Emerging Media Arts

Emerging Media Arts

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Our BFA in Emerging Media Arts sits at the intersection of creative storytelling and technology. It’s the only major of its kind, featuring a broad first year that leads into specializations in film, animation, gaming, immersive media, virtual production, creative technology and digital storytelling.

Start with your creative passion, build professional skills and develop a portfolio through hands-on projects. Create your own path into the creative industries.

A portfolio is required for admission to the program after acceptance to the university.

The Nebraska Difference

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Portfolio-first learning that supports your creative ideas

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State-of-the-art laptops provided by the Johnny Carson Foundation

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More than $1 million in scholarships awarded to fine and performing arts students each year

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Program Features

Amazing Facilities for Your Creative Ideas

Use dedicated spaces to bring your ideas to life. Facilities include a student lab with 3D printers and a CNC machine, editing bays, state-of-the-art computer labs, a student audio booth, a soundstage lab, an immersive sound design lab and motion capture and virtual production labs.

Access to the Best Equipment

Students receive a laptop and an iPad with Apple Pencil when classes begin. In prerequisite courses such as Cinema Production I and II, you can check out additional equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, rigging, audio gear, focus controls, projectors and VR headsets.

Make Connections

Strong industry connections across entertainment, technology and business create opportunities to network with professionals, travel to global summits and attend visiting artist events on campus.

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Notable Courses

Story Lab I (EMAR 110)

Introduction to storytelling across multiple media platforms. Development of storytelling craft and technique. Critical analysis of story structure for media production.

Games, Play and Performance (EMAR 120)

Experiential-based exploration of live performance, game creation and group collaboration as a model for project development and iterative practices.

Digital Modeling I (EMAR 282)

Basics of 3D modeling and textures.

Cinema Production I (EMAR 250)

Introduction to the tools and aesthetics of the moving image. Fundamentals of digital cinema cameras, lenses, lighting and editing. Production of experimental and non-sync films.

Digital Visual Effects (EMAR 281)

Compositing, Rotoscoping and 3D Simulations.

World Ready (EMAR 330)

Examine the business and intellectual property practices utilized in the contemporary entertainment, arts and media industries. Develop a portfolio and personal marketing.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Sound designer, Maxis Games
  • Video producer, Los Angeles Clippers
  • Production intern, Hollywood Studios International
  • Special effects intern, LOLA FX

Careers

  • Visual Paint Supervisor, Industrial Light and Magic
  • Cycle Animator, DreamWorks Animation
  • Independent Filmmakers
  • Design Director, Evening Star

Graduate Schools

  • Film and Video MFA, California Institute of the Arts
  • Interactive Media MFA, University of Southern California
  • Game Design MFA, New York University
  • User Experience and Interaction Design MA, Columbia College

Outside the Classroom

Gain recognition and real-world insight as you learn from programs, publications and industry leaders shaping the future of media arts.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Emerging Media Arts major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Chris Watson
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
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