Emerson College
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Emerson College - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Full-Time Student Population 4,143
Part-Time Student Population 398
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 177
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 254
Total FT Faculty 183
Faculty with Terminal Degree 72%
Average Faculty Salary $77,890
Full-Time Retention Rate 87%
Part-Time Retention Rate 100%
Graduation Rate 80%
Programs/Majors Offered 26
Average Course Load 16 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 62%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 34%
  • 50 or More Students: 4%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Emerson is perfect for students who have always wanted to be on stage, behind a camera, writing the next bestseller, editing a magazine, or studying communication disorders. Classes are generally small—very few are lecture size, and you’ll never be in class with hundreds of students, as can happen at larger universities. That, coupled with the opportunity to start taking classes within your major concentration during your first semester, makes Emerson great for giving students a running start. Emerson has plenty of stellar professors, but unfortunately, many are adjunct faculty, which means that they aren’t guaranteed job security, and students often complain about Emerson’s inability to keep great professors around for long, due to the lack of sufficient contracts. Even so, there are plenty of part-time professors who stick around because they love it, and full-time professors who are well worth their salaries. Emerson professors are invaluable resources and are always willing to help students with projects—whether scholarly or extracurricular. Most are even willing to help students find jobs.

When it comes to majors, don’t come to Emerson without one. Though the college does allow students to enter freshman year as undeclared, Emerson is so specialized, that it doesn’t make sense to come without a strong desire or dream to pursue. If you insist upon entering undeclared, at least think twice about what you’re good at. Imagine moving away from home, paying thousands of dollars to begin taking classes, only to find out that you really love engineering. If that happens at Emerson, you will hit a dead end.

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Emerson Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Emerson College

Emerson617

Acting '15

4.2
A-

M.I.T. for the Right Brained

Emerson is an extremely specialized school, and almost everyone comes to Emerson with specific career goals in mind. Whether it be film, theatre, marketing, or journalism, academics at Emerson are created to train students in their field in order to prepare them for the professional world. The professors at Emerson are phenomenal, and they themselves are working professionals. I find the curriculum to be extremely exciting and inspiring. The workload is reasonable until you add on extra-cirriculars, which almost everyone does to extremes. Emerson students are so creative and motivated that it feels like there is never enough time to do everything. Registration is a bit stressful and chaotic, but there are always enough spaces.

May 23, 2012

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Academics at Emerson College

Emerson617

Acting '15

4.2
A-

Academics as a BFA Acting Major

Theatre majors have a very unique academic experience at Emerson. Many of the theatre classes take place in a studio setting, so the work we do is very physically and emotionally intense. Our program is set up in a progression of classes, theatre and general education. Emerson is a liberal arts college, so all theatre students are required to take a good amount of classes outside of their majors. It is a well-balanced program because it incorporates hands on/experiential work with more "conventional" academic classes. The facilities at Emerson are brand new and always improving. The student body is extremely driven and it serves as a strong motivator to be do one's best work.

May 23, 2012

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Academics at Emerson College

anoelle623

Acting '13

3.5
B

Left Brains Left in the Dust

Emerson offers a variety of general education classes in a variety of fascinating subjects. However, if you're a lover of Maths and Sciences, there is not too much for you here.

The only math offered is Statistics, so for those pursuing higher mathematics, Emerson wouldn't be the right place. Emerson is an Arts and communications school. Outside of one's major, students are required to take one science course and one psychology course. If you desire more than that, you are most certainly welcome to take any science or psychology course you want with your electives and extra credits (if you have them).

May 09, 2012

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User rating for Emerson College - Academics is 3.5 out of 5 based on 31 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: Yes
AP Test Score Requirements Scores of 4 or 5 will earn 4 credits in the areas of the exams
IB Test Score Requirements Emerson awards credit on a case-by-case basis, and awards possible credit for scores of 4, 5, 6, or 7. For specific requirements, contact the admissions department.
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • School of Communication
  • School of the Arts
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Cinematography and Video Production: 5%
  • Creative Writing: 8%
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 7%
  • Radio and Television: 9%
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Boston Common
  • Boston Public Library
  • Emerson Library
  • Off-campus student lounge in Piano Row
  • The Public Gardens
  • Various study lounges in Piano Row
  • Various study lounges on the sixth floor of the Walker Building (120 Boylston St.)

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Vanessa Willoughby
Hometown
Waterford, CT
Major
Writing, Literature and Publishing

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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