Accreditations
- Lesley University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. [N.E.A.S.C.: 209 Burlington Road Bedford, MA 01730-1433 Tel. 781.271.0022].
- Many individual programs are also accredited or endorsed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Interstate Certification Compact (I.C.C.) and other learned organizations.
- Lesley University's Professional Development Masters Degree program, which is designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional capacities of educators already in the classroom through integration of theory and reflective practice, is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) for a period of five years from September 2008 to September 2013.
- The Graduate School of Education is affiliated with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement.
- Within the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, the Division of Counseling and Psychology is accredited by the Council of Applied Masters Programs in Psychology (C.A.M.P.P.) and offers Massachusetts certification in school guidance counseling. The Division of Expressive Therapies is accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (A.A.T.A.), the American Music Therapy Association (A.M.T.A.), and the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). Joint programs between the Division of Creative Arts and Learning and the School of Education are accredited through the School of Education.
- Lesley College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (N.C.A.A.), Division III.
- The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (N.A.S.A.D.).
- Visit the Massachusetts state page for details on programs offered in Massachusetts.
- Each state's educator licensure regulations are subject to change. Educators seeking an endorsement or addition to their current certification/license should verify with the appropriate state educator licensure authority that a program meets state requirements. Lesley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap or disability in its education programs, employment or in admissions to, access to or treatment in its programs or activities.
Student Complaint Process
If you are enrolled in a Lesley program or course, and have a comment or complaint about your experience, please read through Lesley University's Consumer Complaint Policy. This policy will guide you through the steps on handling your comment or complaint prior to addressing your concern with an external entity.
Lesley's regional accreditor is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The process for making comments or complaints to NEASC in regards to your Lesley experience, may be found by clicking here.
If you are residing outside of Massachusetts while attending Lesley University, in many cases you can file a complaint in the state where you are residing. As required by federal regulations, we direct you to a list of resources for each state and major US territories,
State Approvals
Lesley University has received authorization to offer postsecondary programs in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
If your state is not listed above, please visit the Graduate Programs Across the U.S. page to learn more about your state's authorization.
Alabama
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education, and the State of Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education have licensed Lesley University pursuant to the Alabama Private School License Law, Code of Alabama, Title 16-46-1 through 10 to offer instruction in the following programs:
- Autism Certificate Program (offered online)
- Mathematics Education, APC (offered online)
- Online Teaching, APC (offered online)
- Science in Education, APC (offered online)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), APC (offered online)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Bachelor's completion program) (offered online)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management (Bachelor's completion program) (offered online)
- Educational Specialist/Certificate of Advanced Study Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Educational Specialist/Certificate of Advanced Study in Technology in Education
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6): Profession and Practice
- Master of Education: Individually Designed Program for Educators (offered online)
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
- Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning (low-residency)
- PhD Educational Studies: Adult Learning Specialization (low-residency)
Alabama Students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 334-242-0035 or www.alsde.edu to verify whether these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, or salary benefits.
[Go to the Alabama state page for program details.]
Alaska*
Lesley University meets the criteria of regulation 20 AAC 17.015 (a) (5), and is administratively approved to offer programs as identified in an exempt status.
[Go to the Alaska state page for program details.]
California*
Lesley University is exempt pursuant to California Education Code (CEC) section 94874.1, which exempts Lesley University due to its accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
[Go to the California state page for program details.]
Colorado
Lesley University is recognized by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education under state statutes (23-1-101 et seq., C.R.S. 1973, amended 1981) to award degrees and degree credit in Colorado based on Lesley's ongoing accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Please note: Authorization of fully online programs does not fall under the purview of and is not required by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6): Profession and Practice
- Master of Education: Individually Designed Program for Educators (offered online)
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
[Go to the Colorado state page for program details.]
