Students develop their own unique plan as part of the application process.
The initial study plan includes goals, learning documentation and methods, and ideas for the preparation of the final project. Learning methods include a combination of activities appropriate to the student's field of interest, such as tutorials, directed reading, coursework at Lesley University or elsewhere, fieldwork, practica, or apprenticeships. Upon acceptance, the study plan becomes the student's program of study. Students carry out their graduate studies over a period of one to three years, with advisement from their faculty team. Upon completion of the approved study plan, the student is awarded a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Independent Study.