.
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Our classes go in order, each class preparing you for what is to come. Every class is offered once per
year. You must pass your classes to continue forward through the program.
When students drop out of a course or program, it is called “attrition.” On average for the college,
attrition is about 30%. In 2009-2010, attrition in Audio Engineering is well below the college average.
Our students work extremely hard and receive exceptional academic support. When you make the decision to join us
and pursue an education in Audio Engineering, we ask for your dedication. Audio Engineering is an expensive
program paid for by the people of Washington State. We provide students an extraordinary instructional team and
state-of-the-art equipment; therefore it is incumbent upon every student who accepts a seat in the program
to fulfill the hopes and dreams of our state.
Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs, activities and employment. Furthermore, Audio
Engineering is committed to diversity, cultural awareness, and intercultural fluency. We have zero
tolerance for discriminatory behavior and/or language; we maintain – and expect students in the program to
maintain – an uncompromised atmosphere of mutual respect.