District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Education Licensure Commission has authorized Lesley University to offer the following programs:
- Autism Certificate Program (offered online)
- Mathematics Education, APC (offered online)
- Online Teaching, APC (offered online)
- Science in Education, APC (offered online)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), APC (offered online)
- B.A. in Psychology (offered online)
- B.S. in Business Management (offered online)
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Effective Teaching
- Master of Education in Elementary Teacher (1-6) and Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
- Master of Education in Individually Designed Program for Educators (offered online)
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
Georgia
Lesley University's Professional Development Master's Degree programs, which are designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional capacities of educators already in the classroom through integration of theory and reflective practice, is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) for a period of five years from September 2008 to September 2013. Lesley University is authorized under the Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990 to offer instruction in the following programs:
- Autism Certificate Program (offered online)
- Mathematics Education, APC (offered online)
- Online Teaching, APC (offered online)
- Science in Education, APC (offered online)
- Special Education, APC (offered online)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), APC (offered online)
- Educational Specialist/Certificate of Advanced Study Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Educational Specialist/Certificate of Advanced Study Technology in Education
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Early Childhood
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Effective Teaching (pending approval)
- Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6): Profession and Practice
- Master of Education in Individually Designed Program for Educators (offered online)
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning (low-residency)
[Go to the Georgia state page for program details.]
Idaho
Lesley University holds a Certificate of Registration certifying that it is registered, as required by law, with the Idaho State Board of Education as an accredited postsecondary institution to offer the following programs. Please note: Authorization of fully online programs does not fall under the purview of and is not required by the Idaho State Board of Education.
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6): Profession and Practice
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
[Go to the Idaho state page for program details.]
Maine
The Maine State Board of Education has approved authorization to Lesley University to offer the following programs. Please note: Authorization of fully online programs does not fall under the purview of and is not required by the Maine State Board of Education.
- Autism Certificate Program (offered online)
- Online Teaching, Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) (offered online)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), APC (offered online)
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Individually Designed Program for Educators (offered online)
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online & face-to-face)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
- Master of Education in Special Education for General Educators
- Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning (low-residency)
- PhD Educational Studies: Adult Learning Specialization (low-residency)
[Go to the Maine state page for program details.]
Maryland
Lesley University is registered with the Maryland Higher Education Commission to enroll Maryland students in fully online distance education programs. Lesley University offers the following programs:
- Autism Certificate Program
- Mathematics Advanced Professional Certificate
- Science in Education Advanced Professional Certificate
- Internet and Society Advanced Professional Certificate
- Special Education Advanced Professional Certificate
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Advanced Professional Certificate
- Online Teaching Advanced Professional Certificate
- Individually Designed M.Ed.
- Science in Education M.Ed.
- Mathematics Education M.Ed.
- Educational Technology M.Ed.
[Go to the Maryland state page for program details.]
Minnesota
Lesley University is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Registration does not mean that credits earned at the institution can be transferred to other institutions or that the quality of the educational programs would meet the standards of every student, educational institution, or employer. Lesley University offers the following programs:
- Autism Certificate Program (offered online)
- Mathematics Education, APC (offered online)
- Online Teaching, APC (offered online)
- Science in Education, APC (offered online)
- Special Education, APC (offered online)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), APC (offered online)
- B.A. in Psychology (offered online)
- B.S. in Business Management (offered online)
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Arts Intercultural Relations (low-residency)
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (low-residency)
- Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning (low-residency)
- PhD Educational Studies: Adult Learning Specialization (low-residency)
- PhD in Expressive Therapies (low-residency)
[Go to the Minnesota state page for program details.]
Missouri
The following information is provided in compliance with Missouri Department of Higher Education state approval regulations. Please note: Authorization of fully online programs does not fall under the purview of and is not required by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning (low-residency)
[Go to the Missouri state page for program details.]
Montana*
The Montana Board of Regents grants Lesley University exemption due to accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
[Go to the Montana state page for program details.]
Nebraska
Lesley University is approved by the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education to offer the following programs. Please note: Authorization of fully online programs does not fall under the purview of and is not required by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission.
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization with a Integrated Teaching through the Arts (in Omaha and North Platte)
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
[Go to the Nebraska state page for program details.]
Nevada
The Private Postsecondary Educational Institution in the State of Nevada has authorized Lesley University to offer the following programs. Please note: Authorization of fully online programs does not fall under the purview of and is not required by the Nevada Private Postsecondary Educational Institution.
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization with a Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Special Education (PreK-12)
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online) - leads to endorsement in Elementary Computers and Technology
- Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6): Profession and Practice
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
- Ph.D. in Educational Studies: Educational Leadership Specialization (low-residency)
The Nevada Department of Education has approved the following programs to lead to endorsements for educators holding a valid Nevada educator license.
- MEd Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing - leads to an endorsement in Elementary Literacy
- MEd Educational Technology (offered online) - leads to endorsement in Elementary Computers and Technology
- MEd Mathematics Education (1-8) - leads to an endorsement in Elementary Math
- MEd Science in Education - leads to endorsement in Elementary Science
[Go to the Nevada state page for program details.]
