Emerson College Visual and Media Arts

Overview

Emerson College is a private institution in Boston focused exclusively on communication, the arts, and the liberal arts. The Department of Visual and Media Arts offers one of the strongest undergraduate film production programs in the northeastern United States, attracting students who want hands-on production training within a college setting that emphasizes storytelling across media.

Emerson operates a satellite campus in Los Angeles, giving students the option to spend a semester immersed in the entertainment industry capital. The LA program includes internship placements, industry networking events, and access to production facilities in Hollywood. This dual-campus model allows students to benefit from Boston's academic environment while gaining direct LA industry exposure.

The school's facilities in Boston include soundstages, editing suites, color grading rooms, and a professional-grade sound mixing stage. The college's location near other Boston-area universities creates a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary projects.

Programs Offered

• BFA in Film Art -- the primary undergraduate production track, covering directing, cinematography, editing, and sound
• BFA in Media Arts Production -- a broader program encompassing film, television, and digital media
• BA in Media Arts Production -- a less intensive track allowing more elective flexibility
• MFA in Film and Media Art -- a graduate program for working artists and emerging filmmakers
• BFA in Comedic Arts -- a unique program focused on comedy writing and performance for screen and stage

What Students Should Know

Emerson's strength is its undergraduate program. Students who want a strong BFA in film production without committing to a conservatory model will find Emerson well suited. The curriculum balances production coursework with liberal arts requirements, and the college's small size means students get more equipment access and faculty attention than they would at a large university.

The Los Angeles semester is a significant draw. Students who complete the LA program report stronger industry connections and a clearer sense of the professional landscape than those who stay in Boston for the full four years. Emerson's alumni network in LA, while smaller than USC's or NYU's, is active and supportive.

Tuition is approximately $54,000 per year before financial aid. Boston's cost of living adds to the total, though it remains more affordable than New York. The school offers merit scholarships and need-based aid.

Emerson's graduate program is smaller and less well known than its undergraduate offerings. Students considering an MFA should compare Emerson's program against dedicated graduate film schools before committing.

Notable Alumni

Emerson alumni include Denis Leary (actor/writer/producer), Jay Leno (television host), Norman Lear (producer of All in the Family), Doug Herzog (former president of Viacom Entertainment Group), and Kevin Bright (executive producer of Friends). The school has a strong track record of placing graduates in television production and comedy writing.

See Also

For guidance on choosing between undergraduate and graduate film programs, see Film School Decision Guide. To plan a student short film production, use the Production Budget Calculator.