Emerson Academic Calendar

Emerson College, located in Boston, Massachusetts, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar, consisting of Fall and Spring semesters, with an optional Summer session. The Fall semester typically begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. The Summer session, often used for intensive courses or internships, runs from late May through July. A notable feature of Emerson’s calendar is its alignment with the vibrant cultural and academic environment of Boston, offering students opportunities for seasonal events and extended breaks, such as a winter intersession, which allows for travel, internships, or personal projects.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August to Early September 2025 (typically around August 28–September 1), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025, providing a short respite before final exams.
• Fall Semester End/Final Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 10–15), concluding with exams and project submissions.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to Mid-January 2026 (approximately December 16–January 12), a longer break for holidays and personal time.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 13–15), following Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (approximately March 9–13), a week-long break for students to recharge.
• Spring Semester End/Commencement: Early May 2026 (around May 8–10), culminating in graduation ceremonies for eligible students.

• Early Decision I Deadline: November 1, 2025, with decision notifications typically released by mid-December 2025.
• Early Decision II Deadline: January 3, 2026, offering a second binding option with notifications by mid-February 2026.
• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025, a non-binding option with decisions often announced by late January 2026.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2026, with notifications generally sent by late March or early April 2026.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: February 1, 2026, recommended for students seeking need-based aid or merit scholarships.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026, to secure a spot for the Fall 2026 semester, with considerations for international students to account for visa processing times.

Emerson College’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for semester-based institutions in the United States, particularly in the Northeast, where breaks often coincide with major holidays like Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with ample time during winter and summer breaks to accommodate travel or professional experiences. Additionally, the admissions timeline is designed to provide flexibility through multiple application rounds, ensuring accessibility for a diverse applicant pool. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, students are encouraged to check Emerson’s official resources for the most current information.