Lesley University

Earn an Expressive Therapies Master’s Degree from Lesley University

Unlock the power of creativity to transform lives and help others heal.

Turn Play Into Purpose

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You already know the incredible power of art. Lesley University can help you build the skills and clinical practice to help others learn, grow, and heal. A master’s degree from Lesley, New England’s leader in educating mental health professionals, will catapult your career to the next level and help you become the creative and artistic clinician you dream of being.

Five Specializations, One Hub

Internationally recognized, Lesley is one of the only universities in the nation to offer graduate-level training across all five expressive therapy specializations (art, dance and movement, drama, expressive arts, and music) within the same academic area. Painters learning alongside dancers; musicians studying with sculptors. The result? A less siloed learning environment with exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas. All of which sets you up to be an open, compassionate practitioner.

A Leader in the Field

Lesley has been a leader in Expressive Therapies for 40+ years—beginning when the field was just emerging. We offer Expressive Therapies education from the undergraduate level all the way to PhD, and many students complete the entire complement at Lesley. Lesley’s Scholar Partner Program offers guaranteed internships with leading Boston-area institutions upon acceptance, giving you the opportunity to start developing your skills and professional identity right away. We help you build on what you’ve learned every step of the way.

Certified Success

Expressive Therapies offers plenty of opportunity to find the playful side of healing. But in order to work in the field, you’ll need to pursue licensure and certification. With a master’s degree from Lesley, you’re uniquely prepared to become a licensed mental health counselor and a certified therapist.

Practical Application

Getting into the field to put what you’ve learned into practice is key to transforming students into skilled and compassionate practitioners. Candidates for master’s degrees in Expressive Therapies complete more than 900 hours of supervised field work at highly respected Boston-area institutions, broadening your experience and giving you a competitive advantage in the workforce. And our unique Scholar Partner Program guarantees internships as soon as you’re accepted, removing the stress of job searching and providing valuable hands-on experience from the very beginning.

Lifelong Support

Long after you graduate, Lesley provides resources to support your career development. Through continuous education, Communities of Practice for networking and peer learning, and alumni cohorts that keep you connected, our commitment to your growth and success remains ongoing.

Program Details

This 3-year, full-time program can be completed on campus or in a low-residency format (online with an on-campus residency in the summers, and field work in your home community). If you need to brush up on your psychology study before beginning the master’s program, Lesley offers an online Psychology Boot Camp. Graduate with the requirements needed to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and arts-based credential in Massachusetts.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Graduate study is an investment. That’s why we offer generous merit scholarships. Awards are based on your admissions application and are announced when you’re accepted.

My first residency experience was nurturing, friendly, and inspiring. The energy of the group set me free. I have never felt this way in my career.

- Souhad Chbeir

Expressive Therapies Alumni