Capstone Program

Overview

VMA students can apply for the optional VM491: BA Capstone Project, an advanced production workshop that allows you to produce portfolio work as a Capstone Project during their senior year. Applications must include a detailed description of the proposal for consideration by a faculty panel. The proposal can be for a creative project based in any area of the program, including film, TV, animation, sound design, or digital art and games.

BA Capstone students receive production support for their BA Capstone Projects and have access to specialized professional equipment and facilities. The Department of Visual and Media Arts provides up to $300 in reimbursements per student, per BA Capstone Project. Additional funding opportunities are available.

BA Capstone Requirements

BA Capstone projects must be completed during the student’s senior year. Students are eligible to apply in the second semester of their junior year to start the program the following semester. Qualified applicants must have completed introductory-level production courses in VMA. It is recommended that applicants have completed (or will concurrently take) ​two​ related intermediate or advanced production courses.

BA Capstone Project

The BA Capstone Project course welcomes and supports all types of production including, but not limited to, audio projects, animation, new media projects, scripts, documentaries, experimental film or video and narratives.

BA Capstone Projects are expected to be of high caliber and a significant scope that can be realistically completed within a single semester. For single-channel visual media productions, this would mean a final running time of 7 – 15 minutes for a project. For single-channel audio production, this would include presentations between 10 minutes to half an hour in length. For multi-channel or interactive media, overall length is less a factor than architecture, navigation, and the amount of material presented.

All projects must be completed within the semester-long course.

How to Apply

The BA Capstone Program is a competitive, application-based program. (Note: The program application will be available at a later date).

Students must submit a complete application no later than the specified deadline. All applications are reviewed by the BA Capstone Committee, made up of VMA faculty. Students will be notified of committee decisions prior to registration for the relevant semester.

Any student interested in the BA Capstone program is encouraged to meet with the director of the BA Capstone program, Professor Korbett Matthews (korbett_matthews [at] emerson.edutitle="Email Korbett Matthews "), at least one week in advance of the application deadline.

Application Deadlines

Fall 2024 application deadlines will be announced at the beginning of January 2024.

If you have any questions about the BFA or BA Capstone Project, please reach out to the BFA Program Director, Korbett Matthews (korbett_matthews [at] emerson.edutitle="Email Korbett Matthews").