Management Online

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does degree completion mean?
2. What is PLA?
3. How long will it take to complete the degree?
4. Are you a fully accredited institution?
5. How much does the program cost?
6. What are the technical requirements for participating in the program?
7. How big are the "classrooms?"
8. How many hours of work per week are required to participate in the program?
9. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?
10. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?
11. What are the application requirements? Is there an application deadline?
12. If I apply to the program, will I be eligible for financial aid?
13. I want to get started right away, but it is very close to the coming term's start date and I don't think I can have all of my application materials submitted in time. Can I start the program without being an accepted, matriculating student and is financial aid available to me?
14. I am not interested in completing my degree at this time; however, I am interested in taking some courses that look interesting to me. Is this possible?

1. What does degree completion mean?
Degree completion means that students have the opportunity to finish their bachelor’s degree by transferring in a minimum of 30 college credits and a maximum of 88. Students may also earn credits through prior life experience, referred to as PLA or CLEP testing. Please note: applicants do not need 30 credits to enter program and should discuss this with an admissions counselor.

2. What is PLA?
Lesley University offers and supports a portfolio process called Prior Learning Experience (PLA), to document and assess life experiences which occurred prior to enrolling in the Lesley program. PLA is the mechanism that offers college credit for learning acquired through life experiences. The PLA is a 3 credit course that students will enroll in after having a discussion with the Academic Advisor.

3. How long will it take to complete the degree?The management program consists of 42 credits (thirteen 3-credit courses), out of a 120 credit BS degree. 32 credits need to be taken at Lesley, and depending on how many credits are transferred in will determine the length of time it will take to complete the degree.

4. Are you a fully accredited institution?
Lesley University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (N.E.A.S.C) and is affiliated with other organizations as well. Please visit our accreditation page for more information.

5. How much does the program cost?
Tuition is currently $360 per credit and there is a $30.00 technology fee per course so each course costs $1,110. This translates to *approximately $15,540 in tuition for the 42 credit core management program.

*NOTE: Tuition is subject to annual review, any changes typically take effect in the summer semester.

6. What are the technical requirements for participating in the program?
The most important technical requirements for online coursework are access to a high-speed, reliable internet connection (dial up is problematic) and an email address you can check daily. Students can work either with a PC or a Macintosh operating system (preferably with 512 MB of memory and a CD-RW drive) and should have access to an integrated word processor/spreadsheet package, preferably Microsoft Office version 2000 or higher. Students should also have some form of antivirus software loaded on their computers. Some content-specific software will be required throughout the program; students will be given information on how to purchase it prior to the start of each course.

It is essential that all students download Firefox as their browser. This is a free browser and can be downloaded at: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Lesley University students are eligible to receive discounts etc. on computers and software alike. For more information: http://www.lesley.edu/ut/academic/stu_purchase.html

7. How big are the "classrooms?"
By design, Lesley University's online classes are small, averaging 15-20 students per class. All of our instructors have practical teaching experience. Small classes, personal attention, and a great deal of interaction are an important part of our teaching philosophy.

8. How many hours of work per week are required to participate in the program?
Students who are working full-time should not take more than two consecutive courses per term. Students enrolled in one course should expect to commit to six to ten hours of work per week, depending on learning style and skills. Most students log in every other day to check on assignments, etc. At times students will need to set aside blocks of time to be online (a block can mean up to 90 minutes in one sitting).

9. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?
Being away from class for a week or more is problematic. The online program is not an independent study program; it is very much a classroom environment. While the courses are asynchronous, you still must be present each week. If a situation arises, such as a family crisis or illness, arrangements must be made with the instructor of the course (similar to a traditional face-to-face course).

10. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?
Students may potentially transfer in up to 88 credits. A credit evaluation will be made with the official transcript from the school in which credits were received.

11. What are the application requirements? Is there an application deadline?
Lesley University admits students to online programs on a rolling admissions basis, so there is no application deadline. If financial aid is a concern however, you should pay attention to the start date of your intended program. You should apply well enough in advance of your intended starting semester to have your aid award in time.

The management online program consists of five nine-week terms annually: two terms in the spring and fall semsters, and one in the summer.

Application to the program requires:

• Completed and signed application form.
• Updated Resume
• Undergraduate Transcripts
• A two page written personal statement (refer to application guidelines)
• A $50.00 application fee (can be paid online via the online application)

Credentials need to be mailed to:

Lesley University
Office of National Programs
29 Everett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Fax. 617-349-8391

Note: International students may be required to submit TOEFL Scores. If your official transcripts are from a non-US institution, they are subject to an equivalency evaluation. Questions about applying as an international student should be directed to intladmissions@lesley.edu or 617-349-8646.

12. If I apply to the program, will I be eligible for financial aid?
Please visit our Financial Aid web site for more information or view in the following financial aid PDF.

Financial aid is only available to students who are fully accepted into the degree program; however, Lesley University has payment plan options. More information about this can be found on our Student Account web site.

13. I want to get started right away, but it is very close to the coming term's start date and I don't think I can have all of my application materials submitted in time. Can I start the program without being an accepted, matriculating student and is financial aid available to me?
Lesley University allows prospective students to take up to two courses (a total of 6 credits) prior to matriculating into the program.

Contact the Program Advisor directly to arrange for permission to enroll: Mike Matvichuk: 800-999-1959 ext. 8463 (toll free in the United States), or 617-349-8463, or mmatvich@lesley.edu

I am not interested in completing my degree at this time; however, I am interested in taking some courses that look interesting to me. Is this possible?
Probably, however some courses have prerequisites and also may require some specific technical skills. Contact the Program Advisor directly to arrange for permission to enroll: Mike Matvichuk: 800-999-1959 ext. 8463 (toll free in the United States), or 617-349-8463, or mmatvich@lesley.edu