General Information about Off-Campus Degree Programs

Ph.D. Degree Program

Educational Studies with a Specialization in Educational Leadership, Ph.D.

Master's Degree Programs

Integrated Teaching Through the Arts (C & I), M.Ed.*

Offered off-campus as a specialization in the Curriculum and Instruction (C & I) program, the innovative Integrated Teaching Through the Arts program is founded on the philosophy that the arts are central to human learning, and can serve as a foundation for education in many different settings. The program attracts certified teachers and other educators eager to integrate all the art modalities -- dance, creative movement, visual arts, music, drama, poetry and storytelling -- into their curricula. An emphasis on interdisciplinary and multicultural approaches to the arts is found throughout the curriculum. Although the program requires no formal training or background in the arts, it seeks to uncover the artist within each student through experimentation and hands-on learning experiences.

Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing (C & I), M.Ed.*

This C & I specialization provides educators with a foundation in literacy learning and its application across populations and content areas. Lesley has long enjoyed a highly acclaimed reputation in the area of literacy; the program of study reflects Lesley's strength in the integration of reading and writing in literacy courses and the variety of approaches the faculty bring to their teaching.

Technology in Education, M.Ed.

Lesley's pioneering program, which was one of the nation's first graduate computer programs developed by educators rather than computer scientists, has had a substantial impact nationwide on the use of technology in the classroom. The Technology in Education program attracts educators who wish to integrate technology into their curricula and/or serve as computer specialists and coordinators in their schools. The curriculum is concept oriented, exposing students to the computer's powerful potential in the inclusive classroom as well as to the latest advances in software, telecommunications and multimedia. (Note: this program is offered as a C & I specialization in some states.)

Early Childhood Education (C & I), M.Ed. (Pre-K-2)*

This specialization provides educators with a developmentally appropriate educational perspective of young children and their environments. Participants acquire skills in; observing and interpreting students' behavior; managing the classroom; and designing and delivering developmentally appropriate instruction and curriculum for all children.

Counseling Psychology/Professional Counseling, M.A.

The Professional Counseling program offers an integrative approach to training in counseling and psychology. Distinguishing the program are three driving forces:

• a traditional foundation of psychology-based, rigorous theoretical study
• a strong emphasis on field experience
• an increased personal awareness on the part of every student

A minimum of 750 hours of field experience is required. Students typically pursue their clinical training with local organizations and agencies. During their internships, students take the required course, Clinical Practice and Supervision, weekly.

*Many of the off-campus master's degree programs currently offered are specializations of the Curriculum and Instruction (C & I) program that lead to a Master of Education. They are designed to address the needs of experienced educators who wish to enhance and expand their current knowledge and skills. The C & I program's core courses address: current issues in educational practice and policy; curriculum theory and development; practical and applied action research; the integration of technology into the curriculum; and the synthesis of coursework and research into an original collaborative project. Specializations include Creative Arts in Learning, Literature, English as a Second Language, and Early Childhood Education.

Teacher Licensure Programs: Master's Degrees and Bachelor's Degrees

The provisional, standard teacher licensure and Master's degree programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, and Special Education/Moderate Disabilities are designed to respond to state regulations and to provide the inclusion oriented, multicultural teacher education that has become synonymous with Lesley University. The off-campus licensure programs serve three groups of students: those who wish to earn their Bachelor's degrees while preparing for initial licensure and entry into the teaching profession; those with Baccalaureate degrees who are changing careers; those who are experienced and/or already licensed teachers who wish to broaden their teaching skills or obtain a second certification or Master's degree. Students are required to take a weekly seminar in conjunction with their provisional and clinical field experience.

Adult Bachelor's Degree Program Offerings

American Studies Major, B.A.L.

The American Studies major is an interdisciplinary program which considers American society from a variety of perspectives. The major offers an optional minor in Elementary Education.

Human Development Major, B.A.L.

The Human Development major is an interdisciplinary social science program which considers the way people grow and change across the life span. The major offers an optional minor in Early Childhood Education .

Human Services Major, B.S.

The Human Services major prepares students for professional work in such areas as social service agencies, human resource departments and community organizations. Within the major, students have the option of a specialization in Counseling or Management.