Department of Visual & Media Arts
Sound Design / Audio Post-Production (BA, BFA)
This specialization is an intensive program of study in the theory and practice of all phases of producing creative and professional sound tracks for film, video, and all new media forms of expression. This course of study emphasizes concept development; sound principles and audio production; field recording; A.D.R. and Foley techniques; surround sound design; and mastering to DVD. The specialization prepares students for career opportunities within the audio production and post-production industry.
Credits: 44 for BA, 60 for BFA (both degrees also include 8 additional upper-level liberal arts credits)
I. Visual and Media Arts Foundations (12 credits)
The Visual and Media Arts Foundations offer students a broad theoretical, historical, and practical introduction to the visual and media arts.
Required Courses
| VM 100 | History of Media Arts I |
| VM 101 | History of Media Arts II |
one of the Following:
| VM 102 | Dimensions of Creativity |
| VM 120 | Foundations in Visual and Media Arts Production |
II. Introduction to Disciplines (16 credits minimum)
At the Introduction to Disciplines level, students explore one or more of the department’s main discipline areas.
Required Courses
| VM 200 | Media Criticism and Theory |
| VM 202 | Critical Listening |
| VM 250 | Introduction to Sound Principles and Audio Production |
At least one of the following:
| VM 204 | Topics in Media Arts: Practice |
| VM 230 | Introduction to Film Production |
| VM 231 | Intermediate Film Production |
| VM 240 | Introduction to Video Field Production |
| VM 241 | Introduction to Studio Television Production |
| VM 251 | Location Sound Recording |
| VM 260 | Introduction to Interactive Media |
| VM 261 | Computer Animation |
| VM 331 | Topics in Visual and Media Arts: Practice |
III. Specializations
Required Courses
| VM 350 | Sound Design |
| VM 450 | Advanced Sound Design |
| One additional advanced visual and media studies course numbered VM 300-315, 400-418, or 500-519. | |
At least one of the following:
| VM 402 | Seminar in Media Arts Topics |
| VM 409 | Seminar in Western Art |
| VM 410 | Seminar in Non-Western Art |
In addition to the General Education and major requirements, all students are required to complete at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level from the following Liberal Arts areas:
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Recommended Electives
| VM 231 | Intermediate Film Production |
| VM 351 | Audio for New Media |
| VM 352 | Studio Recording |
| VM 452 | Art of Noise |
| VM 456 | Advanced Studio Recording |
Advanced Visual and Media Arts Workshop
Students may apply to take the Advanced Visual and Media Arts Workshop. Two semesters are mandatory for BFA. Optional for BA.
For specific course prerequisites, please consult the Undergraduate Catalogue.
Emerson College classmates Alan Schoolcraft '95 and Brent Simons ’97 wrote the screenplay for the #1 movie in North America, Megamind. The Dreamworks film made $43.7 million at the box office in the first weekend.
