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Adult Studies

Earn or complete your degree at DeSales. Online or in person, it's always personal.

Maryann Wickemeyer graduates at the age of 71
Degrees & Certificates
Don’t put off your dream of a college education. Our Adult Studies program is designed for adult learners like you.
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Connect with Adult Studies
Attend an info session, or meet with a dedicated advisor who will help guide you from admissions to graduation.
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Ready to Apply?
We make the process easy, and our admission team will help you along the way.

A summer filled with purpose and potential.

Online Summer Courses at DeSales.

Small class sizes. Big impact to your transcript. And everyone's welcome. If you're thinking about earning extra credits this summer, our online college courses are fast, flexible, and affordable. 

Learn more about summer classes at DeSales
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Admission is simple*

All we require is your high school diploma or GED and the desire to learn. 

Your education should fit your schedule. We get it. At DeSales, we'll make sure you have the support to make it work. Earn or finish your bachelor’s degree or certificate at the pace, place, and times you choose.

  • rolling admissions — start any time throughout the year
  • 6, 8, and 3 week accelerated courses, with an option to take traditional day courses
  • classes meet online, on campus, or Flex — which combines the best of both
  • a generous transfer credit policy — transfer up to 75 credits

* Our 15-Month Accelerated BSN second-degree program is a full-time program with a special application process and admissions requirements. 

ACCESS support

Find the link between opportunity and affordability.

Returning to school to pursue your educational dream is not the kind of decision you can — or should — make on a whim. At DeSales, we wholeheartedly encourage self-knowledge and exploration. We're here to help you find the program that meets your needs.

Enroll in our Adult Studies program to learn more about the endless opportunities at DeSales University.

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Connect with an Adult Studies Admission Counselor

Schedule your one-on-one campus or virtual appointment with one of our friendly admissions counselors. Your counselor will be able to prepare a no-obligation transfer credit evaluation and guide you through registration. We look forward to meeting you!

Life experience credits

Generous Credit Transfer Policy

With DeSales' generous transfer policy, you can transfer up to 25 three-credit courses toward your DeSales degree — and if you already have your Associate's degree, all your credits will transfer to DSU.*

Wondering which of your credits will transfer? We'll be happy to give you a personalized, no-obligation transfer credit evaluation.

 
REQUEST YOUR TRANSFER CREDIT EVALUATION
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Affordable Tuition
Our tuition rates for Adult Studies courses are significantly lower than for traditional day classes.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
You may be eligible for Federal grants and loans, and DeSales has two scholarship programs earmarked for adult students.

Why Choose DeSales Adult Studies?

You'll be academically satisfied

95% Satisfied
More than 9 out of 10 of our adult students rate the overall quality of their academic program as good or excellent.

You'll be prepared to succeed

98% Employed
Almost all of our grads are employed. And, nearly three out four are working in a field related to their degree!

You'll be in good company

4,000+ Strong
Thousands of busy adults have earned a bachelor's degree or certificate in our award-winning adult program.

You'll build up your resume

Top 10 Skills
Proficiencies documented by our grads are among the top skills employers look for when hiring.
 

ACCESS Student Christine Stephens, Criminal Justice Major, Wins Memorial Foundation Scholarship Award

by David Oblas Dec 14, 2018
Christine Stephens Access Student

“The DeSales University ACCESS Program has been crucial in allowing me to continue my studies to pursue my dream of earning my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, while working full time and raising my children,” shared Christine Stephens, recipient of the 2018 Officer David M. Petzold Memorial Foundation Scholarship Award.

“I have been working towards my degree for many years, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the great faculty and staff at DeSales University. The professors truly care about the success of their students and have assisted me every step of my college education journey.”

Stephens is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, National Criminal Justice Honor Society, DeSales Lambda Eta Chapter, and is a Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She is currently employed as a security officer with the Allentown School District, and was formerly employed with the city of Allentown for 17 years.

“Upon graduation, I hope to obtain a position within the criminal justice field serving the public, and my DeSales University degree is vital in obtaining my career goals. Attending school full time, pursuing my goal and dream of having my degree is something I am extremely proud of; I am very honored and thankful to receive an award in memory of Officer David M. Petzold.”

A major criteria for this scholarship is to have a record of service to the community. Stephens’ commitment to community service has been recognized often, as she has letters and certificates of appreciation from Old Fairgrounds Neighborhood Association; Faith Church; Pa. State Dog Warden; Community Services for Children; and the community of Hogar Crea, Allentown, Pa. She has also obtained a “Worksite of the Year” award from the Lehigh County Juvenile Probation’s Community Service Program, and a “PA Waste Watcher Award for Recognition for Outstanding Achievement” on behalf of Allentown Recycling.

The Officer David M. Petzold Scholarship is awarded annually to a current ACCESS student who is a criminal justice major, and is in good academic standing. The recipient must also work in law enforcement and have a record of service to the community. The David M. Petzold Scholarship was established in memory of Officer David M. Petzold, who was killed in the line of duty on November 9, 2006. Officer Petzold was an alumnus of the DeSales University ACCESS criminal justice program.

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For Those Who Serve

We proudly welcome military personnel and veterans to our programs and campus. Our staff can help you access your education benefits, and DeSales provides many services and resources to support you while you are here.
MILITARY SERVICES & BENEFITS
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Flex Classes: In Class or Online

Flex classes are designed for students who enjoy the experience of live-time, instructor-led classes but can't always physically get to campus. 

Courses are offered in Center Valley with students being able to participate synchronously from anywhere in the world via the internet.

Learn more about Online and Flex Classes
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Search For Classes

Wondering which classes are running during different semesters and sessions? Curious to read course descriptions for your topic of interest? Planning ahead? Self-Service for prospective students* will give you a look into which classes are running and when. 

Note: If you are already a DeSales student, please search for classes through WebAdvisor Self-Service in MyDSU

*This link is best viewed on a desktop device. 

Self-Service for Prospective Students
Tammy Warner, DeSales University graduate

DeSales gave me the unique opportunity to go to school full time at night and apply everything I was learning directly to my daytime job ... The value is clear and explains why [Adult Studies] has been making a difference in the lives of students for over 40 years!

— Tammy Warner, Head, IT Transformation at Celgene

#8

Best for Vets: Private Colleges

Military Times

#44

Best for Vets: Colleges

Military Times

#261

Top Performer on Social Mobility

U.S. News & World Report

#280

National Universities

U.S. News & World Report