The continuing revolution in digital computing and global communications has produced a rapidly evolving field for artists who create experiences of image and form with computer screens, intelligent devices, and new materials. Artists also invent tools for exploring, creating, and distributing their ideas and works. Media arts concentrations of animation, photography, and video arts are offered with variations yet to be invented.
Courses in imaginative and narrative arts required for professional work in documentary films, game art, visualization, visual effects, motion graphics, interactive art, illustration, and short animated films are offered at Northeastern. The curriculum in our intensive studio program provides knowledge, experience, and techniques of media arts informed by theory, experimentation, and critique. Extensive digital imaging and interactive media editing production facilities afford one the opportunity to become highly proficient in the current skills and emerging practices necessary for remarkable work. The media arts are evolving and expanding into culture in daily life and global experience. The revolutions in immersive media, 3D printing, embedded devices, and robotics are changing the landscape in which the media artist will operate. This degree is designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of continuous change with adaptive ingenuity.
The animation concentration provides a comprehensive exploration of the entire production pipeline for a variety of animated content including films, visual effects, broadcast, visualization, games, and spatial media. With a focus on developing robust, conceptual, narrative, and technical software skills, this rigorous studio program explores the power and potential of effective visual communication through 2D and 3D motion design. The animation concentration provides ample opportunities to explore and collaborate with related creative disciplines (VR/AR/XR, game design, interactive, video, etc.) making this a truly unique learning experience. Throughout their education, students will work to develop a professional-level portfolio—the centerpiece of which will be a one-year capstone project—demonstrating mastery in their specific area of focus.
The photography concentration encourages experimental and self-disciplined engagement with photographic processes in order to understand how materials function, both as a physical component of photographic work as well as a signifier of meaning. Concept and process are in constant dialogue, and we believe learning through doing cultivates individual vision and working methods. Each student’s creative approach establishes a vital platform for discovery. In addition, theory and conceptual development provide students with necessary analytical tools for understanding and analyzing visual and technological trends in current and future photographic practices.
Young professionals today must meet challenges—as well as enjoy opportunities—to be more creative, adaptive, and innovative as active practitioners within our contemporary visual culture and evolving technological environment. Our responsibility as liberal arts educators is to expand the skills and vision of each student in light of their individual and professional goals. At a time when initiative, creativity, and innovation are leading principles for social and economic progress, it is important to stress the ways in which their artistic and creative endeavors can make a rewarding and meaningful contribution.
Northeastern photography program students find themselves in the center of Boston’s creative hub, across from the Museum of Fine Arts. Northeastern’s own Center for the Arts directs interdisciplinary research and presents exhibitions and innovative programs. The newly renovated Media Hub offers state-of-the-art equipment rentals and digital printing resources. Photography students have access to two large computer labs and an alternative photographic processes darkroom with film processing and analog printing capabilities.
Our foundation photography courses are small studio and lab classes, leading to intermediate and advanced studios and seminars with an emphasis on personal vision developed through lectures, critiques, individual meetings, and research. In addition, guest artists are invited to participate and offer insights.
The video arts concentration is a multidisciplinary field focused on creative video expression and messaging that weaves together art and design foundations; art and design history; video production; cinematic language (including documentary, narrative, and experimental strategies); collaborative frameworks; and theories of social and cultural change. The scope of the video arts curriculum is a broader and more diverse tapestry than traditional video art and it reflects the dynamic evolution of video in multiple contexts. The video arts concentration enables students to explore traditional, alternative, and other artistic means of video art production in a variety of creative and technical contexts. The focus on a multiplicity of artistic formats—hence, the choice of the title video arts—underscores our attention to the training of students who are interested in learning how to experiment with new technical, narrative, and aesthetic practices and incorporate these options into the traditional medium of video art.
Optional study abroad with University of Arts London, based in the heart of one of the world's creative capitals, London. Students from this program will have the opportunity to spend their second spring semester in London studying fine art at Central Saint Martins.
Complete all courses listed below unless otherwise indicated. Also complete any corequisite labs, recitations, clinicals, or tools courses where specified and complete any additional courses needed beyond specific college and major requirements to satisfy graduation credit requirements.
Universitywide Requirements
All undergraduate students are required to complete the Universitywide Requirements.
NUpath Requirements
All undergraduate students are required to complete the NUpath Requirements.
NUpath requirements Creative Expression and Innovation (EI), Interpreting Culture (IC), and Societies and Institutions (SI) are met through the major course requirements.
