Lesley University
Cambridge, United States • Founded 1909
Overview
Founded in 1909, the Lesley University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
This institution also has a branch campus in Boston. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Lesley University (LU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Lesley University (LU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 115-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. LU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
For visits or applications to Lesley University, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.
Academic Details
Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Lesley University are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.
Academic Structures
Lesley University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 4 items
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- College or Arts and Design
- Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences
- Graduate School of Education
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Lesley University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
Bachelor's Degree
34 programmes
Lesley University delivers 34 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Social Work Social Work
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Human Services, General Public Administration
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Psychology, General Psychology
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
History History
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Mathematics Mathematics
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
24 programmes
These 24 programmes form Lesley University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Social Work Social Work
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Mathematics Mathematics
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Education, General Education & Teaching
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
3 programmes
Lesley University delivers 3 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Psychology, Other Psychology
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Education, General Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
14 programmes
Lesley University also offers 14 programmes across associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation routes — shorter or vocational qualifications that build practical skills or bridge into a full degree.
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Lesley University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Lesley University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Lesley University offers 75 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Lesley University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Lesley University's online portal at www.lesley.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 868 9600. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lesley University
A short Q&A covering Lesley University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
When was Lesley University founded?
Lesley University was established in 1909 (approximately 117 years ago).
Where can I find Lesley University?
The institution is located in Cambridge, United States.
Is Lesley University public or private?
Lesley University operates as a private institution.
How many students does Lesley University have?
The institution has a student body of 4,000-4,999.
How many faculties does Lesley University have?
Lesley University is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Lesley University?
Lesley University is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How do I find Lesley University online?
You can find Lesley University online at www.lesley.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including Lesley University may still partner with strong employers locally.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Network reputation can differ from individual institutional reputation. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership may enhance or moderate the perceived standing of Lesley University depending on how the network is regarded.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
If you're weighing Lesley University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
If Lesley University is on your shortlist for studying Education & Teaching, these peer institutions in the United States offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Often Compared with Lesley University
Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around Lesley University on most of these signals.
