About the Program

• Faculty Advisement and Evaluation
  
• Colloquium
  
• Final Transcript
  
• Credits and Grades
  
• Academic Load
  
• Final Project
  
• Student Tuition Options
  
• Contact Information
  

Faculty Advisement and Evaluation

The faculty team is composed of a core faculty advisor assigned from the Independent Study Degree Program and two team members chosen by the student and approved by the faculty advisor. Team members must hold an advanced degree and are selected for their expertise in the student's fields of study. Team members offer academic and professional guidance, provide overall continuity in the student's work, and ensure academic integrity for each student's personalized program of study. They evaluate the appropriateness of the study plan to the student's fields of study, and student's progress in relation to the study plan. They are responsible for reviewing and critiquing the student's work and for providing a summary evaluation at the completion of the student's program. Students meet with their faculty team four times during the program. Unless other arrangements are made with the faculty advisor, these team meetings are held on the Lesley University campus. Beyond the required team meetings, students may schedule additional meetings with their core faculty advisors and with their team members, when mutually agreeable.

Our location in the greater Boston area has allowed the program to build a substantial pool of competent, enthusiastic and highly-qualified team members for our students. If a student is unable to recommend team members, the faculty advisor will assist in locating appropriate candidates.

Colloquium

At the beginning of each fall semester, a one-day colloquium is offered. The colloquium introduces students to academic resources, including library and internet resources, to enhance critical thinking and writing skills which contribute greatly to their success in the program. Additionally, the colloquium provides students with a sense of community with other students, staff, faculty, and on-campus personnel who are available to assist them in their graduate studies. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended (but not required) that students attend scheduled colloquia.

Final Transcript

The final transcript for the Independent Study Degree Program consists of three major components:

• a final transcript of graduate courses taken at Lesley University and other accredited institutions. The transcript includes the title of the degree granted, the student's area of specialization and the final project title.
• a two-page summary of all work completed by the student, written by the student and approved by faculty advisor/team members.
• a one- to two-page evaluation letter from each team member.

Credits and Grades

Student progress in the Independent Study Degree Program is not measured by traditional credit accumulation. This non-credit based program has a work load equivalent to 36 credits. Each semester students register for Independent Study Degree Program, for which they receive a grade of pass or fail.

Academic Load

The student's program of study is equivalent to 36 (earned) credits. Students have the option of enrolling full-time for three semesters, which is approximately 40 hours of study per week; three-quarter time for four semesters, which is approximately 30 hours of study per week; or half-time for six semesters, which is approximately 20 hours of study per week. The student's academic load affects tuition payments and financial aid.

Final Project

A thesis or integrative final project that serves as a culmination of the studies and demonstrates the student's mastery of the chosen specialization or discipline must be completed.

Student Tuition Options

One of the special features of the Independent Study Degree Program is that students have an opportunity to take 12 credits of Lesley University coursework at no extra charge or to opt for a limited tuition fund for reimbursement of instructional expenses. Realizing that no single institution may provide all of the resources required to achieve some students' objectives, the University sets aside a portion of tuition for students who choose the reimbursement fund option for approved academic work completed outside Lesley University.

Students are offered three tuition options:

1. Students may take up to 12 credits of Lesley University course work, which is covered by the tuition fee. All C.A.G.S. students must choose this option. Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Requirements
2. Students who do not plan to take course work at Lesley University may use a percentage of their tuition fund to pay for approved study outside of Lesley University. (Please note that if a student wants to take a Lesley University course, tuition for this course may also be paid out of the fund.) A portion of the fund may be used for transportation expenses incurred for team meetings during the course of study. Food and lodging expenses are not covered.
3. Students may choose a combination of 1 and 2 above, that is, they may attend up to three Lesley University courses and utilize the remaining tuition option funds for expense reimbursement.

Contact

For further information on the Independent Study Degree Program email Lisa Lombardi, Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services or call 800-999-1959, ext. 8454 or (617) 349-8454.