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Graduate Certificate inPhysical Acoustics

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The Graduate Certificate in Physical Acoustics is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of physical acoustics principles, enabling them to conceptualize, evaluate, and solve related problems using advanced knowledge and software simulation tools like MATLAB.

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9 Credits$1,037 per credit

Stackable Credential

Gain job-ready skills and update your résumé

Gain Skills to Excel in Physical Acoustics

  • Develop an understanding of wave behavior in fluids using thermodynamics and hydrodynamics principles in both dissipative and non-dissipative contexts.

  • Analyze nonlinear acoustics phenomena and assess the evolution of waveforms to determine shock formation and acoustic radiation forces.

  • Explore sources of sound, including dipoles and quadrupoles, radiation and scattering from cylinders and spheres, and sound sources in ducts, cavities, and rooms.

  • Use finite element methods for simulating acoustic fields and measuring outdoor sound propagation for medical and biological applications.

In the 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Physical Acoustics, you take courses covering plane, spherical, and cylindrical waves; reflection, refraction, and transmission of sound; attenuation; and sound sources like the baffled piston. Additionally, students will have the opportunity for increased study in nonlinear acoustics, biomedical ultrasound, computational methods in acoustics, and underwater propagation and reflection of sound.

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Thermodynamic and hydrodynamic foundations of linear acoustics in fluids with applications to lumped-elements, reflection, refraction, radiation, attenuation, enclosures, and waveguides.

  • 3
    credits

    Wave propagation in stationary and moving fluids; acoustic radiation and scattering; standing waves in ducts and cavities.

Elective Courses (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    This course will analyze nonlinear acoustics, the study of loud sound waves where linear acoustics is not a good approximation.

  • 3
    credits

    This course focuses on the phenomenon of ultrasound in the context of medical and biological applications, systematically discussing physical principles and concepts.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides exposure to the field of computational acoustics including several important computational tools such as symbolic mathematics software, finite differences, finite elements, boundary elements, scientific visualization, and sound propagation algorithms.

  • 3
    credits

    Ocean acoustics will describe an engineering research approach to measuring and modeling sound propagation, reflection, scattering, and transmission in the ocean and seabed.

Using Certificate Credits Toward a Stackable Credentials Degree Pathway

As part of the stackable pathway, the courses required for this 9-credit certificate can also be applied to a Master of Engineering in Acoustics if you apply and are accepted into the program. You should plan to work closely with an adviser to determine the appropriate sequence of courses to match your education goals.

Courses may also apply to other degree programs. Students should contact their adviser to discuss transfer credit policies and application fees and details.

All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C or better. For the Master of Engineering in Acoustics degree, the overall GPA must be 3.0 or better.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply now to start January 12. How to Apply 
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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

2026–27 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,048 per credit
12 or more$12,572 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

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This certificate can serve as a stand-alone credential and as a step on your journey toward the Penn State Master of Engineering in Acoustics. Stackable credentials recognize your new skills and knowledge while you work toward your master's degree.

Earning graduate certificates from Penn State World Campus is a great way to gain new skills and quickly add valuable credentials to your résumé.

This graduate certificate’s courses satisfy requirements toward the following degree:

Master the fundamentals of acoustics to prepare for a rewarding career in audio, biology, medicine, geology, electronics, physics, music, architecture, or other emerging fields.

Learn more

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed to help students with an undergraduate degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field prepare to succeed in acoustics engineering or other related positions.

Finish Your Certificate Within a Year

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

Note: This program is under review for GI Bill® eligibility, and you may experience delays attempting to use GI Bill benefits toward this program until it has been officially approved.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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Apply now to start August 24

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply now to start August 24

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply now to start January 11, 2027

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    The program requires an undergraduate 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 including 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 are 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.

    Individuals with a 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.

    All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL websitefor testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    Program Specific Materials

    Résumé — Upload a one- to two-page résumé highlighting your full-time employment and/or military experience to the online application.

    Statement of Intent — Provide a one-page summary of your prior or current experience in acoustics and why you are interested in pursuing a graduate certificate in acoustics.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. Associated programs in the acoustics stack:

    Certificates

    • Graduate Certificate in Audio Devices and Signal Processing
    • Graduate Certificate in Noise Control and Building Acoustics
    • Graduate Certificate in Physical Acoustics

    Degree

    • Master of Engineering in Acoustics

    If you begin with a certificate and are interested in pursuing the Master of Engineering in Acoustics, work with your adviser while completing your first certificate to determine which program to apply to next.

    Up to 15 credits earned in any of these certificate programs may be transferred to the Master of Engineering in Acoustics, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit.

  5. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  6. 6. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

For general questions about the program:

Melissa Wandrisco
Administrative Support and Resident Student Coordinator
Graduate Program in Acoustics
The Pennsylvania State University
414 Engineering Collaborative and Research Education Building (ECoRE)
556 White Course Drive
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6364
[email protected]

Learn from the Best

The Graduate Certificate in Physical Acoustics program is offered by World Campus in partnership with the Penn State College of Engineering. You will take courses taught by graduate faculty who are active in research and experts in their fields, alongside other master's and doctoral students.

We Are Penn State Online

This is the real Penn State. You will take courses with curriculum developed by the same professors who teach on campus. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply now to start August 24. How to Apply 

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