Visual & Media Arts
At Emerson’s Department of Visual and Media Arts, the process of transforming your vision into reality is fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding. You’ll dive right in and start working with talented mentors, collaborators, and crew members from day one.
Emerson’s Department of Visual and Media Arts is all about learning by doing. Is your medium film or video? The Internet or animation? Studio television of audio? Are you drawn to fictional narratives or documentaries? Commercial or experimental projects? Writing, directing, or post-production? Whatever your passion, our department offers unlimited opportunities to grow, collaborate, and thrive—plus access to sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that help your creativity take flight.
You’ll learn from experienced faculty members who are teachers, doers, and industry players, collaborate with talented classmates, and benefit from studying in a city that ranks among the top five U.S. media markets. Boston’s prominence as an increasingly popular location for major feature film shoots provides limitless opportunities for internships, jobs, and freelance assignments. The area also boasts dozens of theaters, television and radio stations, film festivals, and art museums and galleries that offer outlets for your work. Once you graduate, you’ll benefit from Emerson’s extensive alumni network, which spans every medium—and every market—in the entertainment industry.
A student films on Boston Common. |
VMA Department news
Read, watch, and listen to the latest news and projects from VMA students, faculty, and alumni.
It was the culmination of their college experience. For their BFA film project, Joseph Rechtman (Dec) ’11, Daniel Gamache ’11, and Jared Kowalczyk ’11 created Gem of the West, an atypical Western flick.
Watch their interview »
Visual and Media Arts Department Chair Jonathan Wacks has numerous film and television credits as a director, producer, and screenwriter; and has helped shape the independent film industry in Los Angeles. Learn more »



