Adult Studies
Earn or complete your degree at DeSales. Online or in person, it's always personal.
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.
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
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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.
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!
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.
Why Choose DeSales Adult Studies?
You'll be academically satisfied
You'll be prepared to succeed
You'll be in good company
You'll build up your resume
“If you don’t try, you’ll never know.” 71-Year-Old Fulfills Lifelong Dream, Graduates with Highest Honors
Maryann Wickemeyer couldn’t help but hold back tears as she surveyed her fellow graduates at Commencement. She was astounded by their shared success, recognizing that most were decades younger than her.
At 71, Wickemeyer achieved a lifelong goal—graduating summa cum laude from the DeSales ACCESS program with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, concentrating in theology, history, and philosophy.
Unlike most of her classmates, Wickemeyer didn’t pursue a degree for the sake of advancing in her profession. She did it because she’d always wanted to, and so that she could become a better version of herself.
“My whole life I’ve valued education,” she says. “I think more education gives you the confidence and the ability to look at every aspect of a situation or life differently.”
Wickemeyer wanted to earn a degree when she was younger, but life interrupted in the form of marriage, kids, and other personal matters. Despite how busy she became, her desire to further her education never disappeared.
“When I retired in 2016 from my one job, something nagged me, and I thought ‘what can I do with the rest of my life?’ So, I talked to God about what to do. … It always came back that I wanted to finish my degree.”
Wickemeyer was nervous about pursuing her dream. She worried it wouldn’t be financially feasible, and that she wouldn’t have the mental ability to succeed. Everything changed when she made an appointment with Dave Achenbach, academic advisor, to learn more about DeSales. At this first meeting, she felt as though God had sent her there, and she’d arrived home. This sentiment only grew stronger throughout her college journey.
“It wasn’t just an institution,” she says. “It was like I was home with family and we all had the same goal in mind. All of my professors, even the ones I thought were tough, turned out to be absolutely amazing. I tell people to go to DeSales because it’s like this precious hidden gem.”
Initially, Wickemeyer considered enrolling as a traditional day student. As she examined her options with Achenbach, she realized the ACCESS program better suited her work schedule and other responsibilities, including volunteer work at the Catholic Charities soup kitchen, as a Eucharistic minister at Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg, and teaching PREP/CCD at her church.
“Maryann knew what she wanted and wouldn’t let anything hold her back,” says Achenbach. “Her passion, drive, and determination were so incredible, and she didn’t shy away from difficult courses. Most of her major courses were upper-level courses.”
Wickemeyer ended up enjoying the challenging pace and the flexibility to build a degree around her interests. It was this passion for her subjects along with her determination to excel that she attributes to her success.
When asked what’s next on the horizon, Wickemeyer laughs and calls graduating a “tough act to follow at 71.” For now, she plans on continuing to take courses, work, spend time with her family, and volunteer within her community. Having achieved her lifelong goal, she encourages others to do the same.
“When life gets in the way, it happens, but don’t let it wipe out your dream completely,” she says. “I had a lot of personal problems and at one point I didn’t think there would be any chance of returning to college. But I didn’t let the fire go out. Even if you think it is impossible to do, it isn’t, as long as you really want to do it. There are only two options—you’ll either pass or fail. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
For Those Who Serve
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.
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.
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!