Two students work together on a laptop while exploring ideas and projects in Widener University's AI major.
Undergraduate Major

AI Major: Artificial Intelligence Degree (BS)

As an AI major at Widener, you'll learn to build, manage, and optimize AI tools, giving you the expertise to excel at the skills that are in demand today—and the foundational knowledge to adapt to wherever the future of tech takes you.

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  1. Academics
  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. AI Major: Artificial Intelligence Degree (BS)

At a Glance

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Campus Location
  • Chester, PA

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Explore the AI Major

As an AI major at Widener, you'll pair a foundation in computer science with advanced, specialized training in artificial intelligence. This artificial intelligence degree prepares you to build, manage, and optimize the technologies shaping the future.

Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of the curriculum. You'll create AI systems that solve real problems, train machine learning models, and explore the ethical and societal impact of AI, all while gaining expertise in algorithms, machine learning, software engineering, neural networks and deep learning, programming, data structures, and more. You can also complete an optional, paid co-op and gain work-ready skills and professional connections before you graduate.

AI Major Program Options

Students pursuing an AI degree will delve into the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and build on that knowledge through a curriculum that evolves alongside emerging technologies.

  View curriculum and coursework requirements for AI majors.

College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth. 

Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:

  • How to make a difference in a diverse world with an inclusive mindset
  • How to write and edit for clear, compelling communication
  • How to analyze data and make decisions using critical thinking

It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.

Through Widener’s Accelerated Advantage program, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree with only one additional year of study—saving you valuable time and money. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).
 
While Widener does not offer a master’s degree in the same field as this major, you can still select from a variety of powerhouse master’s programs that will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth.

Learn more about our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 Program

Pair Your AI Major with a Minor or Certificate

Management Minor

Advantages

Develop the knowledge to understand, manage, and lead people, processes, and projects.

Outcome

AI Product Manager

Data Science & Intelligence Minor

Advantages

Leverage AI, data science, and business intelligence tools to gather, analyze, and use data to make strategic business decisions.

Outcome

Business Intelligence Developer

Computer Forensics Minor

Advantages

Develop investigative techniques to identify and analyze data from computer devices, systems, or networks that are admissible in court.

Outcome

AI Security Engineer

Mathematics Minor

Advantages

Deepen your foundation of mathematical skills to solve an array of complex problems by creating algorithms and data models.

Outcome

Data Scientist

Marketing Minor

Advantages

Explore how consumer research, behavior, and engagement drive business strategy.

Outcome

AI User Experience (UX) Researcher

Why Become an AI Major at Widener?

Widener University computer science professor Suk-Chung Yoon stands next to a student on the computer.

Gain Real-World Experience

Complete 8 months of professional work experience through Widener's optional cooperative education (co-op) program and still graduate in 4 years. Work at a renowned business like SAP, Vanguard, or Lockheed Martin and pay no tuition while you do so. Many students choose to also pursue a 4-month internship, which gives them a year of work experience.

Computer Science Research

Engage in Research in State-of-the-Art Facilities

Apply what you learn to meaningful research projects. Our students have pursued projects in cryptology, steganalysis (detecting information hidden inside images), computational cancer research, and bioinformatics. Supported by your professors, you'll then have the chance to present your findings at the annual Student Project Day.

You'll conduct much of your research in Freedom Hall, which holds three student-managed computer laboratories with 66 Linux and Windows workstations, a computer forensics lab with 12 specialized FRED systems, and a high-performance computing cluster. You'll have the opportunity to work part-time as a lab manager to help administer the network.

Widener University business students socialize.

Expand Your Network & Engage on Campus

Computer Science/Information Systems majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the Alpha Mu Gamma - International Modern Language Honor Society, the Alpha Chi Sigma, and many more.

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Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.

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Our Faculty

Suk-Chung Yoon
Suk-Chung Yoon
Associate Dean of Sciences

"Widener’s programs provide students with the experience and knowledge to enable them to become leaders in the IT industry. Teaching with personal attention is our primary goal; classes are small."

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Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

Widener FAFSA Code 003313

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need. 

You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.

 

    Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid

    Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.

    The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.

    Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years

    (including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)

    Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.

    4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

    In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

    Fund Your Internship Experience

    Widener's Experience MORE! program helps fund meaningful summer internship experiences for College of Arts & Sciences students to help offset the costs of underpaid or unpaid internships.

    More About Tuition & Financial Aid

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