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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.
 

DeSales Salutes Veterans and Service Members at Veterans Day Ceremony

by Paige Hawk Nov 12, 2021
2021-VeteransDaySpeaker-news

The DeSales University community, veterans, service members, and other visitors—including several friendly canines representing Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor—gathered for a special Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Plaza. 

The ceremony commenced with a patriotic salute from the Southern Lehigh High School band, the posting of the colors by Southern Lehigh’s color guard, and a performance of the national anthem by the DSU chorale. 

“Today, we remember, we celebrate, and we believe that our military personnel—especially those who study here at DeSales and have graduated from our great school—are people of peace and justice in their hearts, their homes, and their communities. Their service identifies them as role models and their commitment to peace and justice marks them as heroes.”

 Father James Greenfield ’84, OSFS, president of DeSales

One of those role models and heroes is John Kukitz ’81, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, who graduated from the ACCESS program. 

“I try to live my life by serving and helping others,” said Kukitz, after describing his experience serving in the Vietnam War. Kukitz continues to serve our community in various capacities, at one point participating in eight boards of directors. He is grateful for having graduated from DeSales, and for being one of several Vietnam veterans to participate in the ACCESS program at the time. 

“We were all treated exceptionally well by faculty and staff,” he explained. “The ACCESS program met my family’s needs and allowed me to continue my education.”

Brian White ’22, an ROTC cadet and current president of DeSales’ Student Veterans of America (SVA), shared Kukitz’s commitment to helping others and recalled feeling honored the first time someone thanked him for his service. 

Pennsylvania State Representative Milou Mackenzie then spoke about the impact of military service on the family. She noted that while she is not a veteran, her family has served in every war since the American Revolution. 

“This is a very special day to all of us who love freedom and our nation,” began Mackenzie. “I have seen firsthand the commitment, and the bravery, and the love that [veterans and service members] have, and I’m so grateful for that because I know that they do it out of love for our family, our country, our community, and our God.”  

Following Mackenzie’s comments, several University staff members and Jateese Gardner ’23, a veteran and DeSales SVA member, participated in the laying of the wreath.  

The event also featured a “Missing Man” table set with a Bible, a lemon, a rose, and various other meaningful objects. The table honors members of the armed forces who are prisoners of war, fallen or missing in action, as well as the experience shared by their loved ones.

For more photos from our Veterans Day ceremony, visit our Flickr album.

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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online Flex courses - Photo by malcolm garret from Pexels

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