Adult Studies
Earn or complete your degree at DeSales. Online or in person, it's always personal.
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
Education Department Awarded $20K Grant to Help Ease Teacher Shortage
The education department at DeSales is stepping up to help solve a teacher shortage in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network has awarded the department a $20,000 grant over three years to help develop future special educators. The department’s goal—to attract local candidates to become certified in the new special education Pre-K-12 certification area.
“The state and the Pennsylvania Department of Education are starting to go into crisis mode because there are not enough teachers in certain areas, and one of them is special education,” says Katrin Blamey, Ph.D., chair of the education department and director of M.Ed. programs. “They’ve been working on new legislation, trying to think outside the box. One of those ways is to provide funding for other people to think outside the box.”
Danielle Kearns-Sixsmith, Ed.D., DeSales’ new director of field experiences, authored the grant application. Together, she and Blamey are looking to recruit paraprofessionals and instructional aides who are already in the field of special education, but who lack either an undergraduate degree or the proper certification.
“They’re not walking in naïve to the needs of special ed. A lot of times paraprofessionals could be in this field for 15 years, and they have a wealth of expertise and knowledge, but they just need the certification. We’re trying to help them earn the credentials that they need to move up, but they’re already doing the heavy lifting.”
Sixsmith and Blamey divided the grant into three phases: research to better understand the needs of the field, creating closer connections with local intermediate units, and focusing on sustainability and how to continue meeting the needs of adult students.
According to Blamey, the current teacher crisis has been building since 2015. She points to an aging workforce coupled with evolving student needs. The COVID-19 pandemic only made matters worse.
“There is no solution on the table right now that is going to make it better—that’s not just in Pennsylvania, that’s across the board nationwide,” she says.
This isn’t the first time the education department has made moves to help ease the teacher shortage. DeSales was the first in Pennsylvania to offer the Special Education Pre-K-12 Intern Certification Program, which allows adult students to work as teachers while they earn certification.
Blamey and the department are also working on other unconventional opportunities for students this summer. Several special education field one students have partnered with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network to work with students who require medical care, such as feeding tubes. Blamey will present the findings of the partnership at The Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators conference this fall.
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!