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Emerson College

Overview

At a Glance

School type

Private, not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Faculty

670 Faculty Members | 8:01 student faculty ratio

Religious affliation

Not applicable

General Information

Address

Emerson College

120 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 2116

See on Map
Phone

(617) 824-8500

Website
www.emerson.edu/

Mission Statement

Emerson College offers educational programs that prepare undergraduate and graduate men and women to assume positions of responsibility and leadership in communication and the arts and to pursue scholarship and work that brings innovation to these disciplines. Established in 1880 as a small, regional school of oratory, Emerson has evolved into a diverse, coeducational and multifaceted degree-granting institution with a liberal arts rather than conservatory orientation. But its mission and focus remains largely the same as it was in 1880: to explore and push the boundaries of communication, art and culture and, thereby, to contribute to the advancement of society.

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Mission Statement

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Emerson College offers educational programs that prepare undergraduate and graduate men and women to assume positions of responsibility and leadership in communication and the arts and to pursue scholarship and work that brings innovation to these disciplines. Established in 1880 as a small, regional school of oratory, Emerson has evolved into a diverse, coeducational and multifaceted degree-granting institution with a liberal arts rather than conservatory orientation. But its mission and focus remains largely the same as it was in 1880: to explore and push the boundaries of communication, art and culture and, thereby, to contribute to the advancement of society.

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cost & financial aid

Annual tuition & fees

Undergraduate

In state

$51,286

Out of state

$51,286
Graduate

In state

$31,910

Out of state

$31,910

Financial Aid: Undergraduates

Received financial aid
83%
Did not receive aid
17%
Type of aid % of students receiving aid Average amount
Federal grants 17.0% $6,038
State/local grants 3.0% $3,326
Institutional grants 80.0% $24,141
Loans 51.0% $12,382

Financial aid resources

Paying for college

Learn about different ways to cover costs, incluing financial aid, GI Bills, grants and scholarships

Applying for financial Aid

Review this step-by-step guide on everything you need to do to complete your application.

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Academics

Most Popular Undergraduate majors

  • Cinematography and Film/Video Production
  • Creative Writing
  • Journalism
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
  • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
Full List of Majors

