Ready to start?
HERE'S HOW TO APPLY.
Your DEC Journey starts with a short application and our Admissions team is here to help you every step of the way.
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Who can apply:
Diploma or GED.
A prospective student seeking admission to Douglas Education Center must be a high school graduate or hold a General Education Development (GED) Diploma.
Open to all.
DEC admits students without regard to race, religion, age, national origin, sex, or disability.
Still in HS?
High school seniors who have not yet graduated should submit a partial transcript indicating their expected graduation date. Upon graduation, an official transcript is required.
Six steps. That’s it.
Complete the online application.
Apply online at DEC Application Notification.
A $50 application fee and a $100 registration fee are required.
Admissions reaches out.
The Admissions Department will contact you at this point to confirm your application status and next steps.
Send your H.S. transcript.
Submit an official high school transcript directly to the Admissions Department. Applicants with a GED must provide official evidence of satisfactory performance.
Post-secondary transcript.
Submit official post-secondary transcripts if applying for transfer of credit. Course descriptions are also required for each course. Transfer of credit requests must be submitted no later than two weeks after the semester start date of your first semester. No exceptions.
Admissions Interview and Wonderlic Exam
The Admissions Department will contact you by telephone interview and Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination. A minimum score of 17 is required.
Common questions:
How long does the admissions process take?
Through easy-to-use text or email links, the admissions process/requirements are completed in a few primary steps: application, fee, and enrollment paperwork. The e-forms are user-friendly and students can complete the entire process efficiently.
Can I apply if I haven’t graduated high school yet?
Yes, you can apply before graduating high school. However, to officially start your program, you must provide proof of high school diploma or GED prior to starting classes.
How can I apply to DEC?
Students can apply electronically through our website here or in-person.
Are the application and registration fees refundable?
The application and registration fees are fully refunded if an applicant is denied acceptance.
Applicants who cancel within five business days of signing an enrollment agreement and making an initial payment receive a full refund of all monies paid. An applicant who cancels more than five business days after signing an enrollment agreement and making an initial payment, but before starting classes, is entitled to a refund of all monies paid minus a $150.00 fee.
How can I pay the $50 application fee?
You can pay the fee online, over the phone, or in person and we accept all major forms of payment.
When do classes start?
All Cosmetology and Creative Programs, as well as our HVAC and Electrical Programs, offer three class start dates each year: February, June, and October.
The Massage Therapy Program begins in April and October. CDL Program (Day) begins approximately every 7 weeks and CDL Program (Evening/Weekend) begins approximately every 10 weeks. Our Heavy Equipment & CDL with Safety Program begins about 3 times per year.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my application status?
Please call the Admissions Department at 724-653-2180 with any questions regarding your application status.
What are your Admission Requirements?
Our Admissions Requirements include the following: Online Application, $50 Application Fee, Proof of High School Diploma or GED, and successful completion of the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam. Certain programs may have additional requirements.
What is the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam and how do I prepare?
The Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam is a short exam that measures cognitive ability and logic skills. Students need at least 17 correct answers out of 50 questions. To prepare, review basic reading and problem-solving skills.
What if I don’t pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam on my first try?
If needed, students may have 3 opportunities to take the exam.
How do I schedule the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam?
The exam can be scheduled at our campus using the following link: www.dec.edu/schedulevisit/ or you can also use a proctor near you.
Where can I find a proctor for the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam?
You can find a proctor through a nearby high school (teacher, guidance counselor, or librarian), a college or university staff member, or a public library professional. Once selected, provide us with the proctor’s contact and mailing address so the exam can be mailed to the proctor.
Do you accept credits from other schools?
We review transfer credits for approval through an electronic workflow process. Students submit official transcripts, course descriptions, and an e-form using convenient electronic links. Once received, our education department carefully reviews the materials. Before credits can be accepted, all transfer credits are evaluated to ensure they meet our academic standards.
Do you offer Student Housing?
Yes! Housing is provided through an affiliate company, Boss Development Inc. (BDI). All BDI properties are within walking distance of our campus. For more information, please contact the BDI Tennant Relations Coordinator at 724-653-2224 or visit www.bdihousing.com.
What are class sizes like?
DEC has small class sizes to promote personalized learning and hands-on training.
Can I tour the campus before applying?
Absolutely! DEC encourages prospective students to visit our campus whenever possible.
Is Douglas Education Center accredited?
Yes! DEC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
What programs does Douglas Education Center offer?
- Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program
- George A. Romero’s Filmmaking Program
- Cosmetology Program
- Esthetics Program
- Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program
- Massage Therapy Program
- Advanced Cosmetic Techniques (Permanent Make-Up) Program
- Heavy Equipment and CDL with Safety Program
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Program
- Residential and Commercial Electrician Program
Transferring credits
to DEC:
Transfer of Credit Policy
All DEC applicants who have attended another post-secondary institution or have taken college-level courses may apply for transfer of credit for any course that parallels a course in their DEC program of study.
To apply, provide:
- An official transcript from the previous institution
- A course description for each course requested
The Chief Academic Officer reviews all requests. To be eligible, the prior course must have been completed with a grade of C or higher within the last ten (10) years. There is no guarantee that credits will transfer.
Deadline: All Transfer of Credit requests must be submitted no later than two weeks after the semester start date of your first semester. No exceptions.
For Cosmetology Transfer Students
Students transferring from another cosmetology school will be evaluated by the Supervisor of Cosmetology via a practical skills assessment and written examination to determine placement level. Upon evaluation, prior coursework will be applied to the appropriate DEC course.
tALK TO US
- 130 Seventh Street
- Monessen, PA 15062
- (724) 684-3684
- 1-800-413-6013