New Hampshire
The State of New Hampshire Higher Education Commission authorizes Lesley University continuing approval to offer postsecondary programs to any educator at any school site in the State of New Hampshire. All site locations must be approved by the Executive Director based on compliance with all regulations and requirements of the Commission. Please note: Authorization of fully online programs does not fall under the purview of and is not required by the New Hampshire Higher Education Commission.
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Effective Teaching (offered online)
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online & face-to-face)
- Master of Education in Special Education for General Educators
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study/ Educational Specialist in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
[Go to the New Hampshire state page for program details.]
New Mexico*
Lesley University qualifies for exemption, due to Lesley's accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Please note that an exemption status in no way constitutes state approval.
[Go to the New Mexico state page for program details.]
North Carolina
Lesley University has been evaluated by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and is licensed to conduct higher education degree activity. Lesley University is authorized to offer the following for programs at a site (or sites) in North Carolina. Please note: Authorization of fully online programs does not fall under the purview of and is not required by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. For a complete list of Lesley program offerings to residents of North Carolina, please visit the National Center website.
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Elementary Education (1-6): Profession and Practice
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
Completion of the degree program does not guarantee advanced teacher licensure in North Carolina public schools. Candidates should contact their local school administrative offices and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction regarding specific advanced licensure requirements in their program areas. Completion of the Master of Education degree program in Technology in Education may not qualify the graduates of this program for initial licensure in Instructional Technology Specialist-Computers (077) in North Carolina. Students should contact their local school administrative offices and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction regarding specific North Carolina licensure requirements. NORTH CAROLINA FACT SHEET [pdf]
The University's guaranty bond for unearned prepaid tuition is on file with the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina and may be viewed by contacting the Lesley University Office of the Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, 815 Somerville Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, at 617.349.8685
[Go to the new North Carolina state page for program details.]
Oregon
Lesley University is authorized by the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization to offer postsecondary degrees to Oregon residents. Inquiries concerning the standards or school compliance may be directed to the Office of Degree Authorization, 1500 Valley River Drive, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon 97401.
[Go to the Oregon state page for program details.]
South Carolina
Licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, 1122 Lady Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201, Tel. 803.737.2260. Licensure indicates only that minimum standards have been met; it is not an endorsement or guarantee of quality.
[Go to the South Carolina state page for program details.]
Please note: The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education does not authorize fully online programs if an institution is already authorized to operate in the state.
South Dakota*
There are no licensing requirements in South Dakota for postsecondary institutions.
[Go to the South Dakota state page for program details.]
Utah*
Section 53B-5-105 of the Utah Postsecondary Proprietary School Act provides Lesley University exemption due to its accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
[Go to the Utah state page for program details.]
Washington
Lesley University is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes Lesley University to offer specific degree programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.
[Go to the Washington state page for program details.]
Wisconsin
The State of Wisconsin Educational Approval Board approves Lesley University to do business in Wisconsin as a private institution subject to the provisions of Wisconsin Statutes 45.54, and to offer the following degree programs:
- Licensure Only: Technology in Education leading to licensure in Instructional Technology Coordinator*
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching through the Arts
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing
- Master of Education in Educational Technology (offered online)
- Master of Education in Effective Teaching (offered online)
- Master of Education: Individually Designed Program for Educators (offered online)
- Master of Education in Mathematics Education (1-8) (offered online)
- Master of Education in Science in Education (offered online)
- Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning (low-residency)
- PhD Educational Studies: Adult Learning Specialization (low-residency)
*The Instructional Technology Coordinator License is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). This program enables educators to meet the Instructional Technology Coordinator license competencies. Eligibility includes a Wisconsin license to teach and three years of successful teaching experience at the K-12 level. Prerequisites: experience or course work equivalent to ECOMP 5100 Computers, Technology, and Education and ECOMP 7007 Telecommunications: Curriculum in a Global Context (27 credits). With additional coursework (12 credits), students can receive a Master's degree in Educational Technology. Though the Wisconsin program does not align with the above Master of Education in Educational Technology, electives for the Wisconsin M.Ed. should be chosen from that program’s elective list.
[Go to the Wisconsin state page for program details.]
Wyoming*
InstructorThe State of Wyoming grants Lesley University exemption due to accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
[Go to the Wyoming state page for program details.]
*State Exemptions:
Exemption based on NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation.