How to Apply to Emerson College’s BFA/BA in Media Arts Production for 2025 Entry

The BFA in Media Arts or the BA in Media Arts at Emerson both explore how rapidly evolving electronic media and technologies help tell compelling stories. Students learn how to develop moving works of art that reflect social, political, and historical events that connect global audiences in various formats, from web series to video games to traditional films.

Not only that, but students also learn to measure the impact of media arts and how the films they create impact society at large. They can gain professional experience by working at the Equipment Distribution Center and Emerson Productions and pursuing an optional semester at Emerson’s Los Angeles campus.

Take a look at how the BFA differs from the BA.

BFA (Production)


Students examine and develop media arts projects within a year-long capstone project in their area of specialization. Due to the rigorous nature of the BFA track, students have fewer opportunities to take electives outside their major. To graduate, students must complete the following:
  • 64 credits in Visual and Media Arts, with 4 credits in upper-level Liberal Arts.
  • A year-long thesis capstone project due by the end of the final semester on the Boston campus.
  • 16 credits in media production courses.
  • Two consecutive semesters of advanced-level courses during year 4: VM 470 - Advanced New Media Projects, VM 490 - BFA Production Workshop, or VM 492 - Photo Practicum. (Note: For admission to these courses, BFA students must submit portfolios, transcripts, and project proposals to the BFA review committee by the assigned deadline.

BA (Media Studies)


This program takes a closer look at the historical and theoretical foundations of media arts with the option to pursue the Production track. Students critically analyze emerging media arts along with key ethical and sociopolitical issues. In the final year of study, students can transfer to the Production track by completing a year-long artistic capstone project.

The Media Studies BA helps students learn essential production skills while placing a greater emphasis on history and theory. This degree is ideal for students pursuing academic careers and/or graduate school. To graduate within the Production track, students must complete the following:
  • 48 credits in Visual and Media arts, with 8 credits in upper-level Liberal Arts courses within:
    • EC Economics
    • HI History
    • IN Interdisciplinary Studies
    • LI Literature
    • PH Ethics or Philosophy
    • PL Political Science
    • PS Psychology
    • RL Religion
    • SC Science
    • SO Sociology
    • TH 313, TH 315
    • VM 315, VM 409, VM 415
  • Complete coursework divided into three sections: Introductory Courses (16 credits), Visual and Media Arts Foundations (16 credits), and Visual and Media Arts Electives (16 credits).
  • VM 491 - BA Capstone Project, a semester-length reel, production, or film portfolio endeavor due by the end of the final semester on the Boston campus. (Note: This course requires BA committee approval.)
To graduate within the Media Studies track, student must complete the following:
  • 48 credits in Visual and Media Arts, with 8 credits in upper-level Liberal Arts courses within:
    • EC Economics
    • HI History
    • IN Interdisciplinary Studies
    • LI Literature
    • PH Ethics or Philosophy
    • PL Political Science
    • PS Psychology
    • RL Religion
    • SC Science
    • SO Sociology
    • TH 313, TH 315
    • VM 315, VM 409, VM 415
  • Complete coursework divided into four sections: Visual and Media Arts Foundations (16 credits), Visual and Media Arts Theory and Practice (8 credits), Visual and Media Studies (16 credits), and Visual and Media Arts Electives (8 credits).

How to apply

Follow these steps, including creative sample requirements from Emerson’s website:
  1. Fill out the Common Application or the Emerson Application: Find out the full list of supporting academic materials you need by reading "Emerson College General Admissions Requirements for Undergraduates in 2024-2025."
  2. First-person essay (300-500 words): Through the unique structure of the Global BFA in Film Art, you will study at Paris College of Art in France and at Emerson College in the United States and in the Netherlands. Knowing this, how does the multinational aspect of this program connect with your previous life experience as well as your personal and creative career goals? (Upload this essay in the Admission Portal after submitting your application.)
  3. Creative sample: You must submit one creative sample as a part of their application. This portion of the application is only available by submitting the Common Application with the Emerson supplement or the Emerson Application (plus non-refundable application fee). Choose a project where you are a principal creative force, and please specify your role in a co-created project. Written works (i.e. screenplays, scripts, poetry, short stories, etc.) do NOT satisfy the creative sample requirements for the Global BFA in Film Art. Creative samples can be uploaded in the Application Portal after the application has been submitted and should include ONE of the following:
    1. a film or video submission up to 5 minutes in length (up to 5 GBs per file), or
    2. a portfolio of 10 to 15 examples of creative production in any other media: photography (digital or analog); drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.

Ready to apply?​

Click here to start the application.