Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre (MA)

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.