Mindfulness Studies at Lesley University

The Study of Mindfulness, with roots in health care, is making significant contributions to the fields of communications, conflict resolution, leadership, psychology, cognitive science, education, and end of life care.

Attention to the positive effects of mindfulness is on the rise, last year a story on the impact of mindfulness meditation on brain connectivity was the year's top story on Harvard Medical School's medical blog.

More is being added to this list each year. One might even say that the western world is in the midst of a mindfulness movement that will continue to have a profound effect on many fields of endeavor for years to come. As such, a good understanding of both the basic principles of mindfulness and its effective application to various contemporary areas of endeavor will serve as important components of a solid professional education.

Self Designed Master's Degree: Mindfulness Studies Specialization

Self Designed Master's Degree students who specialize in Mindfulness Studies are required to complete 36 credits which includes 12 credits of mindfulness courses; 15 credits of required self designed courses, 3 credits of electives and a 6-credit thesis that serves as a culmination of the program and demonstrates the student's mastery of Mindfulness Studies.

Certificate in Mindfulness

The Certificate in Mindfulness Studies opens the possibility of a comprehensive study of mindfulness to a significantly larger population of students, beyond those who are enrolled in the Mindfulness Specialization in the Lesley Self Designed Master's Degree Program. The certificate is an option for students outside of the Self Designed Master's Degree to receive a credential acknowledging significant training in Mindfulness Studies. Specifically, students from any Lesley Program, graduate or undergraduate, are eligible for the Certificate Program. Graduate students from schools other than Lesley may enroll in the certificate program. Non-matriculated students who have completed an undergraduate degree (or graduate degree) at schools other than Lesley are also eligible.

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, 2011 Sonnabend Visiting Professor

Dr. Kabat-Zinn delivered the 2011 Sonnabend lecture, guiding the audience through an exploration of mindfulness and ending with a meditation exercise. The lecture concluded his year-long fellowship at Lesley, as part of the Sonnabend Visiting Professor Program, which coincided with the launch of the Mindfulness Studies offerings.

"A more mindful society might depend on us:
embodying our beauty and our wholeness in our lives and in the world"