NUpath requirements Natural and Designed World (ND), Formal and Quantitative Reasoning (FQ), Analyzing and Using Data (AD), Differences and Diversity (DD), and Ethical Reasoning (ER) must be met through general electives.
Art and Design Core
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Introduction to College | ||
ARTF 1000 | Art and Design at Northeastern | 1 |
Art and Design Fundamentals | ||
ARTF 1122 | Color and Composition (with optional ARTF 1123 ) | 4 |
ARTF 1124 and ARTF 1125 | Form and Structure and Form and Structure Tools | 5 |
ARTF 2220 and ARTF 2221 | Movement and Time and Movement and Time Tools | 5 |
ARTF 2223 and ARTF 2224 | Experience and Interaction and Experience and Interaction Tools | 5 |
Art and Design History | ||
ARTH 1001 and ARTH 1002 | Visual Intelligence and Seminar in Visual Intelligence | 4 |
ARTH 3000 | Topics in Visual Studies | 4 |
ARTH 4000 | Topics in Visual Studies | 4 |
Media Arts Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
ARTD 1001 and ARTD 1002 | Media Art, Culture, and Social Justice and Seminar for ARTD 1001 | 4 |
Drawing Fundamentals Elective | ||
ARTF 1120 | Observational Drawing | 4 |
or ARTF 1121 | Conceptual Drawing | |
Media Arts Basics Elective | ||
Note: If you are pursuing a concentration, select courses not used for your concentration. | ||
Complete one of the following: | 4-5 | |
Introduction to Photography and Photo Tools | ||
Animation Basics and Animation Tools | ||
Video Basics and Video Tools | ||
Media Arts History Elective | ||
Complete one of the following: | 4 | |
If a topics in course is completed more than once, the additional completions may be allowed toward the electives. | ||
Modern Art and Design History | ||
Contemporary Art and Design History | ||
Survey of the Still and Moving Image | ||
Topics in Visual Studies | ||
Topics in Visual Studies | ||
Design Requirement | ||
Typographic Systems and Studio for Typographic Systems | ||
Degree Project | ||
ARTD 4530 | Media Arts Degree Project | 4 |
Media Arts Electives or Concentration
Complete the media arts electives or contact your academic advisor to declare one of the following concentrations:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Complete 20 semester hours from the following: | 20 | |
If a topics in course is completed more than once, the additional completions may be allowed toward the electives. | ||
Courses in this requirement may not be used for the drawing fundamentals elective or media arts history elective. | ||
Narrative Basics | ||
Introduction to Computational Creative Practice | ||
Topics in Media Arts | ||
Photography: Concept + Process | ||
Animation 1 | ||
Virtual Environment Design | ||
Character Design for Animation | ||
Animation for Games | ||
Video: Sound and Image | ||
Experimental Video | ||
Photography: Visual Strategies + Context | ||
Animation 2 | ||
Animation 3 | ||
Studio Photography | ||
Photography: Experimental Processes | ||
The Graphic Novel | ||
Art and Design Abroad: Studio | ||
Art and Design Abroad: History | ||
Art and Design Special Topics | ||
Special Topics in Art and Design Studio | ||
Interactive Media and Society | ||
The Science of Art, the Art of Science | ||
Modern Art and Design History | ||
Contemporary Art and Design History | ||
Global Networks in Early Modern Art and Visual Culture | ||
Topics in Visual Studies | ||
Performance Art | ||
Topics in Visual Studies | ||
Contemporary Art Theory and Criticism | ||
Landscape and Ecology in Visual Culture | ||
Painting Basics | ||
Figure Drawing | ||
Drawing in Mixed Media | ||
Sound Management at University of Arts London | ||
Optional London study abroad for sound management at Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London. Specific courses at University of Arts London are pre-approved for transfer to a student's Northeastern University record to apply toward requirements. Students can consult with a CAMD academic advisor for approval prior to registration. |
Program Requirement
134 total semester hours required
Concentration in Animation
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Animation Requirements | ||
ARTD 2100 | Narrative Basics | 4 |
ARTD 2370 and ARTD 2371 | Animation Basics and Animation Tools | 5 |
ARTD 3000 | Topics in Media Arts | 4 |
ARTD 3470 | Animation 1 | 4 |
ARTD 4570 | Animation 2 | 4 |
Animation Electives | ||
Complete three of the following. At least one must be at the 4000 level: | 12 | |
If ARTD 3000 is completed more than once, the additional completions may be allowed toward the electives. | ||
Virtual Environment Design | ||
Character Design for Animation | ||
Animation for Games | ||
Animation 3 | ||
Art and Design Elective | ||
