How to have an acoustics program without having an acoustics program

The East Carolina University Department of Engineering is a small program housed in a large public university. The department offers a general engineering undergraduate degree as well as MS programs in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering. Faculty in the department have engaged in atmospheric acoustics and vibrations research since 2014 and the program has placed multiple graduates in acoustics or acoustics-adjacent fields. This is happening even without formal undergraduate or graduate acoustics courses in the university course catalog largely due to the integration of undergraduate students in the experimental research efforts. This research involvement typically serves as the gateway or “hook” for students seeking additional opportunities to study acoustics. These additional opportunities have been offered in various ways: independent study for class credit, special topics elective courses, Capstone projects, along with foundational summer research experiences. This presentation explores these offerings and reflects upon the success and pitfalls of these methods. Work supported by Office of Naval Research Award N00014-22-1-2492.