PH.D. Program in Expressive Therapies - Low Residency 45 credits
When Lesley's Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies Program was established in 1974, it was one of the first ever to train professionals in this emerging, creative, and vital field. Almost 50 years later, the program is the largest of its kind in the world, and continues to push the boundaries of expressive therapies knowledge and training.
Lesley University's Ph.D. in Expressive Therapies, established 2001, and became a low-residency model in 2007, makes it easier for expressive therapy professionals to develop scholarship that expands the knowledge base in the expressive therapies.
Program Overview
Lesley University's cohort-based model supports the continual development of arts therapies approaches, providing doctoral-level education for expressive therapists who strive to be leaders in the field, continuing to research, teach, and promote well-being and healing using arts therapies. Unique in its concept, the program provides an accessible forum that empowers individuals to further their knowledge and abilities to positively transform individuals, and the world.
The 45-credit, doctoral low residency program involves three summer intensive residencies in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for approximately two weeks each summer over three years, with continued coursework throughout the academic years on-line and through email, peer group meetings, phone, and videoconferencing. Students are expected to devote approximately 10-20 hours per week toward doctoral study.
The program of study is structured by year, with a blend of online and residency hours. Each doctoral year includes a summer residency , followed by online doctoral courses. Each course is designed to address specific competencies.
The program requires a minimum of 4 to 5 years for completion. On-campus residency is required only for years 1 through 3 of the program, with dissertation attempted after successful completion of year 3.
Program Prerequisites
- An earned master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Certification or registration in one of the expressive therapies modalities (art therapy, dance therapy, drama therapy, expressive arts therapy, music therapy, play therapy, poetry therapy, or psychodrama).
- Demonstration of good communication skills in the English language, both written and oral, at a level appropriate to doctoral study.
- Demonstration of satisfactory performance on the GRE or the MAT examination. The Lesley University CEEB number is 3483 for the GRE and 1214 for the MAT.
- A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience as an expressive therapist.
For the university's transfer credit policy for this and other programs, see the Transfer of Credits page.
Program of Study
Students must take GEXTP 9151 in fall, spring, and summer semesters of each year they are taking courses and each semester thereafter until they have completed their dissertation defense.
Doctoral Year 1 - 18 Credits
Doctoral Year 2 - 18 Credits
Doctoral Year 3 - 9 Credits