Complete any one ARTG, ARTE, ARTD, ARTH, ARTS, or GAME course as long as prerequisites have been met. | 4 | |
If ARTD 3000 (or any other topics course in the subjects listed above) is completed more than once, the additional completions may be allowed toward the electives. | ||
Courses in this requirement may not be used for the drawing fundamentals elective, media arts basics elective, media arts history elective, or animation electives. |
Concentration in Photography
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Photography Requirements | ||
ARTD 2360 and ARTD 2361 | Introduction to Photography and Photo Tools | 5 |
ARTD 3460 | Photography: Concept + Process | 4 |
ARTD 4565 | Photography: Visual Strategies + Context | 4 |
Photography Elective | ||
If ARTD 3000 is completed more than once, the additional completions may be allowed toward the electives. | ||
ARTD 3000 | Topics in Media Arts | 4 |
or ARTD 4660 | Studio Photography | |
or ARTD 4661 | Photography: Experimental Processes | |
Art and Design Electives | ||
Complete any three ARTG, ARTE, ARTD, ARTH, ARTS, or GAME courses as long as prerequisites have been met. At least one must be a 4000-level course. | 12 | |
If ARTD 3000 (or any other topics course in the subjects listed above) is completed more than once, the additional completions may be allowed toward the electives. | ||
Courses in this requirement may not be used for the drawing fundamentals elective, media arts basics elective, media arts history elective, or photography elective. |
Concentration in Video Arts
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Video Arts Requirements | ||
ARTD 2380 and ARTD 2381 | Video Basics and Video Tools | 5 |
ARTD 3480 | Video: Sound and Image | 4 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Video Arts Electives | ||
Complete four of the following: | 16 | |
If ARTD 3000 (or any other topics course in the subjects listed above) is completed more than once, the additional completions may be allowed toward the electives. | ||
Topics in Media Arts | ||
Experimental Video | ||
Survey of the Still and Moving Image | ||
Narrative Filmmaking | ||
Screenwriting | ||
Documentary Production | ||
Acting for the Camera | ||
Art and Design Electives | ||
Complete any three ARTG, ARTE, ARTD, ARTH, ARTS, or GAME courses as long as prerequisites have been met. At least one must be a 4000-level course. | 12 | |
If ARTD 3000 (or any other topics course in the subjects listed above) is completed more than once, the additional completions may be allowed toward the electives. | ||
Courses in this requirement may not be used for the drawing fundamentals elective, media arts basics elective, and media arts history elective. | ||
University of Arts London | ||
Optional London study abroad for sound management at Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London. Specific courses at University of Arts London are pre-approved for transfer to a student's Northeastern University record to apply toward requirements. Students can consult with a CAMD academic advisor for approval prior to registration. |
Program Requirement
134 total semester hours required
No Concentration
Sample Four Years, Two Co-ops in Spring/Summer 1/Sample—ZA Plan of Study Only
Year 1 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTF 1000 | 1 | ARTF 1122 (with optional ARTF 1123) | 4 | Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 |
ARTF 1124 and ARTF 1125 | 5 | ARTF 2220 and ARTF 2221 | 5 | Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 |
Drawing fundamentals elective | 4 | Media arts history elective | 4 | ||||
ARTH 1001 and ARTH 1002 | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
ENGW 1111 | 4 | ||||||
18 | 17 | 8 | 8 | ||||
Year 2 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTF 2223 and ARTF 2224 | 5 | Co-op | Co-op | Elective | 4 | ||
ARTH 3000 | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
Media arts basics elective | 4-5 | ||||||
Elective | 4 | ||||||
EEAM 2000 | 1 | ||||||
18-19 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||
Year 3 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTG 1290 and ARTG 1291 | 4 | Co-op | Co-op | Elective | 4 | ||
ARTH 4000 | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
Media arts elective | 4 | ||||||
Elective | 4 | ||||||
16 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||
Year 4 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours | ||
Media arts elective | 4 | ARTD 4530 | 4 | Vacation | |||
Media arts elective | 4 | Media arts elective | 4 | ||||
Media arts elective | 4 | Media arts elective | 4 | ||||
Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
16 | 16 | 0 | |||||
Total Hours: 133-134 |
Animation
Sample Four Years, Two Co-ops in Spring/Summer 1/Sample—ZA Plan of Study Only
