Emerson College is the only comprehensive college or university in America dedicated exclusively to communication and the arts in a liberal arts context. It is located in downtown Boston, at the gateway to the Theatre District and in close proximity to major media outlets. It also has facilities in Los Angeles and the Netherlands.

The College was founded in 1880 as a small school of oratory. Over the years, it has evolved into a multi-faceted college that is internationally recognized for excellence in its fields of specialization, which are communication, marketing, communication sciences and disorders, journalism, the performing arts, the visual and media arts, and writing literature and publishing.