Lesley University

Hello,

Has anyone here had any direct experience with Lesley University masters degree programs, in particular the MA in Independent Study or the MFA in Creative Writing? I've looked at the forum archives and although the general consensus is that Lesley is a very good university, there doesn't seem to be any specific information about anyone's experience with any of their programs.

I'm particularly interested in the Independent Study program since it allows for unlimited transfer credit without having to take any classes through Lesley (unless you want to). However, a lot of the specifics aren't answered at the website. For instance, although it makes reference to lower tuition than regular Lesley programs, there is absolutely no mention of what the tuition actually will be. It's also made unclear if it's possible to finish the program in less than 3 semesters. Likewise, it's not mentioned if credits earned from other colleges which will in the future be applied towards other graduate degrees can also count towards the Independent Study MA. Additionally, it's not mentioned if students who chose to earn 12 credits through Lesley can qualify for housing or an assistantship. When I called them the other day about these questions the answers were very vague and evasive, so I'll have to call back and hopefully get someone else on the line.

If anyone has actually enrolled in Lesley it would be great if you could let me know how the experience was. The main reason I'm looking into the program is to complement the ALM program at Harvard -- if Lesley allows for some of the Harvard credits to also count towards the MAIS, and allows for student housing during the term I'm in Cambridge, then it would be very economical for me to pursue the MAIS as well.

 

Just as an addendum, I'm also interested in the MFA in Creative Writing because it also has a lower tuition rate, has a low residency requirement (which I can easily fulfill since it's during the winter and summer), and courses are graded on a pass/fail basis. However, once again a lot of information is absent from the website, such as what the tuition rate actually is for this program, what kind of work is involved in the 12 credits per term that is graded on a pass/fail basis offcampus, and if it's possible to do more than 12 credits a term (if I did this program I REALLY would not want any of the coursework to carry over into next year, when I would hopefully be doing law school). When I called to ask about this I was once again given very vague answers, giving me the impression that in order to find out the logistics of the program I'd have to send in an application and pay the application fee first.

 

I emailed/telephoned them once upon a time in relation to the Independent Studies program. They were very quick to respond, very pleasant and sent me a whole pile of info in the mail. My advice is to try that route.
Jack

 

In that case I'll send them an email, perhaps I'll get a better response that way. However I'd still appreciate any feedback from those who have enrolled in one of their programs.