Course Waiver/Substitution

When it can be determined that a student has successfully completed a course at Lesley or at another accredited institution which is substantially the same as a required course in one of the degree programs offered at the University, a waiver or substitution may be granted. CAGS, Master’s, and Bachelor’s waiver requests from non-accredited colleges and universities (including international schools) are not accepted. Graduate-level coursework must not be more than seven (7) years old at the time of graduation.

In some graduate programs, professional experience may be applicable for course waiver approval. Students should discuss the implication of waivers with their academic advisor.

Application forms for course waiver must be initiated, approved, and signed by the student’s advisor, as well as the Department Chair or designee, and the registrar designee. Course waivers/substitutions for General Education requirements must be approved by a Liberal Arts & Business Associate Provost. Approval of the course waiver/substitution does not reduce the total number of credits required for the awarding of the degree, but allows the student, in consultation with an advisor, to select another approved course for the same number of credits, which may then be taken in lieu of the waived or substituted course.

However, courses waived within non-degree licensure programs may reduce the total number of credits required for completion of the licensure requirements.

Students should work with their advisor on waiver requests as soon as possible once accepted into a degree or licensure program. Waiver requests must be completed, and posted to a student’s academic record, prior to the beginning of the student’s final semester before their anticipated graduation.

The link to the Waiver Form is available on the Registrar’s Office Forms webpage and is initiated by a faculty member or advisor.