Acoustics Option

Bouncing water droplets 

The option in acoustics provides students with the foundational knowledge to construct rigorous physics-based models for a wide range of natural and engineered acoustical and vibrational systems. Classical training in acoustics prepares students to solve a multitude of physics and engineering problems related to oscillating energy transfer through structure-borne and fluidborne paths. People trained in acoustics find themselves working in a variety of disciplines, often on interdisciplinary teams, in areas including naval architecture, speaker design, personal electronics, biomedical ultrasound, system health monitoring, architectural acoustics, automotive, aerospace, power equipment, and more.

The courses listed for the option give students the flexibility, in consultation with their thesis adviser, to focus on specific application domains and analytical approaches.

Foundational Electives

All engineering science students are required to take one design elective, considered one of the five foundational electives required of all students. 

Introduction to Mechanical Vibrations (Select one course) 

Introduction to Fluids (Select one course) 

Introduction to Acoustics (Required) 

  • ACS 402: Introduction to Acoustics  

Mechanics and Waves (Select one course) 

Design Electives 

Technical Electives 

Choose four courses, two of which must be ACS courses.

Dynamics and Vibrations 

Acoustics 

Biomedical Ultrasound 

Structural Health Monitoring 

 
 

About

The Penn State Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) is an internationally distinguished department that is recognized for its globally competitive excellence in engineering and scientific accomplishments, research, and educational leadership.

Our Engineering Science program is the official undergraduate honors program of the College of Engineering, attracting the University’s brightest engineering students. We also offer graduate degrees in ESM, engineering mechanics, engineering at the nano-scale, and an integrated undergraduate/graduate program.

Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics

212 Earth and Engineering Sciences Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-4523