Emerging Media Arts University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Overview

The Emerging Media Arts programme at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a comprehensive education that fuses the principles of narrative storytelling with cutting-edge media technologies. Students engage in project-based courses to explore the frontiers of digital art, design, and computational processes.

This degree prepares graduates to build successful careers as practitioners of narrative-driven creativity using both traditional and emerging media. Students are equipped to become creative thought leaders with tangible skills in collaboration, entrepreneurship, and design. This depth of experience allows individuals to chart career paths in established media forms and future technological landscapes.

The curriculum is designed to foster fluency in digital art techniques, interactive media, and cinematic storytelling.

Why Emerging Media Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

The programme is hosted within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, providing access to specialised facilities and expert faculty. Students benefit from a transdisciplinary approach, allowing them to expand their knowledge in disciplines beyond media arts. This integration helps students understand how storytelling can be applied across various professional fields.

The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film offers a highly competitive environment where admission is based on creative portfolios and academic excellence. Students participate in an Ignite undergraduate colloquium for four semesters, fostering a strong community of practice. The university also provides opportunities for global experiences and immersive study abroad options to enhance the learning journey.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 30330 per year
• National fee: USD 30330 per year
• Local fee: USD 11100 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Story Lab
• Games, Play and Performance
• Visual Expression Studio
• Computation and Media Studio
• History of Media Arts
• Game Engines
• Sound Lab
• World Ready
• Ethics of Emerging Media Arts
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Interactivity
• Digital Fabrication and Physical Computing
• Cinema Production
• Digital Image Manipulation
• Digital Visual Effects
• Digital Modeling
• Digital Animation
• Digital Motion Graphics
• Screenplay: Short Script
• Innovation Studio
• Storyworlds
• Smart Environments
• Data and Art
• Machine Learning for the Arts
• Cinema Postproduction
• Lighting for Cinema
• Virtual Production
• Creative Machines
• Directing Cinema
• Producing Cinema

Careers with Emerging Media Arts

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in the contemporary entertainment, arts, and media industries. The programme focuses on developing personal marketing and professional portfolios to ensure students are world-ready upon completion. Potential career paths include digital art, interactive design, and narrative media production.

The training in entrepreneurship and business model development allows graduates to pursue independent creative ventures or leadership roles in established organisations. By mastering computational tools and storytelling, alumni can work in fields ranging from game development to virtual production and cinematic arts.