Emerson College emblem

Emerson College

Boston, United States Founded 1880

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: Emerson College
Acronyms: EC
Founded: 1880
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Motto: Bringing Innovation to Communication and the Arts
Colours: Royal purple and gold
View of the Emerson College campus
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Founded in 1880, the Emerson College is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Boston (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Massachusetts.

Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Emerson College (EC) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Emerson College (EC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.

This 144-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

EC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Need to mail, call, or visit Emerson College? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.

Address: 120 Boylston Street
Postal Code: 02116-4624
Map:
Phone: +1 (617) 824 8500
Fax: +1 (617) 824 8609
Social Media:

Academic Details

Emerson College's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Emerson College's qualifications.

Recognition: New England Commission of Higher Education
Total Students: 3,870
Student Enrollment: 5
Academic Staff Range: 600-699
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Emerson College's constituent schools and faculties. Continuing education or professional development units are typically separate from full-time degree-granting units.

Unit 3 items
  • Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
  • School of Communication
  • School of the Arts

Programs Offered

Emerson College's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.

25 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 14 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Bachelor's Degree in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Performing Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Film & Animation
Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Communications
Media Studies & Mass Media
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism
Journalism
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing
Advertising & Digital Marketing
Bachelor's Degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Music
Music

Showing 10 of 14.

Master's Degree 11 programmes

Master's Degree in Business/Corporate Communications
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Performing Arts
Master's Degree in Journalism
Journalism
Master's Degree in Marketing
Advertising & Digital Marketing
Master's Degree in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Public Relations
Master's Degree in Publishing
Publishing
Master's Degree in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Media Studies & Mass Media
Master's Degree in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
English Language Studies

Showing 10 of 11.

How to apply to Emerson College

How to apply to Emerson College — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Emerson College runs 25 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Before applying to Emerson College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Emerson College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Lodge your application through the official website (emerson.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 824 8500. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Emerson College

Common questions students ask about Emerson College — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

How old is Emerson College?

The institution opened in 1880 (approximately 146 years ago).

Where can I find Emerson College?

The institution is located in Boston, United States.

What is Emerson College's control type?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How many students does Emerson College have?

The institution has a student body of 5,000-5,999.

How many faculties does Emerson College have?

The institution comprises 3 academic units.

Who recognises Emerson College?

Emerson College is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.

How do I find Emerson College online?

Emerson College's official website is emerson.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

A quick benchmark: here are the top-ranked universities in the United States. Useful for understanding how Emerson College compares against the national reference points in higher education, and what alternatives exist if reach institutions are part of your strategy.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Universities affiliated with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Emerson College's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.

Faculties at nearby universities

Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near Emerson College share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.

Where Else to Study Media Studies & Mass Media

Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across Media Studies & Mass Media programmes in the United States. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.

Universities Compared with Emerson College

Students considering Emerson College frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.

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