Academic Information

Academic Calendar

• Fall Term (Semester 1): Early September to Late December (with exams taking place before December 23)
• Spring Term (Semester 2): Mid-January to Late May
• View the current Academic Calendar

Academic Requirements

Boston: Open to qualified sophomores, juniors, or first-semester seniors with the equivalent of a minimum GPA of 2.5

Los Angeles: Open to qualified juniors or first-semester seniors with the equivalent of a minimum GPA of 2.7

Language Requirements

For exchange applicants whose native language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is required. At Emerson, we consider the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English, Cambridge English (Advance or Proficiency) or PTE Academic to show English Proficiency. If you submit one of the English Proficiency Examinations, please note the minimum score requirements for admission to Emerson College:

• Cambridge English (Advance or Proficiency)
  • Minimum Score Required: 185
• Duolingo English
  • Minimum Score Required: 125
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • Minimum Score Required: 7.0
• PTE Academic (Pearson’s Test of English Academic)
  • Minimum Score Required: 65
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • Minimum Score Required: 95
    • Minimum Score of 20 in each section

Alternatively, exchange applicants may request an English language proficiency interview conducted by Emerson’s Associate Director of English Language Learning.

Full-time Study Load

• Minimum study load per semester: 12 credits (3 courses)
• Maximum study load per semester: 16 credits (4 courses)

Course Registration

View Emerson's Course Descriptions

Exchange students will receive an email about course registration after they have been accepted. Students should allow some flexibility with their course preferences, as some courses require prerequisites and/or faculty approval. Students are allowed to make registration changes during the add/drop period at the beginning of each semester.