Liberal Studies, BA
Overview
Do you want the ability to customize your own major to study different aspects of the liberal arts? At DeSales, you can do that with our Liberal Studies major.
This program requires you to take multiple classes throughout our departments to gain a well-rounded understanding of the world. This will put you ahead of the curve when applying for internships and jobs.
You’ll also be able to express your own creativity in deciding which electives are best for you. Whether it be here on campus or through a study abroad program across the globe, there are so many opportunities to customize this degree to the exact path that’s right for you!
The Liberal Studies major gives you the unique ability to work one-on-one with the Chair of the program, Dr. Dennis Varley, to create the perfect program for you.
With an average class size of 20, you’re able to make meaningful connections with professors that last through all four years at DeSales.
Admissions Requirements
At DeSales, we not only look at your past academic achievement but also your potential for future growth to determine your admission.
We find that students who have demonstrated significant achievement within a demanding curriculum are best suited for academic life at DeSales. Quality of academic performance plays a critical role in the admissions decision making process. This helps indicate a student's potential for academic growth going forward. We welcome applications from all qualified students regardless of race, religion, sex, national, or ethnic origin.
Application Checklist
- Application Fee: None
- Transcripts: Official High School Transcript
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT scores—official from the College Board or on your official high school transcript.
- Recommendations: Completed Guidance Counselor Form and Teacher Recommendation Form
All materials can be mailed to:
DeSales University Admissions Office
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA
Additional recommendations
High School Academics - Remember, there is no single preferred high school academic program, but a college preparatory course of study is highly recommended. Here's an example:
- Four years of English
- Three or four years of college preparatory mathematics
- A minimum of two years of modern, foreign, or classical language
- At least two laboratory science courses
Visiting DeSales - A personal, on-campus interview is strongly recommended, but is not required. We encourage you to visit so that you'll have a chance to learn more about DeSales, and we'll have the opportunity to learn more about you, too.
Learn more about Undergraduate Admissions & Aid
When to Apply
We encourage you to apply early in your senior year. We use a rolling admissions system, which means you will be notified promptly about your admissions status—usually within four weeks of our receipt of your completed application.
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1 of your senior year.
Curriculum
Each Liberal Studies program will be specific to your goals.
You are required to choose courses and electives in: English, history, philosophy, fine arts, foreign language, and the social sciences.
You’re able to choose from dozens of electives in order to make your degree fit your path. You will have a sense of flexibility that is not offered with many other majors.
Graduation Requirements
Faculty
Tuition & Fees
DeSales can help make your college expenses affordable through a combination of grants, loans, student employment, and scholarship resources.
Cost of attendance for undergrads for 2019-2020
Resident Students
Direct Costs Tuition - $37,200Room and Board - $13,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,500
One-time Orientation Fee for Freshmen and Transfers - $200
Total = $51,900 (including freshman/transfer fees)
Indirect Costs
Books - $1,466
Personal Expenses - $2,808
Total cost for resident students: $56,174
Commuter Students
Direct Costs
Tuition - $37,200
Mandatory Fees - $1,300
One-time Orientation Fee for Freshmen and Transfers - $200
Total = $38,700
Indirect Costs
Books - $1,466
Personal Expenses - $2,808
Transportation Costs - $2,304
Total cost for commuter students: $45,278
Off-Campus*
Direct Costs
Tuition - $37,200
Mandatory Fees - $1,300
One-time Orientation Fee for Freshmen and Transfers - $200
Total = $38,700
Indirect Costs
Books - $1,466
Personal Expenses - $2,808
Transportation Costs - $2,304
Living Expenses - $7,048
Total cost for off-campus students: $52,326
*First year students are required to reside on campus or commute from home.
Parking Fee - $75
Dual Degree Undergraduate-to-Graduate Programs
If you are enrolled in an undergraduate-to-graduate degree program — for example a 5-year, 3+2, 3+3, program — the undergraduate tuition and fees apply only to the undergraduate portion of the program. As you progress into the graduate phase of your program, graduate tuition and fees apply. Please see your respective graduate program for more information.
The financial aid process may appear overwhelming at first glance, but don't worry, we'll help you through it.
Accepted students are automatically be considered for scholarships upon receipt of a completed application and are awarded regardless of financial need. Funds for scholarships are limited, so we do encourage students to apply early.
Our comprehensive financial aid packages carefully explain the types and amounts of assistance —including federal, state, and institutional — that you may be eligible for to help cover education related expenses.
Total cost of attendance includes estimates for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal, transportation, and living expenses.
You can estimate your total cost of attendance with our Net Price Calculator