Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Lesley University have a self-designed master's degree program?
• How many credits are required for the Interdisciplinary Studies Program?
• What would my degree read?
• What is the format of study for the program?
• Are there required courses?
• What are the required courses?
• Can I transfer in courses from another university?
• How long does the program take to complete?
• Can I obtain teacher licensure in this program?
• What is the cost of the program?
• What are the required courses?
• When are the required courses taken?
• How do I design my degree?
• Can I include any independent work?
• Can I include Lesley University seminar work?
• When does the weekend take place?
• Where does the weekend take place?
• Are there additional fees associated with the weekend?
• What is the format for each weekend?
• How do I develop my independent work?
• What kind of support is there during the time away from the weekends?
• How do I apply?

Does Lesley University have a self-designed master's degree program?

Yes - The Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

How many credits are required for the Interdisciplinary Studies Program?

The program is 33 credits.

What would my degree read?

Students graduate with a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. The transcript would indicate your area of concentration and your thesis/integrative final project title.

What is the format of study for the program?

The program is offered in a semester format. Each semester requires two weekend sessions on-campus.

Are there required courses?

Yes.

What are the required courses?

GINTD 5012 People and Place: Interdisciplinary Perspectives; GINTD 5011 Ways of Knowing: How We Make Meaning; GINTD 7001 Praxis: Integrating Theory and Practice and GINTD 7500 Thesis/Integrative Final Project.

Can I transfer in courses from another university?

Yes - 6 credits may be transferred in to the program from another accredited university.

How long does the program take to complete?

The program can be completed in 1 and 1/2 years of full-time study, but most students choose to attend part-time and complete the degree in two years.

Can I obtain teacher licensure in this program?

Because of the changes in licensure laws in Massachusetts, this is not an option. If a student is interested in teaching in the public school system, then it is recommended that he/she apply a to School of Education or a Creative Arts and Learning Joint Education Program.

What is the cost of the program?

For current tuition please contact Student Financial Services.

What are the required courses?

GINTD 5012 People and Place: Interdisciplinary Perspectives; GINTD 5011 Ways of Knowing: How We Make Meaning; GINTD 7001 Praxis:Integrating Theory and Practice and GINTD 7500 Thesis/Integrative Final Project. All courses are 3 credits each, except the Thesis/Integrative Final Project which is 6 credits.

When are the required courses taken?

How do I design my degree?

Working with a faculty advisor, students select from 5000 level courses and above at any of the schools within Lesley University. This includes the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, The School of Education, The Adult Learning Division of Lesley College, The Art Institute of Boston and The Lesley Seminars.

Can I include any independent work?

Yes - Students have the option of developing an independent study course and working with faculty.

Can I include Lesley University seminar work?

Yes - With faculty's permission students can design an independent course in conjunction with a continuing education course that normally does not offer graduate credit.

When are the weekends?

There are two weekends per semester. In the Fall semester, students meet in September and November and in the Spring semester, students meet in January and March.

Where are the weekends?

The weekends are held on the Cambridge Campus of Lesley University.

Are there additional fees associated with the weekends?

There is a materials fee for the weekend and additional costs for meals and lodging for those who want to stay in Cambridge.

What is the format for the weekends?

Students register for one core course each semester (this is done in the first weekend) and then register for either 6 or 9 credits of independent study, or on-campus courses.

How do I develop my independent work?

During the weekends, students attend workshops and planning groups to help formulate their ideas into a study plan. Students work with a faculty mentor who guides and evaluates their work throughout the semester.

What kind of support is there during the time away from the weekend?

Students have ongoing dialogue with their faculty mentor and peers via mylesley, email, telephone and regular mail. Face to face meetings not required. Additionally, there is support from the Program Office as needed.

How do I apply?

Send a completed application (written personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, transcripts and application fee) to The Graduate Admissions Office, Lesley University, 29 Everett Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The application is available on-line here.

**An interview is required for all applicants.

**For those graduates of Lesley University's Learning Community Bachelor's Program (LCB), there is a Fast Track Application, meaning that the University will waive the application fee and only one letter of recommendation is required. All other materials must be submitted.