Admission

Admission

Admission into Emerson’s graduate programs is selective and is determined by faculty committees representing individual graduate programs. Undergraduate performance and quality of response to the essay question(s) are all critical factors in the decision. For applicants to the Creative Writing, Film and Media Art, Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing, and Publishing and Writing programs, creative submissions are also key factors in the decision process. Only the Office of Graduate Admission makes offers of admission. Correspondence from faculty or other staff at the College is not a binding offer of admission. Emerson College reserves the right to rescind admission if new information is obtained that would warrant such action.

Concurrent Enrollment

Applicants may not enroll in two Emerson degree programs at the same time. Applicants must disclose enrollment in any other degree program, at any institution, that would overlap with their enrollment at Emerson. Graduate Program Directors have the discretion to approve or refuse concurrent enrollment, where the second degree is being completed at another institution. Additional documentation may be required in order to make a decision regarding concurrent enrollment. Students must complete all coursework required for the bachelor’s degree prior to enrolling in a graduate program.

The following is a list of required materials that are considered in determining qualification for admission. The most up-to-date information can be found on the Graduate Admission website: https://emerson.edu/admissions-aid/graduate-admission.

1. Completed graduate application and nonrefundable application fee.

2. Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work including transfer credit. A completed undergraduate transcript indicating a date of degree conferral must be submitted prior to the first term of enrollment.

3. Letters of recommendation from person(s) qualified to assess academic, professional, and personal qualifications, including motivations, goals, and clinical potential (for Communication Disorders applicants). Personal recommendations from friends and family members will not be accepted.

4. GRE/GMAT Test Scores (if applicable). Standardized test scores may be no more than five years old and must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admission from the test provider. Test requirements vary by program. Please see the application to determine which test is appropriate for each program. Applicants who have already earned a master’s degree at a US college or university may request a waiver of the GRE/GMAT requirement. The GRE and GMAT are offered year-round at test centers worldwide. Test sites and registration information can be found at gre.org (GRE) and mba.com (GMAT). It takes a minimum of two weeks from the test date for scores to be sent to the College.

5. Required Essay(s). The application essay(s) enables the Admission Committee to gauge an applicant’s professional goals, relevant experience, knowledge of the field, reasons for seeking a particular degree at Emerson, and the ability to communicate effectively. Essay requirements vary by program.

6. A professional résumé that includes education and employment information. Students applying for admission to the Theatre Education and Applied Theatre program must also submit an artistic résumé.

7. Applicants to the Creative Writing, Film and Media Art, Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing, and Publishing and Writing programs must submit samples of creative work. Details and procedures are provided in the application.

8. Some programs may request a personal interview (or an audition) with the graduate faculty. In special cases, the program may substitute, at its own discretion, some comparable form of data for judgment, such as a telephone or video interview.

Rescinding Admission

Our offer of admission to Emerson College is an offer to join a community of scholars who are focused on promoting civic engagement; encouraging ethical practices; fostering respect for human diversity; and inspiring one another to create and communicate with clarity, integrity, and conviction. We value respect and equal treatment for all people of all backgrounds, identities, orientations, beliefs, and capabilities and expect our community members to comply with our Code of Community Standards beginning at the point of admission application.

Emerson College reserves the right to rescind our offer of admission if the College receives information that indicates an applicant: provided misleading information in connection with an application; made incomplete or inaccurate statements; submitted false material in connection with an admission application; had a significant decline in academic performance after submitting the application; engaged in academic misconduct; or otherwise acted in a manner inconsistent with the College’s Code of Community Standards, values, or mission.

International Applicants

International applicants must follow the admission procedures required of all students applying to the graduate programs. For international students for whom English is not their native language, pre-college preparation courses and non-credit skills courses during the program of study may be required. This is to test, determine, and improve student proficiency in writing, speaking, and reading skills. The Office of Internationalization and Equity will contact incoming students about the course requirements and schedules. In addition, they must submit the following documentation:

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Pearson test results. Scores will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require additional submissions to demonstrate English proficiency.

Proof of English proficiency is not required of students:

• Whose native language is English;
• Who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution where the language of instruction was English and where English is the native language (the US and its territories, the United Kingdom and its territories, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada).

Students who attended a US-sponsored undergraduate institution in a country other than the United States, United Kingdom and its territories, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada are required to take one of the acceptable tests listed above or request a waiver through Graduate Admission.

Scores must be sent directly from the test provider and must meet or exceed the minimum scores posted on the Graduate Admission website.

ESL: English Proficiency

An English Proficiency exam report may be required for domestic applicants who studied and earned their post-secondary undergraduate degree at an institution outside the United States where the mode of instruction was not in English. 

Transcripts

Transcripts from international institutions must receive a course-by-course evaluation and GPA calculation by an approved evaluating service listed on the Graduate Admission website. These are private organizations that charge a fee for their services. Individuals seeking an international transcript evaluation must follow the procedures outlined by the organization providing the evaluation and request that the evaluation be sent directly from the organization to Graduate Admission.

Proof of Finances

The US government requires that all international students provide proof of financial ability to pay full tuition and living expenses for one year prior to the issuance of the Form I-20. More detailed information is available on the Graduate Admission website.

Requests for deferred admission will be considered only after an offer of admission has been accepted and the nonrefundable enrollment deposit has been paid. Deposited students may request a deferral of their enrollment for up to one year. Requests for deferral should be made in writing to Graduate Admission. Not all requests for deferrals will be approved. Students who have been approved to defer will be required to reconfirm their enrollment and may need to pay an additional tuition deposit fee by February 1 for the Fall semester or by December 1 for the Spring semester. Students who do not enroll during the one-year period will be withdrawn and will need to reapply for admission. In these instances, new credentials will be necessary.