Graduate Programs

Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre (MA and MFA)

Advance your skills as an artist and an educator

  • 0

    GRE requirements

  • 2

    Tracks to choose from: Theatre Education and Applied Theatre

  • 36

    Or 48 credit hours

About the Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Program

As one of the largest programs of its kind in the country, Emerson College’s on-campus Theatre Education & Applied Theatre MA and MFA program prepares you to use theatre to create learning experiences that transform lives and communities.

Housed in the Department of Performing Arts in the School of the Arts, the program provides the opportunity for you to grow and refine your craft as both an artist and an educator. Coursework focuses on important principles of social justice, such as anti-racism and youth-led activism. The curricula include teaching methods that encourage critical thinking, essential practices, and the fundamental scholarship of this field.

Our two tracks of study to choose from, Theatre Education and Applied Theatre, allow you to pursue your professional goals. No matter which track you select, you will have the flexibility to choose elective courses that align with your unique interests and customize a course of study in the art of theatre.

MA Program

As a student in our MA program, you’ll learn core theories and practices from the fields of theatre education and applied theatre. Designed for students with a background in theatre who want to expand their knowledge of theatre education and community engagement, and/or start their career as a teacher, our MA exposes you to opportunities ranging from PK–12 classrooms, afterschool programs, regional theatres, and community arts organizations.

MFA Program

As a student in our MFA program, you’ll build upon your already existing skills as a theatre-maker, theatre educator, and/or community practitioner. Our MFA is designed for artists who have a year or more of experience working with youth and/or in community settings who have some clarity about their artistic voice, teaching style, and social justice commitments.

After graduation, you’ll be prepared to compose and direct theatre programs in youth and community settings; hold leadership positions in educational and engagement offices at regional theatres; and contribute to the theatre community through conference presentations, publications, and more.

Program Highlights

  • MA and MFA degree options, which both include the opportunity to choose between two tracks of study: Theatre Education and Applied Theatre
  • Training emphasizes the creation of inclusive, empowering, and enjoyable learning environments in schools and communities
  • Opportunities to engage with ArtsEmerson, Boston’s leading presenter of the best world theatre, and HowlRound, a renowned platform for international theatremakers, both of which are housed at Emerson and have a robust set of education and community engagement initiatives
  • Centrally located in the heart of Boston’s Theatre District
  • Courses are offered during the day and evenings to fit your schedule
  • No GRE required to apply
  • Full-time and part-time options

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My time at Emerson was a completely immersive experience. My program offered the perfect balance of theory and application from top-notch professors. My classmates were from all over the world; it was really special to work alongside some of the country's best theatre educators-in-training.