
2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034-9568, USA


DeSales University was established in 1964, initially known as Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales. The university was founded to provide a comprehensive education grounded in liberal arts and sciences. Over the years, it evolved and expanded its academic offerings to include professional and graduate programs, reflecting its commitment to adapting to the changing educational needs of students.
The institution underwent a significant transformation in 2000 when it changed its name to DeSales University, signaling a broader mission and growth beyond its original regional focus. Throughout its development, the university preserved its emphasis on fostering critical thinking, ethical leadership, and service, which remain central to its educational philosophy.
DeSales University's history is marked by continuous growth in enrollment, infrastructure, and program diversity, positioning it as a dynamic institution that balances tradition with innovation. This evolution demonstrates its dedication to preparing students for a diverse and evolving global environment.
DeSales University offers a diverse range of academic programs through its distinct faculties and departments, designed to cater to the varied interests and career goals of prospective students. The university's academic structure is organized to provide comprehensive education in fields spanning the liberal arts, sciences, business, and health professions.
A key component of DeSales University's academic offerings can be found within its College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. This division includes departments such as English, History, Communication, and Psychology, which emphasize critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of human behavior and social dynamics.
The university also maintains a strong commitment to the sciences through its College of Health and Human Services. This faculty encompasses programs in Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Allied Health, among others. The focus here is on preparing students for professional roles in healthcare with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
In addition, DeSales University houses the business-focused Salesian College of Business. Its departments cover areas including Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management, aiming to equip students with skills essential for the competitive business world. The curriculum integrates both foundational business theories and contemporary practices to foster leadership and entrepreneurship.
Further academic units include the Division of Performing Arts, which offers departments such as Music, Theatre, and Dance. This area is dedicated to cultivating artistic talent and providing performance opportunities alongside rigorous training in various disciplines of the arts.
The university's academic environment also supports technological education, with departments committed to fields like Computer Information Systems and Computer Science. These programs emphasize both software and hardware knowledge critical to the evolving technology sector.
Overall, DeSales University structures its faculties and departments to deliver a blend of liberal arts education, professional preparation, and performance studies, thereby catering to a wide array of academic interests and future career pathways.
DeSales University is located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, within the northeastern region of the state. The campus sits at 2755 Station Avenue, easily accessible to students commuting from surrounding areas. Center Valley offers a suburban environment that can provide a quieter setting conducive to study, while still being close enough to more urban amenities.
For students traveling to and from campus by air, Lehigh Valley International Airport serves as the nearest major airport, facilitating national and regional connections. The local area code is 282-1100 for campus-related inquiries.
DeSales University aims to provide a comprehensive education that fosters both intellectual growth and practical skills, preparing students for meaningful careers and responsible citizenship. The institution emphasizes a commitment to academic excellence within a supportive environment that encourages personal development and ethical decision-making.
The university's vision focuses on cultivating a diverse and inclusive community where students are inspired to become compassionate leaders and innovators. It prioritizes a holistic approach to education, integrating liberal arts foundations with professional studies to equip students for the complexities of a modern global society.
Prospective students can expect a learning experience that values critical thinking, creativity, and service, helping them to develop not only expertise in their chosen fields but also a strong moral compass and a sense of social responsibility.
Name of the institution
DeSales UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1964
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$47,378Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Data not availableBiology, General
$39,040Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49,561Business/Commerce, General
Data not availableChemistry
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
Data not availableCommunication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
Data not availableComputer and Information Sciences, General
Data not availableCriminal Justice and Corrections
$33,883Dance
Data not availableDrama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$17,895Economics
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableFilm/Video and Photographic Arts
$22,919Finance and Financial Management Services
$50,149Health and Medical Administrative Services
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
$24,287Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Data not availableHistory
Data not availableHomeland Security
Data not availableHuman Resources Management and Services
Data not availableInternational Business
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableLinguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Data not availableManagement Information Systems and Services
Data not availableMarketing
$39,366Mathematics
Data not availableNon-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
Data not availablePharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Data not availablePhilosophy
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
Data not availablePsychology, General
$36,549Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Data not availableRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$67,552Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSpecialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Data not availableTheological and Ministerial Studies
Data not available