The Department of Performing Arts offers the Master of Arts degree in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre. This program is for students who wish to pursue careers at the intersection of theatre, education, and/or community engagement. It also serves as preparation for those working toward a terminal degree in theatre, education, or related fields. The graduate program is designed with two tracks, Theatre Education and Applied Theatre, each of which includes foundational, core, and elective courses, and either a thesis or Student Teaching Practicum.
The Theatre Education track is for students wanting to use theatre and drama with youth in or out of schools or with adults in a variety of settings. Many in this track earn initial licensure in Massachusetts as a teacher of theatre at all levels. Applied Theatre, the second track, is for students interested in using theatre in a variety of community settings to further healing, justice, and joy. Either track can be appropriate for students who wish to continue their graduate studies via a Master of Fine Arts or doctorate.
Students in both tracks complete a set of foundational and core requirements in addition to a set of electives chosen in consultation with their advisor. Late afternoon/evening coursework and intensive summer institutes enable those who are working during the day or school year to complete the degree. Students can also pursue this program part-time or concentrate their study within a 12- to 14-month period.
The Theatre Education and Applied Theatre program is reviewed and accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. For students pursuing licensure, permission to proceed to the student teaching practicum is required and based upon the successful completion of coursework and field experience. A portfolio review for these same students is required at the end of their student teaching practicum. These students must also pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure in order to receive their initial license.
Following are the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the Theatre Education and Applied Theatre program:
- Students will assess learning needs, develop appropriate educational goals and objectives, and design and implement drama/theatre teaching strategies based on understandings of the theoretical and historical foundations of drama/theatre education and the practices of applied drama and theatre.
- Students will demonstrate skills for creating theatre in and with a variety of communities based on the understanding of the relationships between Emerson College theatre and culture as informed by economics, history, sociology, cultural studies, politics, and performance theory.
- Students will develop their individual potential and interests in performance, production, theatre education, applied theatre, and related fields as demonstrated by portfolios, theses, or capstone projects.
Admission Requirements
Admission is by application. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in theatre or an allied area such as education, literature, mass communication, or fine arts. Applicants may submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as an optional component of their application.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts degree requires the successful completion of 36 credit hours (40 for MA with Licensure), including 24 credits of foundational and core course requirements. In addition, students must complete 4 credits of either a master’s thesis or capstone project. Students may fulfill the remaining credit requirements by taking electives approved by their advisors.
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