SDMD frequently asked questions

• How many credits are required for the Self Designed Master's Degree Program?
• How do I design my degree?
• Is there a face-to-face residency requirement?
• Can I transfer in graduate credits from another institution?
• Can I transfer in life experience credit?
• How often do I meet with my Faculty Advisor?
• Are there required courses?
• What subjects can I study?
• What is a Degree Plan and how do I write one?
• What kinds of learning can be applied to the program?
• Is there a thesis requirement?
• How long does the program take to complete?
• How is my work assessed?
• What if I already have a master's degree?
• What is the cost of the program?
• Can I receive teacher certification or licensure as a mental health counselor?
• How do I apply?
• Is the GRE required?
• How do I know when I am accepted?

How many credits are required for the Self Designed Master's Degree Program?

 The program is 36 credits and students earn either a Master of Arts or a Master of Education.

How do I design my degree?

Students design their program in one of two ways:

• Team Based Model–in this model students work closely with a core Faculty Advisor, and two experts/professionals throughout their program. These experts provide mentorship and review and critique the learning. Students typically have 3-4 team meetings throughout their program. These meetings typically occur on-campus, but may also occur through teleconferencing or web conferencing.
• Course Based Model–in this model students work closely with a core Faculty Advisor, to either design independent study courses or to determine which courses at Lesley University will support their area of specialization. Students in this model are required to design at least six credits (two courses) of independent study.

Is there a face to face residency requirement?

No. All students participate in asynchronous online weekend colloquia three times during their program: once in the first semester, once in the middle of their program, and then once more in the semester before their thesis. Additionally, students participate in online discussions and assignments via Blackboard, meet with their faculty and/or team, and follow the objectives outlined in their individualized degree plan.

Can I transfer in graduate credits from another institution?

Yes, the university will accept 6 credits of graduate credit from another regionally accredited institution provided that the following conditions are met:

• the grade is "B" or better
• the course is relevant to the field of study
• the course is not more than 7 years old at the time of graduation.

Additionally, it is at the discretion of the Faculty Advisor on whether transfer credit will be accepted. A full description of the University's transfer policy can be found online at www.lesley.edu/policies/catalog/transfer_credits.html.

Can I transfer in life experience credit?

No, the program does not accept life experience credit.

How often do I meet with my Faculty Advisor?

All students meet with their faculty advisor several times a semester to discuss their current semester's work and their upcoming semester's activities. These meetings can be face-to-face, via telephone, or via SKYPE.

Are there required courses?

There are no required courses for the master's degree; each student develops his or her own Degree Plan, which may or may not include elective courses.

What subjects can I study?

Students can study almost anything, providing it is an academic course of study. The program is designed to meet an individual's needs to study a field or fields for which no program currently exists. Current fields of study include Vocal Performance and Pedagogy; Montessori Education and Mathematics Teaching; Nutrition and Holistic Health; Holistic Coaching and Adult Transition; Indigenous Cultures, Ritual and Spirituality; and Women in Rock Music.

What is a degree plan and how do I write one?

The Degree Plan consists of the student's particular goals and objectives for the degree. All prospective students are encouraged to speak with Lisa M. Lombardi, Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services, for further information and direction on how to develop the Degree Plan.

What kinds of learning can be applied to the program?

Students are able to include a variety of learning methods into their program. Some examples are traditional courses, professional seminars, training programs, workshops, and mentorships as part of their Degree Plan.

Is there a thesis requirement?

Yes, all students complete a thesis. The thesis is original work that integrates the student's experiences and activities and applies the knowledge he/she has accumulated in some comprehensive manner. Previous theses have included such things as: an analysis of a particular topic, a curriculum guide, a field study or action project, a book, a documentary, an exhibition, or a performance. All theses must be accompanied by an academic paper consisting of a substantive, and carefully referenced, scholarly rationale.

How long does the program take to complete?

This program is typically completed in two to three years, but could be completed in as few as one and one half years or three semesters.

How is my work assessed?

Students are given letter grades (A, A-, B+, etc) by the Faculty Advisors.

What if I already have a master's degree?

We offer a 36-credit Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS), which contains two required advanced research and two interdisciplinary study courses. These courses are not available online or as an independent study, and are only offered at the Cambridge campus.

What is the cost of the program?

The Self Designed Master's Degree Program is considered an on-campus program. For current tuition, please contact the Office of Student Accounts. To be eligible for financial aid, students are required to register as a part-time student or for at least three credits. For more information regarding financial aid policies and procedures, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

Can I receive teacher certification or licensure as a mental health counselor?

This program does not offer any type of teacher or mental health licensure or certification.

How do I apply?

The application is available online.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required for this program.

How do I know when I am accepted?

Once all of the application materials have been received in the Admissions Office, your materials will be forwarded to the Program Office, and you will be contacted for an interview. You will be notified of a decision after all the materials have been reviewed and the interview has been completed.