Undergraduate Majors X

  • BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES
    • Business/Commerce, General
      • A program that focuses on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and nonprofit public and private institutions and agencies. The programs may prepare individuals to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
      • A program that generally prepares individuals to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. Includes instruction in buyer behavior and dynamics, principle of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets. See other colleges that offer this major
  • COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
    • Speech Communication and Rhetoric
      • A program that focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of interpersonal, group, organizational, professional, and intercultural communication; speaking and listening; verbal and nonverbal interaction; rhetorical theory and criticism; performance studies; argumentation and persuasion; technologically mediated communication; popular culture; and various contextual applications. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Mass Communication/Media Studies
      • A program that focuses on the analysis and criticism of media institutions and media texts, how people experience and understand media content, and the roles of media in producing and transforming culture. Includes instruction in communications regulation, law, and policy; media history; media aesthetics, interpretation, and criticism; the social and cultural effects of mass media; cultural studies; the economics of media industries; visual and media literacy; and the psychology and behavioral aspects of media messages, interpretation, and utilization. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Communication and Media Studies, Other
    • Journalism
      • A program that focuses on the theory and practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news and that prepares individuals to be professional print journalists, news editors, and news managers. Includes instruction in news writing and editing; reporting; photojournalism; layout and graphic design; journalism law and policy; professional standards and ethics; research methods; and journalism history and criticism. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Broadcast Journalism
      • A program that focuses on the methods and techniques for reporting, producing, and delivering news and news programs via radio, television, and video/film media; and that prepares individuals to be professional broadcast journalists, editors, producers, directors, and managers. Includes instruction in the principles of broadcast technology; broadcast reporting; on- and off-camera and microphone procedures and techniques; program, sound, and video/film editing; program design and production; media law and policy; and professional standards and ethics. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Radio and Television
      • A program that focuses on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages, and that prepares individuals to function as staff, producers, directors, and managers of radio and television shows and media organizations. Includes instruction in media aesthetics; planning, scheduling, and production; writing and editing; performing and directing; personnel and facilities management; marketing and distribution; media regulations, law, and policy; and principles of broadcast technology. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
      • A program that focuses on the development, use, critical evaluation, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications; and that prepares individuals to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. Includes instruction in computer and telecommunications technologies and processes; design and development of digital communications; marketing and distribution; digital communications regulation, law, and policy; the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media; and emerging trends and issues. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
      • A general program that focuses on organizational communication, public relations, and advertising; and that prepares individuals to function in a wide range of public and private sector positions requiring the skills of persuasive communication. Includes instruction in communications, public relations, and advertising theory; principles and techniques of persuasion; message/image design; marketing strategy; professional writing; public speaking and multi-media presentation skills; digital communications; and applied research. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Advertising
      • A program that focuses on the creation, execution, transmission, and evaluation of commercial messages in various media intended to promote and sell products, services, and brands; and that prepares individuals to function as advertising assistants, technicians, and managers. Includes instruction in advertising theory, marketing strategy, advertising design and production methods, campaign methods and techniques, media management, related principles of business management, and applicable technical and equipment skills. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Political Communication
      • A program that focuses on human and media communication in the political process and that prepares individuals to function as members of political and public affairs organizations, political campaign staffs, and related government and media entities. Includes instruction in media effects, political speaking and debating, political advertising and marketing, image management, political journalism, opinion polling, and aspects of print and broadcast media related to the production and distribution of media messages in political settings. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Sports Communication
      • A program that focuses on the methods and techniques for communicating about sports in a variety of formats, media, and contexts; and that prepares individuals to be sports reporters and writers, photojournalists, radio and television announcers, producers and directors, recreational sports promoters, and public relations specialists. Includes instruction in sports writing, photography, broadcast journalism, sports production, game rules, media and public relations, and sports promotion. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, Other
  • COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS AND SUPPORT SERVICES
    • Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
      • A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs. See other colleges that offer this major
  • EDUCATION
  • ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS
    • Creative Writing
      • A program that focuses on the process and techniques of original composition in various literary forms such as the short story, poetry, the novel, and others. Includes instruction in technical and editorial skills, criticism, and the marketing of finished manuscripts. See other colleges that offer this major
  • HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS
    • Communication Sciences and Disorders, General
      • A program that focuses on the application of biomedical, psychological, and physical principles to the study of the scientific bases, development, and treatment of speech, language, hearing, and cognitive communication problems caused by disease, injury, or disability. Includes instruction in language science, hearing science, speech and voice science, biology of communication, behavioral linguistics, psychology, and applications to the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative strategies and technologies. See other colleges that offer this major
  • MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
  • VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
    • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
      • A program that focuses on the general study of dramatic works and their performance. Includes instruction in major works of dramatic literature, dramatic styles and types, and the principles of organizing and producing full live or filmed productions. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
      • A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic, technical and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theatre methods. Includes instruction in set design, lighting design, sound effects, theatre acoustics, scene painting, property management, costume design, and technical direction and production and use of computer applications to support these functions. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Acting
      • A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the achievement of naturalistic and believable behavior in imaginary circumstances. Includes instruction in voice and acting speech, stage dialects, movement, improvisation, acting styles, theatre history, script interpretation, and actor coaching. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Directing and Theatrical Production
      • A program that prepares individuals to manage the planning, design, preparation, and production of plays and other theatrical entertainment programs. Includes instruction in theatrical design, program management, dramatic production, rehearsal management, personnel management and casting, actor coaching, directing concepts and techniques, theater history, scene work, script interpretation, business management, marketing, public relations, and communications skills. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Musical Theatre
      • A program that focuses on the principles and techniques for integrating theatre, music, and dance into a unified production. Includes instruction in acting, dance, voice, technical theater, musical genres, piano, and history of musical theater. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other
    • Cinematography and Film/Video Production
      • A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film, film technology and equipment operation, film production, film directing, film editing, cinematographic art, film audio, techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos, media technologies, computer image making, multi-media production, and the planning and management of film/video operations. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Documentary Production
      • A program that prepares individuals to produce nonfiction film and video. Includes instruction in film and video writing, directing, and production; film studies; history of the documentary; research techniques; videography; editing; and business aspects of film production. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Music Performance, General
      • A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings. See other colleges that offer this major

Most Popular Graduate programs

  • Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama and Dance Teacher Education
  • Publishing
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Full List of Programs

