Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre (MA and MFA)

About the Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Programs

As one of the largest graduate programs of its kind in the country, Emerson College’s on-campus Theatre Education & Applied Theatre MA and MFA programs prepare 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 programs allow you to grow and refine your craft as an artist and an educator. Coursework focuses on principles like social justice, anti-racism, and youth-led activism.

We offer three graduate programs, an MA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre, an MA in Theatre Education: Licensure, and an MFA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre. 

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 with 0-5 years of work experience or career changers who are passionate about theatre, who want to explore careers in, after-school and out-of-school youth programs, private education, the education and community engagement offices of professional theatres, or using theatre as a catalyst for social justice or civic engagement with youth or adults. The program is also suitable for those interested in pursuing their doctoral degree
• As our most flexible degree program, you choose electives that fulfill personal or professional interests
• This program does not offer Massachusetts public school teaching licensure

As a student in our MA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre graduate program, you’ll learn foundational theories and practices of theatre education and applied theatre. Choose core courses in either Theatre Education or Applied Theatre or a combination to focus on your professional interests. The program is designed for students with a background in theatre who want to grow their knowledge of the uses of drama with youth and adults in and beyond education and more. 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.

Masters of Arts in Theatre Education: Licensure, 40 Credits

Program at a glance:

• 40 credit Master of Arts program
• This program’s focus is Theatre Education
• Designed for students with 0-5 years of work experience or career changers who are passionate about theatre, who want to explore careers teaching PK-12 and after-school programs, or pursue their doctoral degree
• Your main focus will be learning the foundations of teaching and practicing them in school settings
• This program offers students initial licensure in Massachusetts

Students in our MA in Theatre Education: Licensure graduate program learn foundational theories and practices of theatre education and teaching. Designed for students interested in teaching PK-12 public classrooms, you will earn your initial licensure in Massachusetts as a theatre teacher for all education levels. This program prepares you for opportunities across PK–12 classrooms and after-school programs.

This Theatre Education program is reviewed and accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. For students pursuing licensure, permission to proceed to the student teaching practicum is required and based upon the successful completion of coursework and field experience. A portfolio review for these same students is needed for the end of their student teaching practicum. These students must also pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure to receive their initial license.

This program does offer public school initial teaching licensure.

Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Program, 48 Credits

Program at a glance:

• 48 credit Master of Fine Arts program
• Opportunities to take coursework in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre
• Designed for students with several years of work experience as teaching artists and theatre practitioners who want to deepen their craft, contribute to research and practices in the field, and prepare for leadership positions in regional theatres, arts organizations, or educational spaces, teaching in higher education, or pursue their doctoral degree
• Your main focus will be completing a year-long thesis 
• This program does not offer students initial licensure in Massachusetts

As a student in our MFA program, you’ll build upon your existing skills as a theatre-maker, theatre educator, and community practitioner. Our MFA is designed for working artists and theatre educators with experience in youth and community settings who have 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. Choose coursework in either Theatre Education, Applied Theatre, or a combination of both to focus on your professional interests.

Students interested in teaching at the college level, or earning their Doctorate are encouraged to apply. This program does not offer public school teaching licensure.

Program Highlights

• Three theatre degree options to choose from with opportunities to focus on Theatre Education or 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 renowned world theatre, and HowlRound, a famous 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
• Full-time and part-time options
• No GRE required to apply