About the Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Program
With a focus on theory and practice coupled with local partnerships to support learning and growth in the field, Emerson College’s on-campus Theatre Education & Applied Theatre MA 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, tthe program allows you to grow and refine your craft as an artist, educator, and community-based facilitator. Coursework focuses on principles like social justice, critical theory, arts-based activism, and social-emotional wellness.
We currently offer an MA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre. While we have historically offered a program in teaching licensure for theatre educators as well as an MFA program in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre, we have paused our admissions for those programs in 2026.
Master of Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre, 36 Credits
Program at a glance:
- 36 credit Masters of Arts program
- Opportunities to take coursework in either Theatre Education or Applied Theatre
- This program is designed for students who are passionate about theatre, who want to use theatre as a catalyst for learning, wellness, justice, and joy with youth or adults.
- Explore careers in youth and community programming, private education, the education and community engagement offices of professional theatres, arts-based non-profits, and more. The program is also suitable for those interested in pursuing their doctoral degree.
- Choose electives that fulfill personal or professional interests, across both disciplines.
The MA in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre graduate program is designed for students with a background in theatre who want to grow their knowledge of the uses of performance with youth and adults in and beyond education. As a student in the program, you’ll learn foundational theories and practices of the field. Choose core courses in Theatre Education, Applied Theatre, or a combination to focus on your professional interests. Theatre Education courses build knowledge and skills in arts-based education in PK-12 spaces, after-school programs, regional theatres, and community arts organizations. Applied Theatre courses focus on using theatre for healing, social justice, and joy with youth or adults in nontraditional places, such as prisons, hospitals, or community centers.
This program does not offer public school teaching licensure. Our teaching licensure program is currently paused, as we review and reimagine our full suite of Theatre Education degree offerings.
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Upcoming Events
Graduate Theatre Education and Applied Theatre (MA) Webinar
September 16, 2025, 2:30 p.m. EDT
Join us for a virtual Theatre Education and Applied Theatre Information Session! During this session, you'll hear from faculty and admissions staff and learn more about the program, the application process, life at Emerson, and more.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Destination Graduate School: Emerson College Overview
September 17, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Ready to take the next step in your academic journey at Emerson? Join us for a virtual Graduate Admission Overview! During this session, you'll get the opportunity to ask questions, hear from our admissions counselors, and learn more about Emerson College's diverse graduate programs, our vibrant community, our admissions process, and so much more.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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.