Graduate ProgramsX

  • BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES
    • Business/Corporate Communications, General
    • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
      • A program that generally prepares individuals to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. Includes instruction in buyer behavior and dynamics, principle of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets. See other colleges that offer this major
    • International Marketing
      • A program that prepares individuals to perform marketing activities in enterprises primarily engaged in exporting or importing goods and services in world markets. Includes instruction in international trade controls, foreign trade operations, locating markets, negotiation practices, monetary issues, and international public relations. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Marketing, Other
  • COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
    • Communication and Media Studies, Other
    • Journalism
      • A program that focuses on the theory and practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news and that prepares individuals to be professional print journalists, news editors, and news managers. Includes instruction in news writing and editing; reporting; photojournalism; layout and graphic design; journalism law and policy; professional standards and ethics; research methods; and journalism history and criticism. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Broadcast Journalism
      • A program that focuses on the methods and techniques for reporting, producing, and delivering news and news programs via radio, television, and video/film media; and that prepares individuals to be professional broadcast journalists, editors, producers, directors, and managers. Includes instruction in the principles of broadcast technology; broadcast reporting; on- and off-camera and microphone procedures and techniques; program, sound, and video/film editing; program design and production; media law and policy; and professional standards and ethics. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Radio and Television
      • A program that focuses on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages, and that prepares individuals to function as staff, producers, directors, and managers of radio and television shows and media organizations. Includes instruction in media aesthetics; planning, scheduling, and production; writing and editing; performing and directing; personnel and facilities management; marketing and distribution; media regulations, law, and policy; and principles of broadcast technology. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
      • A program that focuses on the development, use, critical evaluation, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications; and that prepares individuals to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. Includes instruction in computer and telecommunications technologies and processes; design and development of digital communications; marketing and distribution; digital communications regulation, law, and policy; the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media; and emerging trends and issues. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
      • A general program that focuses on organizational communication, public relations, and advertising; and that prepares individuals to function in a wide range of public and private sector positions requiring the skills of persuasive communication. Includes instruction in communications, public relations, and advertising theory; principles and techniques of persuasion; message/image design; marketing strategy; professional writing; public speaking and multi-media presentation skills; digital communications; and applied research. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Health Communication
      • A program that focuses on how people, individually and collectively, understand and accommodate to health and illness and the role of communication and media in shaping professional health care messages and public acceptance of these messages. Includes instruction in the development and use of health-related and care-related messages and media; the goals and strategies of health care promotion; relationships, roles, situations, and social structures in the context of health maintenance and promotion; and applications to disease prevention, health advocacy, and communications concerning treatments. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Publishing
      • A program that focuses on the process of managing the creation, publication, and distribution of print and electronic books and other text products and prepares individuals to manage the editorial, technical, and business aspects of publishing operations. Includes instruction in product planning and design, editing, author relations, business and copyright law, publishing industry operations, contracting and purchasing, product marketing, electronic publishing and commerce, history of publishing, and professional standards and ethics. See other colleges that offer this major
  • EDUCATION
  • ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS
    • Creative Writing
      • A program that focuses on the process and techniques of original composition in various literary forms such as the short story, poetry, the novel, and others. Includes instruction in technical and editorial skills, criticism, and the marketing of finished manuscripts. See other colleges that offer this major
  • HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS
    • Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
      • A program that prepares individuals to evaluate the speaking, language interpretation, and related physiological and cognitive capabilities of children and/or adults and develop treatment and rehabilitative solutions in consultation with clinicians and educators. Includes instruction in the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, biomechanics of swallowing and vocal articulation, communications disorders, psychology of auditory function and cognitive communication, language assessment and diagnostic techniques, and rehabilitative and management therapies. See other colleges that offer this major
  • VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
    • Playwriting and Screenwriting
      • A program that focuses on the principles and techniques for communicating dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the composition of creative written works for the theatre, film, and/or television. Includes instruction in creative writing craft, scene writing, script development, stage and/or camera instructions, line and moment analysis, script reading, script editing, and the creation of full productions. See other colleges that offer this major
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Admissions

Undergraduate acceptance rate

Acceptance rate
45.28%
  • Apply 11,568
  • Accepted 5,238
  • Attend 1,058

Application Fee

Undergraduate
$65
Graduate
$65

Undergraduate application requirements

  • High school transcript

    Required

  • High school GPA

    Recommended

  • Recommendation letter

    Required

  • Admissions test
    (SAT or ACT)

    Not applicable

  • TOEFL
    (international students)

    Required

  • Completion of college
    prep program

    Required

  • Demonstration of
    competencies

    Not applicable

Average sat scores

Half of the freshman class scored within these ranges. 25% scored lower and 25% scored higher. 2020 data.

Math
Reading

Average act scores

Half of the freshman class scored within these ranges. 25% scored lower and 25% scored higher. 2020 data.

Composite
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Student Life

Student Demographics

Female Students
71%
Male Students
29%
Student Ethnicities
  1. Caucasian55.69%
  2. Two Or More Ethnicities16.47%
  3. Hispanic/Latino14.05%
  4. Black5.53%
  5. Asian5.46%
  6. Not Specified2.56%
  7. Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0.14%
  8. American Indian/Alaska Native0.1%

Student body breakdown

Total students enrolled

5,883

Undergraduate students

4,050

Graduate students

1,833

Attendance breakdown

Full time
91%
Part time
9%

Student services

  • Meal plan
  • Counseling services
  • Remedial services
  • Work-study
  • Placement services
  • Study abroad
  • Weekend/evening classes
  • On-campus day care for student's children
No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.