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Expressive Therapies

Expressive Therapies Master’s Programs at a Glance

On-Campus

  • Program can be completed in 3 years
  • Classes begin in July with an online Orientation course, followed by in-person classes in the fall
  • Students have access to Lesley's professional network in Massachusetts and New England
  • On-campus students can take advantage of Scholar Partnerships

Low Residency

  • Program can be completed in 3 years
  • 2-week summer residency in Cambridge, MA every summer
  • Online coursework in the fall and spring semesters with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning
  • Internships can be completed in home community

Please note not all states are applicable for a licensure path after Lesley. More information can be found on our Licensing and Credentials Webpage on our website 

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Make an Impact Through Creative Expression

Students in Lesley University’s Expressive Therapies programs become practitioners who can skillfully integrate the principles of creativity, imagination, and expression into their professional practice. We are​ one of ​the nation’s only universities to offer all five expressive therapy specializations (art, dance and movement, drama, expressive arts, and music) within the same academic area, which means exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas. Expressive therapies are woven into all of our mental health programs – from our undergraduate through PhD programs, underscoring our commitment to embracing an interdisciplinary and art-infused approach to wellness.  

Our Expressive Therapies programs offer students ​​a direct path to licensure and modality certification. They graduate prepared​​ to become licensed mental health counselors (LMHC) and certified therapists able to guide individuals, groups, and communities toward better mental health.  

​​In addition to our master’s offerings in Expressive Therapies, we also offer a five course, 15-credit ​​Graduate Certificate that empowers you to embed art and creativity into your current professional practice, as well as a 36-credit ​​Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study for experienced professionals interested in deeper study.  

The Lesley Difference

​​​An important differentiator of our programs is that we are one of the only schools in the nation offering specializations in all five expressive therapy modalities: art, dance and movement, drama, expressive arts, and music within the same academic ​​area. As a result, Lesley students learn alongside peers with different strengths and interests. The result is a less siloed learning environment and a richer experience.

 As an expressive therapies student, you’ll also complete more than 900 hours of supervised field work a​​cross two different placements at many of the Boston area’s highly respected teaching hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities. It’s crucial practical experience that provides you with the broad exposure and deep experience you need to hit the ground running as a working professional.  

Career Support Long After You Graduate

That commitment to career preparation extends far beyond graduation. At Lesley, we offer our alumni and other professionals working in the field with a range of resources, including life-long licensure support, continuing education, an alumni listserv, and more. ​​Learn more about the resources we provide to Lesley alumni and working professionals.

From Undergrad to Licensed Practitioner

Many of our Expressive Therapies Master’s Program graduates start their education journey at Lesley. Our Expressive Therapies track takes you from undergraduate through PhD, empowering you to continue learning as a practitioner and build upon your education.  

Take the next step

Ready to begin your journey with Lesley? ​Share some basic information by filling out one of the forms below so that we can reach out to you with more information about our programs. Or, email admissions@lesley.edu to connect with a member of our admissions team.

Undergraduate Inquiry Form  |  Graduate Inquiry Form  |  Threshold Inquiry Form