The Multidisciplinary Engineering (MDE) concentration of Acoustical Engineering attracts problem solvers and opportunity makers interested in sound in the natural or made world. Acoustical engineers may be concerned with limiting unwanted sound (noise) or improving and enhancing sound quality. Students interested in acoustical engineering are sometimes musicians or have an interest in how sound impacts the environment around us.

Potential Industries: Construction, defense, automotive, entertainment, technology, health and ecological or biological sciences.

Potential Work: Designing acoustically efficient settings (music halls to the inside of a car) to designing ear buds, head phones, microphones, and hearing aids. They may be involved in consulting, or even work in the military or military contracting using acoustics to support our armed forces and naval defense systems. 

Student and Alumni Stories

Explaining the sound of Purdue's 'clapping circle

Purdue fuses students’ passion for engineering and entertainment careers with new center

Oscar Otero, '19 MDE Acoustical Engineering, Steps Up His Role for DEI in Acoustical Consulting

‘Fatal Affair’: Composer Matthew Janszen (2005 IDE, Acoustical Engineer) Discusses His Score to Netflix’s New Thriller

Prof. Rick Thomas and an Industry Partner talk about the field of acoustical engineering.

^{Last Updated: January 30, 2026}