Lesley University

What you'll study

This programme emphasises breadth across the humanities and liberal arts with opportunities for depth in areas you choose, such as literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, digital humanities, and the arts. You will complete a core of interdisciplinary liberal-arts courses that develop critical reading, academic writing, quantitative reasoning and research methods, together with elective clusters that let you shape a coherent pathway.

• Core skills and methods: academic writing and rhetoric, research methods, quantitative reasoning, critical theory and ethical reasoning.
• Humanities concentrations: American and global literature, cultural history, philosophy, religious studies, media and film studies, and language study.
• Creative and practical options: studio and digital arts, creative writing, theatre and performance studies, digital storytelling and multimedia production.
• Experiential learning: internships, community-engaged projects, practicum placements, and opportunities to work with local museums, schools and arts organisations in the Boston–Cambridge area.
• Capstone or portfolio: a culminating project, research thesis, community project or professional portfolio that demonstrates integrative learning and preparedness for next steps.

Students can tailor the balance of theory and practice to career and graduate-study goals, and transfer credits or prior learning are assessed to accelerate degree completion where appropriate.

Entry requirements

Admission expects a completed secondary-school credential or equivalent for first‑year applicants; transfer applicants must provide college transcripts. Typical application materials include an academic transcript, a personal statement outlining your interests and goals, and at least one letter of recommendation. Standardised tests may be optional; check Lesley’s current policy when applying. Admissions also consider evidence of readiness for college-level work such as a portfolio for arts-focused applicants, relevant work or volunteer experience, and an interview in some cases. International applicants should supply proof of English proficiency where required and documentation of secondary credentials translated into English.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor in Liberal Arts and Sciences (General Studies and Humanities) move into a wide range of sectors where critical thinking, communication and adaptability are valued. Typical career paths include:

• Nonprofit and community organisations (programme coordination, outreach, fundraising)
• Education and youth services (teaching support, educational programme delivery, museum education)
• Communications, publishing and media (content development, editorial work, copywriting, digital content)
• Arts and cultural institutions (curatorial assistance, production, administration)
• Public service and local government roles
• Business and administration roles where strong writing and analytical skills are needed

Many graduates also pursue graduate study in fields such as education, library and information science, museum studies, public policy, humanities disciplines or law.

Why study at Lesley University

Lesley offers a personalised, mentorship-driven learning environment with small class sizes and faculty who are practitioners and scholars in the humanities and arts. Located in Cambridge, the university provides easy access to internships, cultural institutions and professional networks across the Boston area. The programme emphasises experiential learning—community partnerships, practicum placements and opportunities to build a professional portfolio—so students graduate with both academic preparation and practical experience. Lesley’s advising and career services support individual pathways, whether you plan to enter the workforce directly or continue to graduate study.