Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How long will it take to complete the degree?
2. I am a teacher, but I am not licensed or certified. Am I still a candidate for the program?
3. I am not a teacher, but I want to become one. Is this the right program for me?
4. Are you a fully accredited institution?
5. Will I be able to advance an existing, or obtain a new, teaching license or certification with this program?
6. I was a teacher for many years, but I am not currently in the classroom. I plan to finish my degree before re-entering the classroom. Can I still enroll in the program without actively teaching?
7. I teach at a community college, but I notice this is a K-12 program. Is this a good fit for me?
8. What are the technical requirements for participating in the program?
9. How big are the classes?
10. How many hours of work per week are required to participate in the program?
11. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?
12. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?
13. Is the GRE required? What are the application requirements? Is there an application deadline?
14. If I apply to the program, will I be eligible for financial aid?
15. 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?
16. I am not interested in completing a Master's degree at this time; however, I am interested in taking some courses that look interesting to me. Is this possible?
17. What is the cost of tuition?

1. How long will it take to complete the degree?
The program consists of eleven 3-credit courses. There are three semesters and six start terms per academic year: Fall = FA1 & FA2, Spring =SP1 & SP2, Summer = SU1 & SU2. Most students take one course in an eight-week term and finish the program in just about two years. Students who wish to take more than one course in an eight-week term may discuss this with a program advisor for approval. If students need to take a semester off, or want to move at a slower pace and take only one course per semester, that is also possible. Students can take up to seven years to complete the degree. View the program of study and course descriptions.

2. I am a teacher, but I am not licensed or certified. Am I still a candidate for the program?
We have many students who are teaching in the private sector who are not licensed or certified. Eligible candidates are students who have hands-on teaching experience.

3. I am not a teacher, but I want to become one. Is this the right program for me?
No, this is not the right program for you. Lesley University offers many programs in diverse formats that are designed for people who want to become teachers. You can find out more about these programs by contacting the Graduate and Adult Baccalaureate Admissions Office.

4. Are you a fully accredited institution?
Lesley University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is affiliated with other organizations as well. Please visit our accreditations web page.

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5. Will I be able to advance an existing, or obtain a new, teaching license or certification with this program?
While the fully online Technology in Education M.Ed. program is not specifically designed to obtain or further a license, our experience with a diverse and geographically widespread population of students tells us that we do sometimes satisfy state requirements. We strongly encourage you to approach your local Department of Education, or licensing and certification organization, with our accreditation information, program of study, and course descriptions. We suggest obtaining their approval in writing. These documents can be printed directly from our accreditation web page.

6. I was a teacher for many years, but I am not currently in the classroom. I plan to finish my degree before re-entering the classroom. Can I still enroll in the program without actively teaching?
Some of the coursework includes projects that require the use of a classroom. Students who are on a leave from teaching must foster a relationship with a local school (grades K-12) and make arrangements to be a guest in a classroom from time to time. Most schools are open to this.

7. I teach at a community college, but I notice this is a K-12 program. Is this a good fit for me?
While the Technology in Education M.Ed. program was designed specifically for K-12 teachers, we have found that it translates well to the community college level. Community college faculty are eligible application candidates.

8. 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. Students may also need access to a scanner.

It is essential that all students download Firefox as their browser. This browser can be downloaded for free.

Lesley University students are eligible to receive discounts on computers and software. Click here for more information.

9. How big are the classes?
By design, Lesley University's classes are small, averaging 12-15 students. All of our instructors have practical teaching experience. Small classrooms, personal attention, and a great deal of interaction are an important part of our teaching philosophy.

10. How many hours of work per week are required to participate in the program?
Students who are actively teaching should not take more than 3 credits in an 8 week term. Three credits translates to roughly 7 hours of work each week, give or take a few hours depending on projects and assignments. 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).

11. 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 such as a family crisis or illness arises, arrangements must be made with the instructor of the course (similar to a traditional face to face course).

12. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?
Lesley University may allow a transfer of up to 6 credits from an appropriate institution. They must be graduate level and relevant to the program of study. Please refer to our policy on transfers.

13. Is the GRE required? What are the application requirements? Is there an application deadline?
The GRE is not required. Lesley University admits students to online programs on a rolling admissions basis, so there is no application deadline. If financial aid is a concern, you should apply well enough in advance of your intended start term to have your aid award in time.

Application to the program requires:

• Filled out and signed application form
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• A $50.00 application fee (can be paid online via the online application)
• Official Transcripts (undergraduate, and any post-baccalaureate work)
• A two page written personal statement (guidelines outlined in the application instructions)
• Send to:
• Lesley University
  Office of National Programs
  29 Everett Street
  Cambridge, MA 02138
  Fax. 617.349.8391

14. If I apply to the program, will I be eligible for financial aid?
Fully accepted students, enrolled at least part time (3 credits) per semester, are eligible for financial aid. Graduate and professional degree candidates may qualify for up to $20,500 per academic year. Please visit our Financial Aid web pages for more information.

15. 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

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 Accounts web pages.

16. I am not interested in completing a Master's 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

17. What is the cost of tuition?
Please refer to the tuition and fees link for the most up-to-date information.

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