Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre (MA and MFA)

About the Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Program

As one of the largest graduate programs of its kind in the country, 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, 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 currently offer an MA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre 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 who are passionate about theatre, who want to use theatre as a catalyst for social justice or civic engagement with youth or adults. Explore careers in after-school and out-of-school youth programs, private education, the education and community engagement offices of professional theatres, 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.

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. Our teaching licensure program is currently paused, as we review and reimagine our full suite of Theatre Education degree offerings.

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
• No GRE required to apply
• Full-time and part-time options