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
* Our 15-Month Accelerated BSN second-degree program is a full-time program with a special application process and admissions requirements.
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
Scott V. Fainor ’94 is the Inaugural Executive at the Fainor Center for Financial Services Executive Forum
Move in the direction your heart takes you.
That was the advice that Scott V. Fainor ’94, founder of Fainor Holdings, gave to a student-filled audience of about 150 in the Gambet Center on October 19, at the Inaugural Fainor Center for Financial Services Executive Forum.
The advice came in response to a question from a student who asked the former banker if he would have done anything differently in his career. Fainor replied, other than starting his college career earlier, he would not change his career path, in which he did follow his heart.
When Fainor did start college in the late 1980s, it was the late Fr. Daniel Gambet, OSFS, president emeritus, who convinced him that DeSales was the place for him. While he was excited about the business and finance courses he was going to take, Fainor initially resisted the required theology classes. But he immediately changed his mind.
“The theology classes taught me values and principles, which became my business ethics. I became grounded in those principles.”
Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, president of DeSales, served as moderator of the Executive Forum and posed questions to Fainor, including what are the top three character traits that an executive must have to be successful.
Fainor replied that true leaders need transparency in their activities to build trust, the ability to confront conflict quickly using good communication skills, and the desire to engage “the front line” or meet with workers at all levels, including, in his case, workers at the branches of the banks he led.
Fr. Greenfield then discussed strategic planning, remarking that DeSales was beginning the process of a new strategic plan and how important it is. Fainor began by emphasizing a personal strategic plan, including his own.
“You need to do your own personal SWOT analysis by evaluating your own strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “And then your strategic plan should adjust as your career progresses.”
For company strategic plans, Fainor again emphasized transparency. “You need to share your strategic planning document with every single employee, so everyone works together for the same goals.”
The Fainor Center for Financial Services Executive Forum was the close of Fainor’s daylong visit to the business division of DeSales. He served as a guest lecturer in a finance class taught by Tahereh Alavi Hojjat, Ph.D., professor and chair of the economics major, who Fainor cited as a faculty mentor when he was a student.
Other activities that day included a lunch and learn with business faculty and students, as well as one-on-one meetings with individual students.
Chris Cocozza, J.D., professor of business and head of the business division, introduced Fainor at the Executive Forum commenting on how valuable Fainor’s expertise and experience would be to all of our students.
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!
