Lesley University

What you'll study

The programme combines theoretical foundations with applied practice. Core themes include intercultural communication, theories of culture and identity, social justice and equity frameworks, research methods for qualitative inquiry, and organisational change for inclusion. Students typically study modules such as:

• Foundations of Intercultural Theory: histories of intercultural scholarship, frameworks for understanding culture, identity development and power.
• Intercultural Communication and Conflict: communication styles, mediation, negotiation and strategies for managing cross-cultural conflict.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Practice: inclusive policy design, bias recognition, and assessment of institutional practices.
• Research Methods and Evaluation: qualitative methods, participatory action research, programme evaluation and measurement of inclusion outcomes.
• Applied Practicum or Capstone Project: supervised field placement or applied research project in an organisational, educational or community setting.
• Electives and Special Topics: options often include global migration and refugee studies, language and cultural pedagogy, community engagement, or leadership for social change.

Teaching methods emphasise small seminars, case studies, workshops, community-engaged projects and a capstone that demonstrates applied competence. The programme is designed for flexibility to accommodate working professionals, with options for evening and blended delivery depending on the cohort.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Admissions typically consider:

• A personal statement outlining professional goals and how the programme fits those goals.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating readiness for graduate-level study.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s work.
• Relevant professional experience is an advantage, particularly for applicants from education, community organisations, human resources or international programmes.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (institutional tests or alternative approved evidence may be accepted).

Some applicants may be invited for a short interview or asked to submit a writing sample. Lesley’s admissions process looks for both academic preparedness and a commitment to equity and community-engaged practice.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across education, non-profit, government and corporate sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practitioner or coordinator in universities, schools and businesses.
• Intercultural programme manager or international student services specialist in higher education.
• Community engagement or outreach coordinator for NGOs and public agencies.
• Human resources professional focused on inclusive hiring, retention and training.
• Policy analyst or consultant working on multicultural policy, immigration, or social justice initiatives.
• Researcher or evaluator conducting studies on inclusion, access and intercultural learning.

The applied practicum and capstone project help students develop a professional portfolio and workplace experience to support transition into these roles.

Why study at Lesley University

Lesley is known for its applied, practitioner-oriented graduate programmes and small cohort structure, which supports close mentorship and collaborative learning. The university’s strong emphasis on education, counselling and community engagement makes it well suited to intercultural and diversity training. Located in the Boston/Cambridge area, Lesley offers access to a diverse network of schools, cultural organisations and non-profits for placements and partnerships. Faculty are often practicing professionals who bring real-world case studies and community connections into teaching. The programme’s flexible delivery options and focus on experiential learning allow working professionals to balance study with ongoing careers while building practical skills for immediate application.