Year 1 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTF 1000 | 1 | ARTF 1122 (with optional ARTF 1123) | 4 | ARTF 2223 and ARTF 2224 | 5 | Elective | 4 |
Drawing fundamentals elective | 4 | ARTF 1124 and ARTF 1125 | 5 | Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 |
ARTF 2220 and ARTF 2221 | 5 | ARTD 2370 and ARTD 2371 | 5 | ||||
ARTH 1001 and ARTH 1002 | 4 | Media arts history elective | 4 | ||||
ENGW 1111 | 4 | ||||||
18 | 18 | 9 | 8 | ||||
Year 2 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTD 2100 | 4 | Co-op | Co-op | Elective | 4 | ||
ARTD 3470 | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
Animation elective | 4 | ||||||
Media arts basics elective | 4-5 | ||||||
EEAM 2000 | 1 | ||||||
17-18 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||
Year 3 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTD 4570 | 4 | Co-op | Co-op | Elective | 4 | ||
ARTG 1290 and ARTG 1291 | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
ARTH 3000 | 4 | ||||||
Elective | 4 | ||||||
16 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||
Year 4 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||||
Animation elective | 4 | ARTD 4530 | 4 | ||||
Art and design elective | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
Art and design elective | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
ARTH 4000 | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
16 | 16 | ||||||
Total Hours: 134-135 |
Photography
Sample Four Years, Two Co-ops in Spring/Summer 1/Sample—ZA Plan of Study Only
Year 1 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTF 1000 | 1 | ARTF 2220 and ARTF 2221 | 5 | Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 |
ARTF 1122 (with optional ARTF 1123) | 4 | ARTF 2223 and ARTF 2224 | 5 | Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 |
ARTF 1124 and ARTF 1125 | 5 | ARTD 2360 and ARTD 2361 | 5 | ||||
ARTH 1001 and ARTH 1002 | 4 | Media arts history elective | 4 | ||||
ENGW 1111 | 4 | ||||||
18 | 19 | 8 | 8 | ||||
Year 2 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTD 3460 | 4 | Co-op | Co-op | Elective | 4 | ||
Photography elective | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
Drawing fundamentals elective | 4 | ||||||
ARTH 3000 | 4 | ||||||
EEAM 2000 | 1 | ||||||
17 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||
Year 3 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTD 4565 | 4 | Co-op | Co-op | Elective | 4 | ||
ARTG 1290 and ARTG 1291 | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
ARTH 4000 | 4 | ||||||
Media arts basics elective | 4-5 | ||||||
16-17 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||
Year 4 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||||
Art and design elective | 4 | ARTD 4530 | 4 | ||||
Art and design elective | 4 | Art and design elective | 4 | ||||
Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
16 | 16 | ||||||
Total Hours: 134-135 |
Video Arts
Sample Four Years, Two Co-ops in Spring/Summer 1/Sample—ZA Plan of Study Only
Year 1 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTF 1000 | 1 | ARTF 2220 and ARTF 2221 | 5 | Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 |
ARTF 1122 (with optional ARTF 1123) | 4 | ARTF 2223 and ARTF 2224 | 5 | Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 |
ARTF 1124 and ARTF 1125 | 5 | Art and design elective | 4 | ||||
ARTH 1001 and ARTH 1002 | 4 | Media arts history elective | 4 | ||||
ENGW 1111 | 4 | ||||||
18 | 18 | 8 | 8 | ||||
Year 2 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTD 2380 and ARTD 2381 | 5 | Co-op | Co-op | Elective | 4 | ||
Video arts elective | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
Drawing fundamentals elective | 4 | ||||||
ARTH 3000 | 4 | ||||||
EEAM 2000 | 1 | ||||||
18 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||
Year 3 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer 1 | Hours | Summer 2 | Hours |
ARTD 3480 | 4 | Co-op | Co-op | Elective | 4 | ||
ARTG 1290 and ARTG 1291 | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
ARTH 4000 | 4 | ||||||
Media arts basics elective | 4-5 | ||||||
16-17 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||
Year 4 | |||||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||||
Video arts elective | 4 | ARTD 4530 | 4 | ||||
Art and design elective | 4 | Video arts elective | 4 | ||||
Elective | 4 | Art and design elective | 4 | ||||
Elective | 4 | Elective | 4 | ||||
16 | 16 | ||||||
Total Hours: 134-135 |
Notes:
Optional study abroad with University of Arts London, based in the heart of one of the world's creative capitals, London. Students from this program will have the opportunity to spend their second spring semester in London studying fine art at Central Saint Martins.