DeSales University

What is the history of DeSales University?

DeSales University is a private Catholic university in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, founded in 1964 by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. It opened as Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales and adopted the DeSales University name in 2001.

The name change reflected an institution that had grown beyond its original undergraduate college model to offer graduate and professional study. Its founding religious affiliation remains visible in its mission, campus ministry, and emphasis on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales. Prospective students can expect a Catholic institutional identity alongside programs in fields such as business, health care, education, and the arts.

What are the faculties and departments at DeSales University?

DeSales offers undergraduate and graduate study across the arts and sciences, business, education, health professions, and performing arts. Students can pursue subjects as different as biology, accounting, nursing, psychology, criminal justice, dance, and theatre.

The university also offers professional and graduate pathways, including health-related programs. Applicants should look at the requirements for their intended degree rather than assume that admission to the university is the same as admission to a clinical placement, professional program, or particular major. Curricula, licensure preparation, and hands-on requirements differ substantially across these fields.

What is the location of DeSales University?

DeSales University's main campus is in Center Valley, in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. The setting is outside a major city center, so commuting, internships, and off-campus activities may involve driving or arranging transportation.

Allentown, Bethlehem, and other Lehigh Valley communities provide nearby employers, health care facilities, cultural venues, and shopping. Lehigh Valley International Airport serves the region. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, but drivers should check current parking rules and costs before making plans.

What is the mission and vision of DeSales University?

DeSales describes its educational mission as combining liberal arts and professional preparation within the Catholic, Salesian tradition. Its stated approach draws on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales and emphasizes learning, personal development, and service.

That identity matters when evaluating campus fit: religious programming and service opportunities are part of institutional life, although a student's academic and extracurricular experience will depend on the program and activities they choose. The mission is a statement of the university's aims, not a measurable guarantee about any student's outcomes.