Criminal Justice Minor
Advantages
Expand your knowledge of the court system and hone your research skills to assist in solving criminal cases.
Outcome
Forensic Science Technician
Undergraduate Major
Biochemistry Major (BS)
Explore the dynamic interface between biology and chemistry when you major in biochemistry. From a rigorous foundation in the sciences, you'll complete cutting-edge research and explore the world around you analytically and creatively.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Major
4+1 Bachelor's + Master's
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Biochemistry Major
The biochemistry major explores the cross-disciplinary link between the natural world and artificial chemical processes. Biochemistry helps increase our understanding of disease, genetics, DNA, and evolution. Supported by professors with vibrant industry connections, you'll graduate with strong, marketable skills and distinguished research projects that will set you on the inside track in a variety of industries ranging from research, health, biotechnology, chemical, and agri-food.
While at Widener, your education begins in small, rigorous classes and labs where you'll train in the theoretical and practical aspects of biology, chemistry, and their interconnections. As a biochemistry major, you'll get involved in research as early as your freshman year, collaborating with distinguished faculty members on diverse projects. You'll even have the chance to present your findings at professional conferences.
Program Options for Biochemistry Majors
New, incoming students and transfer students with a few completed college credits will join the full-time, traditional undergraduate biochemistry major track.
Program Details
- Full-time, 4-year program (transfer students may complete their degree in 3-4 years, depending on accepted credits)
- Completed in-person at our Chester, PA campus
Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements for the biochemistry major.
Widener's pre-professional pathways give you the flexibility to follow your interests while preparing for a professional career.
Biochemistry majors can participate in the following pathways:
At Widener, you can earn a bachelor's and a master's degree with only one additional year of study—regardless of your chosen major. Through our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you'll earn your bachelor's of choice and choose from a range of master's degrees that will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth—all while saving you time and money.
Interested in gaining real-world work experience before you graduate? As a student, you can tap into powerful networks of faculty mentors, alumni, and Career Design & Development professionals to find your perfect fit.
You'll have multiple opportunities to gain internship or externship support, including the Widener Works program—an externship program that takes place over winter break. Widener also offers an Experience MORE program which helps financially support students who have unpaid or low-paying internships.
Pair Your Biochemistry Major with a Minor or Certificate
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Biochemistry Majors
Why Study Biochemistry at Widener?
Participate in Extensive Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Undergraduate research is the hallmark of a biochemistry education at Widener. You'll have the opportunity to get involved in research as early as your freshman year, presenting your work at local and national conferences and co-authoring publications in peer-reviewed journals. Join the summer research program to even further your studies.
Learn in Sustainable, State-of-the-Art Laboratories
You'll have access to professional-grade instrumentation in both biology and chemistry labs. Additionally, the sciences at Widener operate under Green Chemistry principles, so you'll always be working with sustainability in mind. In fact, Widener was the first institution in Pennsylvania to sign the Green Chemistry Commitment in 2014.
Expand Your Network & Engage on Campus
Biochemistry majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the Biochemistry Club, the Beta Beta Beta - Biological Honors Society, and many more.
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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Recent News
The Inside Track in Action
Widener is known and valued for its powerful inside track, and Widener’s professors are at its heart. Get to know seven professors from across the university and the alumni they mentored who exemplify the life-changing impact of the inside track.
Making the Cut with CRISPR
Where can you use Nobel Prize-winning “genetic scissors” to research the impact of heat stress on commercial chickens or fat formation in fruit flies and humans? In Widener’s undergraduate biology and biochemistry labs.
A Bird’s-Eye View of Summer Research: Students Test Detergents to Save Wildlife Affected by Oil Spills
As part of a new partnership with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc., a student-faculty chemistry team are testing detergents to determine which is most effective at cleaning oil from the feathers of affected wildlife.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Paths to Savings
95% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid
Nearly 100% of new 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 $90,000 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.
Biochemistry Department
-
Kirkbride Hall, Room 562
- 610-499-4020
- aanagengast@widener.edu
Alexis A. Nagengast
Chair of Biochemistry
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Kirkbride Hall
Room 562C - (610) 499-4020
- aanagengast@widener.edu