While a formal education in voiceover is not a requirement or even an expectation in most cases, it can be a very valuable investment for aspiring voice actors. There are many ways to achieve success in the voiceover world, but there is no match for great training. It’s up to each individual to determine which avenue they want to pursue their training in, but for those who are considering a college or university program, this option can offer valuable educational and practical experiences to help you grow as an artist.
Key Takeaways
- Most college and university programs do not offer a degree program in voiceover, but many do offer minors, certificates, and other voiceover training as part of their acting, media, and broadcasting departments.
- Any program of study at a college or university should properly prepare candidates to compete in the voiceover world. This includes providing access to equipment, demo production, and hands-on experiences.
- Students of voiceover should be prepared to do their research and pursue programming that supports their personal voiceover goals.
Training in a college or university voiceover program should expose aspiring artists to the professional process in every way. This includes access to broadcast-quality equipment, studio time, audition preparation, and recording experiences that would likely not be available in other settings. With that said, as mentioned above, most schools don’t offer a major or a degree specifically in voice acting. Voiceover training at a university is more likely to be part of another program like acting or broadcasting.
Still, it’s worth looking into theater and acting degrees or music and audio production programs to gain experience and coaching at a high level. Here is our 2025 list of top college and university arts programs with training in voiceover:
Pace University (New York, NY and White Plains, NY)
At the Pace School of Performing Arts, voiceover is just one part of their BFA program for Film, Television, Voiceovers, and Commercials. In this conservatory program, students are able to take part in hands-on industry work experiences as well as showcase performance and demo creation.
UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)
Students interested in voiceover might consider UCLA’s Voiceover Camera Acting Summer Institute, a two-week intensive program of study that allows students to learn and gain valuable professional experience in voice acting. And that’s not all. Students in this summer program will also receive instruction in other areas including classical and on-camera acting.
Ohio State (Columbus, OH)
Ohio State offers a minor in voice acting and covers many voiceover genres including animation, podcasting, audiobook narration, video game character voiceover, and more. This program also requires participation in theater and voice and speech training.
Columbia College (Chicago, IL)
One great option for aspiring voice actors is Columbia College’s minor program in voiceover. Students will gain experience in a variety of voiceover genres as well as radio and broadcasting. This program also focuses on vocal health and preservation with voice and speech techniques and general vocal care.
Wichita State University (Wichita, KS)
Wichita State offers a certificate in voice acting in their School of Performing Arts, a well-rounded program with training in acting, theater, and broadcasting. This certificate also emphasizes the business of voiceover as well as audio production and professional equipment options.
Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
Temple University’s certificate in Voice and Speech incorporates voiceover, public speaking, presentation skills, and more. This 12-credit program would be best suited to professionals with various interests who may also be considering pursuing voiceover.
Lehman College (Bronx, NY)
Lehman College at CUNY offers several courses in voice acting including Voice-Over for Radio, Film and TV, Voice-Over for Multimedia Platforms, and Voice for the Stage. A valuable aspect of Lehman’s programming is its ability to connect acting, journalism, media, and theater.
California Institute of the Arts (Santa Clarita, CA)
CalArts is a great option for those seeking a private school setting with lots of individualized attention and learning. As students pursue voice acting as part of their arts studies, they will work with faculty mentors and have access to an annual voiceover showcase.
Final Thoughts
Since a full degree or major in voiceover is rare, it’s important to do your research to determine which programs of study will best serve your goals as a voice actor. Whatever path you take, the most important objective is to train in a way that will help you prepare to compete with professionals in the industry. While a college program isn’t required, it may be a good option for artists seeking worthwhile knowledge and practical experience!