We’re proud to offer three graduate programs in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre, all housed in the Department of Performing Arts in the School of the Arts here at Emerson College.
- Master of Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre, 36 credits
- Master of Arts in Theatre Education: Licensure, 40 credits
- Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Program, 48 credits
The 40-credit Theatre Education: Licensure program focuses solely on theatre education. Students pursuing this degree can earn initial teaching licensure in Massachusetts.
The 36-credit MA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre and the 48-credit MFA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre offer foundational coursework in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre and opportunities to focus on either or a combination of the two.
Courses
Theatre Education Courses
In Theatre Education courses, you’ll learn to use theatre as a teaching tool in PK–12 school settings, workshops, after-school environments, in theatre and community arts organizations, and more. Built for students who already have a teaching license or who are not interested in teaching licensure, this track will help you develop as a youth theatre educator both in and out of school environments.
Applied Theatre Courses
In Applied Theatre courses, you’ll explore the uses of theatre outside of traditional theatre spaces, including social services agencies, community centers, prisons, hospitals, and museums. Applied Theatre aims to benefit not only individuals but also the communities and societies in which they live by using theatre as a catalyst for social justice and civic engagement.
Master of Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Curriculum, 36 Credits
Our MA in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre can be completed in one to two years as a full-time student or 2-4 years as a part-time student. Review our course catalog for full course details. The MA curriculum consists of 36 credits including:
- 12 credits (3 courses) of Required Foundation Courses
- 8 credits (2 courses) of Core Courses
- 12 credits (3 courses) of electives
- 4 credits (1 course) MA Thesis
Sample MA Electives
- TH 621 - Theatre of the Oppressed
- TH 667 - Theatre for Social Justice
- TH 667 - Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence Through Performance
- TH 681 - Directing Young Actor
- TH 681 - Documentary Theatre
- TH 562 - Theatre for Young Audiences
- TH 667 - Central Square Theatre: Arts-Based Youth Activism
- TH 514 - Burning Down The House: Disruptive Narratives In Theatre and Life
- TH 467/TH 667 - Gender Inclusive Pedagogy and Practices of LGBTQIA+ Theatre
- TH 634 - Inhabiting Bodies: Writing Identity for the Stage
Master of Arts in Theatre Education: Licensure Curriculum, 40 Credits
Our MA in Theatre Education: Licensure can be completed in two years as a full-time student, or three to five years as a part-time student. Review our course catalog for full course details. The MA curriculum consists of 40 credits including:
- 12 credits (3 courses) of Required Foundation Courses
- 8 credits (2 courses) of Core Courses
- 20 credits (5 courses) of Theatre Education, Teacher Development Courses
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Curriculum, 48 credits
Our MFA in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre can be completed in two years as a full-time student, or two to four years as a part-time student. Review our course catalog for full course details. The MFA curriculum consists of 48 credits, including:
- 12 credits (3 courses) of Foundational Courses
- 12 credits (3 courses) of Core Courses
- 16 credits (4 courses) of Electives
- 8 credits (2 courses) of a Thesis
Sample MFA Electives
- TH 621 - Theatre of the Oppressed
- TH 667 - Theatre for Social Justice
- TH 667 - Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence Through Performance
- TH 681 - Directing Young Actor
- TH 681 - Documentary Theatre
- TH 562 - Theatre for Young Audiences
- TH 667 - Central Square Theatre: Arts-Based Youth Activism
- TH 514 - Burning Down The House: Disruptive Narratives In Theatre and Life
- TH 467/TH 667 - Gender Inclusive Pedagogy and Practices of LGBTQIA+ Theatre
- TH 634 - Inhabiting Bodies: Writing Identity for the Stage