Emerging Media Arts electives in Virtual Production include courses in the production and manipulation of digital characters and environments that can be used across all digital platforms, including VR/AR, film, games, lighting projection and more. Virtual production can help visualize complex scenes or create scenes that simply cannot be filmed for real.

Digital Image Manipulation (EMAR 280)

Prerequisite: Visual Expression Studio II (EMAR 141)

Manipulate pixel-based imagery to properly create, imagine, combine, alter, and repair digital images.

Digital Visual Effects (EMAR 281)

Prerequisite: Visual Expression Studio II (EMAR 141)

Compositing, rotoscoping, and creating 3D simulations.

Digital Modeling I (EMAR 282)

Prerequisite: Visual Expression Studio II (EMAR 141)

Fundamental tools and techniques for designing and building 3D assets (models) for use across all platforms. Core concepts include hard surface modeling, scale, and accuracy. Naming convention, production “pipeline” and other best practices are also covered.

Digital Motion and Rigging I (EMAR 283)

Prerequisite: Visual Expression Studio II (EMAR 141)

Working from a proxy organic character, students develop skeletal structures including position and joint orientation. Projects are oriented toward developing a model to be used in Digital Motion and Rigging II. 

Digital Motion Graphics (EMAR 284)

Prerequisite: Visual Expression Studio II (EMAR 141)

Creating moving text and images using compositing and animation software.

Digital Modeling II (EMAR 382)

Prerequisite: Digital Modeling I (EMAR 282) 

Advanced modeling techniques including organic and character modeling, texturing, shaders, and use of advanced modeling toolsets. Projects in this course are oriented toward development of a character model to be rigged and animated in Digital Motion and Rigging I and II (EMAR 283 and 383). 

Digital Motion and Rigging II (EMAR 383)

Prerequisite: Digital Motion and Rigging I (EMAR 283)

Refining the rig created in Digital Motion and Rigging I, projects explore animation cycles. The application of physics and “weight” to create realistic animated motion. Introduction to facial animation and application of motion capture data.

Detailed Curriculum and Degree Information Sample 4-Year Plan

Careers

  • Film Special Effects
  • 3D Animation/Modeling Designer
  • Game Designer
  • Lighting Designer
  • Game Programmer
  • Design Technologist
  • Video Game Director
  • Video Game Designer

Other Areas of EMA Electives

Additional application for the EMA program (REQUIRED)

Students considering the Emerging Media Arts major must complete an additional program application. This application applies to both incoming freshman and transfer students and is used to evaluate a student’s suitability for the Emerging Media Arts program. The application information is also used for awarding scholarships
(individual awards vary).

Read more about application