Independent Study Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Lesley University have an external/distance learning master's degree program?
• Does Lesley University have a correspondence course for a master's degree?
• How many credits are required for the INDS Program?
• What would my degree read?
• Are there required courses?
• Can seminar work be applied to the program?
• What subjects can I study?
• What is a program of study and how do I write one?
• Is there a Thesis requirement?
• Is there a residency requirement?
• What is a team meeting?
• Can I receive teacher certification or licensure as a mental health counselor?
• How long does the program take to complete?
• What if I already have a master's degree?
• What is the cost of the program?
• How do I apply?

Does Lesley University have an external/distance learning master's degree program?

Yes - The Independent Study Degree Program. Many colleges and universities refer to programs like this as external, distance or even alternative programs.

Does Lesley University have a correspondence course for a master's degree?

No - We do not provide students with a set curriculum or mail out assigned readings and tests.

How many credits are required for the INDS Program?

The program is 36 credits.

What would my degree read?

You would graduate with a Master of Arts or a Master of Education in Independent Study. Your transcript would indicate your specialization and a one to two page summary of your experiences and accomplishments in the Independent Study Degree Program.

Are there required courses?

There are no required courses for the master's degree; each student develops his or her own program of study, which may or may not include elective courses.

Can seminar work be applied to the program?

Yes - The Lesley Seminars or other professional seminars or training programs can be applied for graduate credit.

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 for which no program currently exists, or the program is geographically inaccessible. Examples of subject areas include topics in psychology, the arts, education, organizational development and administration, writing, nutrition, religion, women's/ men's studies, and holistic health. Interdisciplinary topics are encouraged. Each student prepares his or her own program of study as part of the application process.

What is a program of study and how do I write one?

A program of study consists of the student's particular goals and objectives. There is a format to follow which outlines how to develop the study plan. Applicants are required to discuss the following sections: overall goals, specific learning goals, learning methods, evaluation and documentation, final project/thesis, timeline and budget. Examples of learning methods may include directed readings, field research, institutes courses and internships. All prospective students should speak with Lisa Lombardi, Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services,for further information and direction on how to write the program of study. Lisa can be reached by telephone at (617) 349-8454 or at (800) 999-1959, x8454, or via email at lombardi@lesley.edu.

Is there a Thesis requirement?

Yes. There is a required thesis or final project. The thesis should be original work that integrates the student's experiences and activities and applies the knowledge he/she has accumulated in some comprehensive manner. The thesis typically carries the equivalent of a minimum of 9-12 credits of work. Examples of a thesis or final project include: analysis of a particular topic, a curriculum guide, a field study or action project, a book, documentary, exhibition, or performance. All projects must be accompanied by an academic paper consisting of a substantive, carefully referenced, scholarly rationale of the project.

Is there a residency requirement?

No, but each student is required to come to campus to attend team meetings 3-4 times (a full time student may only have 3 team meetings) throughout the program. Frequent communication is expected to occur among students and advisors between team meetings. On occasion, special arrangements can be made between the student and team members for off-site meetings or conference calls.

What is a team meeting?

The team meeting includes you, your core Lesley faculty advisor, and two specialists in your chosen field/s. The four team members review documentation of your progress in your studies, discuss your program in detail, and agree upon the next phases of work according to your study plan.

Can I receive teacher certification or licensure as a mental health counselor?

This program does not offer any type of licensure or certification. On some occasions, students from different states and countries have been able to apply their degree studies toward certification; however, if achieving certification is the primary reason for graduate study, then the INDS program is not appropriate.

How long does the program take to complete?

A full-time student can complete the degree in 3 semesters, which is approximately 40 hours of work per week, per semester. A three-quarter time student can complete the degree in 4 semesters, which is approximately 30 hours of work per week, per semester. A half-time student can complete the degree in 6 semesters, which is approximately 20 hours of work per week, per semester.

What if I already have a master's degree?

We offer a 36 credit Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). There are 4 required on-campus courses for this certificate. These courses include two interdisciplinary studies seminars and two research courses and are typically completed in the beginning semesters of the program. The student may incorporate his or her focus of graduate study into the coursework.

What is the cost of the program?

For current tuition information, please go to Student Financial Services.

How do I apply?

Send a completed application (written personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, transcripts and application fee) to The Graduate Admissions Office. Send your proposed program of study directly to Lisa Lombardi, Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services at lombardi@lesley.edu. The application is available online in Adobe PDF format. Visit the Adobe Acrobat download site to obtain the free Acrobat Reader application for your computer.