Founded in 1972, the School for New Learning (SNL) is DePaul’s college for adults.

SNL offers several undergraduate degree programs: a Bachelor of Arts with an individualized Focus Area; a Bachelor of Arts in Computing jointly with the College of Computing and Digital Media; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing jointly with the Department of Nursing; a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education jointly with the School of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in General Business, jointly with the College of Commerce.

The SNL degree programs are designed to help adults attain and demonstrate competence in specific areas that are characteristic of educated persons.  SNL students take initiative to set their own educational goals and design their programs of learning.  In general, the SNL student demonstrates 50 degree requirements, known as competences, in the social sciences, humanities, physical sciences, humanities, studentship skills (such as communication, research, critical thinking, decision-making) and in an individualized or pre-set focus area.  In certain degree programs, competence statements are satisfied by certain Business, Computer Science, Education or Nursing courses.

A consistent theme through all degree programs is the development of skills in independent inquiry, research, and reflection. Each student works with a faculty mentor and a professional advisor to determine competencies already mastered and to plan a program for satisfying the remaining competencies. Students may fulfill competencies in a variety of ways, including demonstrating college-level learning from previous experience, doing coursework at SNL or other accredited colleges, and undertaking independent learning projects. 

SNL will begin offering two new degree-completion programs in several months at the Naperville Campus.  Both are course- rather than competence-based degrees designed for adults who are at least 24 years old and have associate degrees, but the individual courses will be open to SNL competence students as well.  The two degrees are Applied Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Studies.  Students can finish these degrees in 2 years, attending classes one night a week.  Look for more information in the coming months.

Courses at SNL are offered in the evening, on weekends, and online. These courses, designed with the adult learner in mind, are offered by a talented and diverse group of experienced teachers, scholars, practitioners and performers. Students are expected to participate actively in courses and to discover applications for the knowledge and skill gained.

Information sessions describing the programs in greater detail are held regularly at DePaul’s Loop, O’Hare, Naperville, and Oak Forest campuses, as well as online. To sign up and access additional information, go to  http://snl.depaul.edu