How many credits are required for the Self Designed Master's Degree Program?The program is 36 credits and students earn either a Master of Arts or a Master of Education.
How do I design my degree?Students design their program in one of two ways:
Students complete their Final Degree Plan in their first required course, People and Place: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Programs of study will include a combination of required, online courses and/or self designed courses and traditional course offerings at Lesley University.
Can I transfer in graduate credits from another institution?Yes, the university will accept 6 credits of graduate credit from another regionally accredited institution provided that the following conditions are met:
• the grade is "B" or better
• the course is relevant to the field of study
• the course is not more than 7 years old at the time of graduation.
Additionally, it is at the discretion of the Faculty Advisor on whether transfer credit will be accepted. A full description of the University's transfer policy can be found online.
Can I transfer in life experience credit?No, the program does not accept life experience credit.
How often do I meet with my Faculty Advisor?All students meet with their faculty advisor at least once per semester to discuss their current semester's work and their upcoming semester's activities. These meetings can be face-to-face, via telephone, or through Skype.
Are there required courses?Yes, the following courses are required as part of the program: GSDMD 5012: People and Place: Interdisciplinary Perspectives; GSDMD 5011: Ways of Knowing: How We Make Meaning; GSDMD 6032: Graduate Writing and Research; GSDMD 6127: Research Methods; GSDMD 7001: Praxis: Integrating Theory into Practice and GSDMD 7500: Thesis: Integrative Final Project.
What subjects can I study?Students can study almost anything, providing it is an academic course of study. The program is designed to meet an individual's needs to study a field or fields for which no program currently exists. Current fields of study include Vocal Performance and Pedagogy; Montessori Education and Mathematics Teaching; Nutrition and Holistic Health; Holistic Coaching and Adult Transition; Indigenous Cultures, Ritual and Spirituality; Theater as an Intervention Tool for Adolescents; American Cultural History; and Adult Education and Development.
What is a Degree Plan and how do I write one?The Degree Plan consists of the student's particular goals and objectives for the degree and a provisional plan is required as part of the admissions process. This provisional degree plan consists of two parts: An introduction which includes an autobiographical statement addressing program specific questions, and the Core of Study, which includes the student's particular goals and objectives for the degree. Following acceptance, the provisional plan is refined with the guidance of a Faculty Advisor and becomes your individualized program of study for the Master’s degree. Following acceptance, the provisional plan is refined in the first required course, GSDMD 5012: People and Place: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and becomes your individualized program of study for the Master’s degree. The Degree Plan may also be revised with the Faculty Advisor if your plans or objectives change during the course of the graduate work. All prospective students are encouraged to speak with Lisa M. Lombardi, Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services, for further information and direction on how to develop the Degree Plan.
What kinds of learning can be applied to the program?Students are able to include a variety of learning methods into their program. Some examples are traditional courses, professional seminars, training programs, workshops, and mentorships as part of their Degree Plan.
Is there a thesis requirement?Yes, all students complete a thesis. The thesis is original work that integrates the student's experiences and activities and applies the knowledge he/she has accumulated in some comprehensive manner. Previous theses have included such things as: an analysis of a particular topic, a curriculum guide, a field study or action project, a book, a documentary, an exhibition, or a performance. All theses must be accompanied by an academic paper consisting of a substantive, and carefully referenced, scholarly rationale.
How long does the program take to complete?This program is typically completed in two to three years, but could be completed in as few as one and one half years or three semesters.
How is my work assessed?Students are given letter grades (A, A-, B+, etc) by the Faculty Advisors.
What is the cost of the program?The Self Designed Master's Degree Program is considered an on-campus program. For current tuition, please contact the Office of Student Accounts.
Can I receive teacher certification or licensure as a mental health counselor?This program does not offer any type of teacher or mental health licensure or certification.
Is the GRE required?No, the GRE is not required for this program.
How do I know when I am accepted?Once all of the application materials have been received in the Admissions Office, your materials will be forwarded to the Program Office, and you will be contacted for an interview. You will be notified of a decision after all the materials have been reviewed and the interview has been completed.