Transfer Applicants

You don’t have to wait until you apply to start planning your transfer. Connect with our community, meet the people who can answer your questions, and get an early look at how your previous coursework may apply toward an Emerson degree.

Spring: Applications completed after November 1 are considered on a space-available basis until December 1, 2026.
Fall: Applications after the February 1 Priority Deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis until July 31.
Performing Arts & Comedic Arts artistic review deadline: March 15, 2027

There are two ways to apply: through the Common Application or the Emerson Application. Once submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation.

If you apply through the Common Application, you’ll also receive instructions for creating your Emerson Admission Portal account within two business days.

Your application should include the academic materials below. Make sure your full name and date of birth appear on everything you submit so we can match each item to your application.

High School Transcript or GED

Submit an official, high school transcript showing your graduation date or official documentation of your GED.

College and University Transcripts

Submit an official transcript from every college or university you have attended. Your transcripts should include any courses you’re currently taking.

Successful transfer applicants typically maintain a GPA of 3.0. International transcripts must be evaluated by WES, ECE, or the Center for Educational Documentation. Please begin the process early, as credential evaluations may take up to eight weeks to complete.

Academic Evaluation

Send in one letter of recommendation, preferably from a college professor. Recommendations from advisors, employers, or close professional contacts are also accepted.

Explanation of Educational Gaps

If there are gaps in your educational history, a brief explanation is required.

Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

While SAT or ACT scores are not required, we encourage you to submit them if you have completed fewer than 30 college credits.

SAT code: 3367
ACT code: 1820

Program-Specific Requirements

Some programs require additional materials or have separate deadlines. Make sure to review the requirements for your intended program before submitting your application.

• Comedic Arts Applicants (Note: Students may transfer a max of 32 credits and can only apply for fall enrollment)
• Film, Television, and Media Arts (BFA) Applicants
• Performing Arts Applicants
• Media Production (BA) Applicants

Log in to the Admission Portal to track your application. If you apply through the Emerson Application, your portal account will be created automatically. Common Application users will receive instructions for setting up an account. It may take up to two weeks for newly submitted materials to appear in your portal.

Apply for Financial Aid

You don’t need to wait for an admission decision to apply for financial aid. Review the financial aid requirements and deadlines early so you have time to complete each step.

Keep an Eye on Your Inbox

Add admission@emerson.edu to your approved senders and keep your email preferences active. If you opt out, you won’t receive deadline reminders and decision notifications.

Emerson partners with select colleges to make the transfer process clearer and more straightforward. The type of agreement your school has with Emerson determines what benefits or guidance may be available to you.

Articulation Agreements

An articulation agreement is a formal partnership between two institutions that guarantees how credits earned at one school will transfer to another. Emerson has articulation agreements with Miami Dade College (MDC), Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), and Roxbury Community College (RCC). These agreements give students at partner schools clarity and confidence about how their coursework will apply toward an Emerson degree. Students from schools with an articulation agreement should reach out to admission@emerson.edu for further guidance and how to easily transfer to Emerson.

Admission Agreements

An admission agreement is a formal understanding between Emerson and a community college that establishes a clear pathway for transfer students. While these agreements don’t guarantee credit equivalencies like articulation agreements do, they outline guidelines for the transfer process and may include eligibility for application fee waivers. Emerson has admission agreements with the following community colleges—students who attend one of these partner schools are encouraged to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission for eligibility details and fee waiver procedures. Students should contact admission@emerson.edu for further details on fee waivers and eligibility.

Bristol Community College · College of the Canyons · Community College of Rhode Island · Greenfield Community College · Holyoke Community College · Massasoit Community College · Middlesex Community College of MA · Mount Wachusett Community College · Nashua Community College · North Shore Community College · Raritan Valley Community College · Roxbury Community College

If you applied to Emerson within the last academic year, you may submit our reactivation form rather than starting a new application. If your original application is more than one year old, please follow the standard transfer admission process.