General Information

Student Body

Students in the Division of Counseling and Psychology vary in age, academic background and life and professional experiences-a heterogeneity that contributes a good deal to the vitality and real-world flavor of the programs. In its admission practices, Lesley is strongly committed to assembling a student body that reflects the diversity in society.

Convenient Times and Locations

The programs are offered on Lesley's campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is easily accessible by public transportation. To accommodate the busy schedules of students, many of whom work while earning a degree, most courses are offered during the early afternoon from 1:00 to 3:45pm, late afternoon from 4:00 to 6:30pm, in the evening from 6:45 to 9:15pm, and some courses are offered in a weekend format. Students may enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.

Intensive Weekend Format

Courses offered in an intensive weekend format meet on two weekends: Fridays 5-10pm, Saturdays 8am-5pm (or 9am-6pm), and Sundays 8am-5pm (or 9am-6pm). Students must pick up the course syllabus prior to the first class and complete reading and/or written assignments prior to the first class.

On-campus courses are offered in regular (once a week) and intensive weekend format. In the off-campus programs, courses are offered in the intensive weekend format, with the exception of GPSYC 6200, GPSYC 6211 and all Clinical Practice and Supervision courses.

Program Study Plan and Advising

Upon admission, students meet with the Assistant Director of Advising and Student Services to determine the study plan for their program of study, sequence of courses and initial selection of electives. For students enrolled at an off-campus site, the program of study, including electives, is designed prior to admission, and offered in a sequence pre-approved by the faculty. All students, on- and off-campus, receive on-going guidance from their faculty advisor.

Prospective students are welcome to take courses on a nondegree basis while applying for admission to the program, up to a maximum of 6 credits.  Should a student take more than 6 credits without prior approval from the Assistant Director of Advising and Student Services, no more than 6 credits will be considered toward a degree or certificate.  Lesley does not guarantee the acceptability of credits earned prior to formal admission to a specific program since the credits may not be applicable to the program requirements.

Field Experience

Field-based training in schools, community organizations and mental health settings is a vital component of the Counseling and Psychology Programs. These experiences offer a way for students to verify and challenge the theory acquired in the classroom as well as to examine their own role as a clinician.

The Field Training Office works closely with several hundred placement sites to ensure diverse and personalized learning experiences that provide closely supervised opportunities to do counseling and consultative work with individuals, groups and families. Students choose sites that fit their professional interests, their own schedules, and locations.

In the M.A. in Counseling Psychology programs, students are required to complete at least 700 hours of field training: 100 hours of practicum followed by 600 hours of internship. In the M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs, students are required to complete 700 hours (100 hours of practicum followed by 600 hours of internship) in their first year of field training, and 600 hours of internship at a different site the following year.

Most placements are contracted with schools and agencies on a volunteer basis.

Time for Completion

The 60-credit programs are designed to be completed in four years part-time and three years full-time. The 48-credit programs are designed to be completed in three years part-time and two years full-time. The Dual Degree programs are designed to be completed in five to six years.