Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other.

Degree Overview

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 10.0299) is a specialized category for programs that train individuals in the technical arts of sound, video, and lighting, specifically focusing on niche or emerging areas. While standard AV programs might focus on general film or radio, the "Other" designation often applies to programs in concert tour technology, immersive theme park attractions, courtroom media support, or virtual reality (VR) audio-spatial design.

This field is ideal for students who are "hands-on" learners and fascinated by the equipment that makes modern entertainment and communication possible. It is a path for those who want to build the technical environments that leave an audience in awe, whether at a massive stadium show or inside a high-tech corporate boardroom.

What Is an Audiovisual Communications (Other) Degree?

An Audiovisual Communications (Other) degree focuses on the integration and operation of complex electronic systems used to transmit light and sound. It bridges the gap between electrical engineering and creative production. Programs under this code often focus on Systems Integration—the science of making different brands of hardware talk to each other to create a seamless user experience. This includes learning about signal flow, digital networking, and the physics of acoustics.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Train technicians to manage high-stakes live environments like festivals and broadcast news
• Prepare professionals to design and install permanent AV systems in "smart" buildings
• Develop specialists in digital signal processing (DSP) for clear communication in large spaces
• Address the growing need for specialists in interactive and experiential media (like digital art galleries)

What Will You Learn?

Students learn the technical language of "the signal," tracking it from the microphone or camera all the way to the speaker or screen.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Set up and calibrate professional LED walls, projection mapping systems, and line-array speakers
• Master digital mixing consoles and lighting DMX controllers
• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software failures under high-pressure, live conditions
• Read and create technical blueprints for permanent AV installations
• Configure "AV over IP," using computer networks to send high-definition media
• Understand the safety protocols for rigging heavy equipment and managing electrical loads

Topics You May Explore

Coursework is usually very practical and lab-based:

• Acoustics and Psychoacoustics: The science of how sound behaves in different rooms.
• Lighting Design and Technology: Using color, intensity, and movement to set a mood.
• Video Engineering: Mastering frame rates, resolutions, and color spaces (HDR, 4K).
• Control Systems Programming: Using tools like Crestron or Q-SYS to automate rooms.
• Live Sound Reinforcement: Managing the "Front of House" (FOH) mix for concerts.
• Technical Project Management: Learning how to lead a crew through a complex "load-in" and "load-out."

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Graduates fill roles that are essential to the modern experience economy and corporate world.

Common job roles include:

• Live Sound Engineer: Mixing audio for touring bands or theaters.
• AV Integration Engineer: Designing the tech systems for stadiums, hospitals, or schools.
• Lighting Technician (L1): Programming and operating moving light rigs.
• Field Service Technician: Traveling to repair and maintain specialized media systems.
• Technical Director (Live Events): Overseeing the entire technical crew for a major show.
• Event Technology Manager: Managing the AV needs for hotels and convention centers.

Where Can You Work?

Professionals are found wherever high-quality sight and sound are required:

• Concert Tours and Music Festivals: Traveling the world with artists.
• Theme Parks and Museums: Maintaining "dark rides" and interactive exhibits.
• Houses of Worship: Running the broadcast and live sound for large congregations.
• Corporate AV Firms: Designing "Zoom rooms" and executive briefing centers.
• Broadcast Studios: Working behind the scenes of sports and news networks.
• Government & Military: Managing secure "Situation Rooms" and training simulators.

How Much Can You Earn?

This field offers strong earning potential for those with specialized technical certifications.

• AV Technicians: Median annual salary of approximately $52,000–$68,000.
• AV Systems Designers: Salaries typically range from $75,000 to $110,000.
• Touring Engineers: Can earn $1,500–$3,500+ per week depending on the artist.
• Project Managers (AV): Often earn between $85,000 and $120,000.

Is This Degree Hard?

The difficulty is primarily physical and logistical. You must be comfortable working on your feet, lifting heavy gear, and occasionally working at heights (rigging). Mentally, you must be a fast troubleshooter. If the screen goes black in front of 20,000 people, you have seconds to find the "point of failure." It requires a very high level of technical responsibility.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Love music and movies but would rather run the gear than be on stage
• Are the person who always helps set up the sound system for parties
• Enjoy "puzzles" that involve wiring and networking different gadgets
• Thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
• Want a career where you can see the immediate result of your hard work

How to Prepare in High School

• Take classes in Physics (especially Sound/Light units), Mathematics, and Computer Science
• Join the "Tech Crew" for your school's drama department or talent shows
• Volunteer to run the sound or video at your local church or community center
• Experiment with basic home recording or video editing software
• Learn the basics of computer networking (how a router works)

The ability to solve technical problems in real-time while maintaining a professional attitude is the hallmark of a successful AV technician.