Emerson Named to Variety’s 2026 Top Film Schools
Emerson College has been named by Variety as an honoree in its 2026 Top Film Schools list.
The recognition in Variety’s annual Entertainment Education Impact Report underscores the College’s leadership in the entertainment and media industry.
Emerson’s School of Film, Television, and Media Arts (SOF) was singled out for its strong bicoastal approach that provides students with access to industry-standard soundstages, labs and production suites, while addressing new AI technology. The College was also touted for expanding its Department of Visual and Media Arts to the new SOF, opening up more career paths for students.
Variety editors reviewed top entertainment education schools for this year’s list, evaluating each program’s current offerings, including courses, instructors, and entertainment-focused training across film, music, TV, and related fields.
Students learn how to produce TV shoes at campus locations like the Tufte Studios. (Photo by Derek Palmer, MA ’20) 
SOF Associate Professor Paul Turano teaches Analog Film Production. (Photo by Derek Palmer, MA ’20) 
Students get access to modern camera equipment starting in their first year at Emerson. (Photo by Sami Ahmad ’20) 
Students learn lighting design on real soundstages. (Photo by Sami Ahmad ’20) 
Emerson always has modern TV production equipment for students to use for classes and extracurricular projects. (Photo by Derek Palmer, MA ’20)
Shaun Clarke, dean of the School of Film, Television, and Media Arts, emphasized the unique advantages students gain from a SOF education.
“Students appreciate that Emerson incorporates traditional filmmaking — we are one of the only higher education institutions in the country to teach filmmaking from the industry’s roots in analog 16mm film technology to present-day integrations, such as virtual reality and AI,” Clarke said. “At its core, the truly holistic approach to all facets of the business distinguishes Emerson in the marketplace, and students feel that in everything from the course offerings to the guest lectures and the campus experience.”
Emerson’s bicoastal model offers students a world-class education in Boston while providing opportunities to study and work at Emerson Los Angeles (ELA), located at the center of the entertainment industry. Through ELA, students gain access to internships, early career workshops, and a far-reaching alumni network spanning all corners of the industry.
In fall 2025, the College’s Visual and Media Arts program was integrated into the newly launched School of Film, Television, and Media Arts, marking a significant step forward, enabling the College to adapt its programs in real time to meet the evolving demands of the field.
In January, SOF introduced updates to its academic offerings, including the addition of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film, Television, and Media Arts. The new degree program will begin conferring degrees in the 2026–2027 academic year.
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