Academic Requirements
Earning a bachelor’s degree at Emerson College involves completing four key components:
- A minimum of 128 credit hours
- All liberal arts requirements
- All major requirements
- Any remaining general elective credits
While there are many possible paths to graduation, most students automatically reach 128 credit hours by taking a 16-credit course load each semester for four years (16 credits per semester x 8 semesters = 128 credits).
Emerson offers nearly 30 majors across communication and the arts, each with its own set of requirements outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog. In addition, the liberal arts curriculum provides a broad academic foundation, exposing students to disciplines such as the social sciences, languages, literature, natural sciences, mathematics, and the arts. The Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts also houses Emerson’s Honors Program and the Interdisciplinary Studies major, offering unique opportunities for deeper academic exploration.
Beyond the liberal arts curriculum and major requirements, students must complete general elective credits in order to meet the 128 credit minimum to graduate. General elective credits allow students to personalize their academic experience. With this built-in flexibility, students often use these credits to:
- Pursue a minor(s) / 40+ options available
- Explore personal and career interests
- Complete credit-bearing internships to build professional experience
We encourage students to meet with an advisor to further explore their academic options and to ensure they stay on track toward graduation.
Major Change
Changing a major requires approval from the chair of the intended academic department. Some programs, such as those within the School of Film, Business of Creative Enterprises, and Interdisciplinary Studies, have additional application requirements.
To understand the process and how a major change may impact your academic plan, we recommend meeting with an advisor.
Double Majoring
Students may pursue a double major by completing all requirements for two distinct majors in separate departments. Courses cannot be counted toward both majors.
Because a double major can impact your timeline to graduation, it is important to meet with an advisor early in the process. Please note that students in the School of Film or Business of Creative Enterprises are not eligible to double major.
Minors
A minor typically consists of 16–20 credits of related coursework and offers students an opportunity to explore an area outside their major. While not required, many students choose to pursue a minor to give structure to their general elective credits and enhance their academic experience.
To explore available minors, consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the online minor listing. After meeting with an advisor to confirm feasibility, students can declare a minor by submitting the Minor Change Request Form.