Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewVirtual OnlyUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
RECOGNITION
•Top 30 Film School according to Variety Magazine
TRAINING
•Interdisciplinary approach combining filmmaking, interactive media, virtual reality, experience design, sonic arts, wearable technologies, AI, and more
•State-of-the-art laptops provided by the Johnny Carson Foundation
•Access to Edgeworks core research facility with cutting-edge resources
•Experiential and project-based learning through studio and laboratory experiences
•Hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities from day one
FACULTY & INDUSTRY
•Close faculty mentoring with 1-to-1 guidance
•Professional faculty with vast industry connections
•Connect with industry experts through IGNITE presentations
•Strong industry connections across entertainment, tech, and business
STUDY ABROAD
•Opportunities at BADA London, Trinity College Dublin, and CIEE Buenos Aires
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityNov 1, 2025
Final DeadlineMay 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
•ESSAY (500 words max written OR 2 minutes max video)
-IMPORTANT: If you choose to make a video essay, it is fine to use your own voice, but it is a requirement that you do not appear in the video. We strongly recommend writing your thoughts out and crafting your answers before filming.
-There are many ways to complete this task! We encourage you to approach this in a way that will allow you to demonstrate your unique creativity.
-Tell us who you are and what matters to you. What are you curious about, passionate about, or motivated by? Share any experiences, activities, or work that have shaped how you see the world and what you hope to create or contribute.
-Why are you interested in Emerging Media Arts, and why at Nebraska? What about this program excites you? Explain how studying emerging media arts here fits into your goals and how you hope it will help shape your future.
•ANALYSIS of a creative work (250 words max OR 1 minute video/audio recording)
-IMPORTANT: This is an analysis, not a review or summary of the work. If you choose to make a video, it is a requirement that you do not appear in the video. Please do not use A.I. to generate this analysis - we want to get to know YOU and how YOU THINK - not Claude or ChatGPT (and besides, we can tell!).
-Create an analysis of a creative work of your choosing. Consider a work of storytelling which has strongly resonated with you – positively or negatively. You might choose a novel, short story, film, game, play, painting, album, or something else.
-You may want to examine the theme of the work or perhaps, you want to discuss specific features of its production such as editing, scriptwriting, gameplay, animation, set design, or how any/all of this informs how the story is told in the medium.
•THREE CREATIVE WORKS with descriptions
-This could be artwork, creative writing, contribution to GitHub, DIY project, an experience you designed, film or video, music, play, podcast, poster, programming, or a song
-Provide a description for each work. If the work was a collaboration, explain your creative role on the project
•RESUME
-IMPORTANT: Please do not include a picture of yourself on your resume.
-We suggest this order:
Education
Awards and Achievements
Activities
Work Experience - Jobs, Internships, Volunteer/Service Experiences
Skills - things like second languages, software, dance, instruments, coding, etc.
Hobbies - Unique things that tell us more about who you are, like whether you contribute to fan fiction or have a channel!
•REFERENCE LETTER from teacher or professor
-Ideally someone in whose class you made one of the creative works samples you're submitting.
-Letter Prompts:
How you know the applicant - time as your student, classes taken, etc.
Provide a general idea of the demeanor of the student. How do they engage with you? How do they engage with their peers?
Share a specific example of something you've observed that informs and gives insight into who they are as a creative person.
How do you think they will do in a university environment and specifically, if possible, in the Emerging Media Arts program.
Good to Know
ELIGIBILITY
•Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required (high school or post-secondary)
•Transfer/post-secondary applicants need both cumulative and last-term GPA of 3.0+
•Must indicate "Pre-Emerging Media Arts" as First Choice Major on UNL application
IMPORTANT
•Admission is highly competitive
•Late applications (after Feb 15) ONLY reviewed if space is available
•Expect to be enrolled full-time for four years after acceptance regardless of prior credits
•Individual feedback on application materials is not provided
APPLICATION STEPS
•Apply to UNL via Common App or UNL website
•Submit portfolio and application materials via Acceptd
•Review the EMA Application How-To Guide before beginning
CONTACT
•Questions: (402) 472-2615 or carsoncenter@unl.edu
What's The Process
PROCESS
•Portfolio-based admission — no formal audition required
•Application materials reviewed by faculty committee
•Admission based on academic preparedness and submitted materials
Scholarship Info
•ACT/SAT not required but encouraged for merit-based scholarship consideration (first-year applicants under 23)
•Best scholarship award based on GPA alone or GPA + highest composite ACT/SAT score
Program info updated 4d ago
RECOGNITION
•Top 30 Film School according to Variety Magazine
TRAINING
•Interdisciplinary approach combining filmmaking, interactive media, virtual reality, experience design, sonic arts, wearable technologies, AI, and more
•State-of-the-art laptops provided by the Johnny Carson Foundation
•Access to Edgeworks core research facility with cutting-edge resources
•Experiential and project-based learning through studio and laboratory experiences
•Hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities from day one
FACULTY & INDUSTRY
•Close faculty mentoring with 1-to-1 guidance
•Professional faculty with vast industry connections
•Connect with industry experts through IGNITE presentations
•Strong industry connections across entertainment, tech, and business
STUDY ABROAD
•Opportunities at BADA London, Trinity College Dublin, and CIEE Buenos Aires
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
3.54
Avg GPA (W)
87%
Admit Rate
66%
Grad Rate
19,178
Enrollment
$56,887
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,434
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,584
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$17,747
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$12,751
Family Income $30k - $48k$13,054
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,699
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,975
Family Income $110k+$22,346
