The Degree Plan is a provisional plan of graduate study, required as part of the admissions process. Following acceptance, the plan is refined with the guidance of a Faculty Advisor and becomes your individualized program of study for the Master's degree. The Degree Plan may be revised with the Faculty Advisor if your plans or objectives change during the course of the graduate work.
Provisional Degree Plans should sent directly to the Admission Office as a PDF or a Word document in a 12-point font, single spaced, and with appropriate pagination.
Provisional Degree Plans must follow the exact format listed below with all questions answered and clearly labeled.
I. Introduction
A. Name, address, telephone numbers, and email address. The proposed title of your area of specialization (i.e., field of study), and whether you plan to work toward an M.A., M.Ed.
B. A three-to-five page autobiographical essay, which addresses the following:
• Educational background and history of your work experience related to your proposed specialization
• The circumstances that led to your interest in your proposed field or specialization
• A brief description of your knowledge and experience in your proposed specialization
• An assessment of any additional background knowledge you may need to incorporate while pursuing a graduate degree in your field
• How you see graduate study furthering your career or educational goals
C. Other information that will help the faculty determine your readiness for graduate study.
II. Core of Study
A. Overall goals: What do I want to know and be able to do upon completion of my graduate program?
This section is an outline of what you want to study and what you want to accomplish by completing your program. It should be written in a narrative of one to two paragraphs.
B. Specific learning objectives: What specific learnings will help me achieve my goals?
In this section describe the knowledge and/or skills needed in order to achieve professional competence in your specialization. This section should be a numbered or a bulleted list that outlines specific learning objectives.
If you have any questions regarding the Provisional Degree Plan, you may contact Lisa Lombardi, Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services: lombardi@lesley.edu