Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies Minor
Advantages
More fully understand and engage in gender and sexuality topics in biology.
Outcome
Health Professional
Undergraduate Major
Biology Major (BA/BS)
From genetics to zoology, biology forms the comprehensive study of life. At Widener, you'll gain the scientific skills and creativity necessary for discovery and innovation in a range of scientific fields.
At a Glance
Click to OpenOffered as
Major & Minor
Format
On Campus
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Biology Major
As the study of living organisms, Biology is everywhere and the foundation of many fascinating careers including health professions, teaching, biotech and research, and public service. While a biology major at Widener, you'll graduate with more than a degree—you'll emerge a critical thinker skilled in the scientific process with a passion for making discoveries of your own.
Choose the traditional BS track to prepare for graduate study and admission to medical school, or the BA track for cross-disciplinary training in another field like anthropology or professional writing. Both degrees offer a rigorous foundation and an individualized series of electives you'll plan with a faculty advisor.
Program Options for Biology Majors
New, incoming students and transfer students with a few completed college credits will join the full-time, traditional undergraduate biology major with a degree specialization in either a bachelor's of science or a bachelor's of arts.
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
Choose from two degree specializations in biology. The first three semesters of both programs are identical, giving you the flexibility to select either degree path during your second year of study.
BS in Biology
The BS in biology program is designed to provide a solid foundation in the sciences. In addition, it incorporates a flexible selection of biology electives that permits students to design biology curricula tailored to their individual academic interests and career goals. Through appropriate selection of courses, curricula can be designed to prepare students:
- For entrance into professional schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatric medicine, and other branches of the healing arts.
- For graduate education in various fields of the life sciences such as biochemistry, molecular biology, plant or animal physiology, environmental science, genetic engineering, or microbiology.
- For post-baccalaureate education in careers in the allied health fields such as physical therapy.
- For careers in academic or industrial research, governmental agencies, or technical sales.
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BA in Biology
The BA in biology program is designed to allow students to seek training in biology and in another field. Careers and graduate programs benefiting from this cross-disciplinary approach include physical therapy, genetic counseling, law, technical writing, and management in the biomedical sciences.
Students pursuing the BA will design a curriculum of 18–24 credits in some area of specialization outside of biology that supports their professional goals. Suggestions for achieving this objective are to minor in areas such as a modern language, anthropology or sociology (pre-PT), psychology (pre-PT, counseling), legal studies and analysis (pre-law), professional writing, and economics. Student-designed curricula are strongly encouraged. To facilitate this increase in course requirements, BA students have reduced requirements in their science coursework.
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Widener's pre-professional pathways give you the flexibility to follow your interests while preparing for a professional career.
Biology majors can participate in the following pathways:
The Honors in Biology program is for students who wish to extend their studies beyond the requirements for a BS in biology. These students complete a three-semester sequence during which they work with a faculty mentor to propose and conduct an independent, investigative, novel laboratory or field research project in the biological sciences, culminating in a senior thesis. In recognition of their commitment and their motivation to exceed the requirements of the bachelor’s in science degree in biology, students that complete and defend their senior thesis before a committee and earn a minimum grade of “A-”, will graduate with the “Honors in Biology” designation.
Pair Your Biology Major with a Minor or Certificate
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Biology Majors
Why Study Biology at Widener?
Engage in Extensive Undergraduate Research Opportunities
You'll engage in research as early as your first year with multi-week projects and presentations in introductory courses spanning molecular biology to field ecology. From there, you'll take on multi-semester research projects with distinguished faculty and have the chance to publish and present your findings nationally. Deepen your studies by participating in the summer research program.
Expand Your Network & Engage on Campus
Biology majors have the opportunity to oin various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the Biology Club, the Environmental Club, and many more
Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One
Student Stories
Our Faculty
I engage my students through courses and 1:1 independent projects in ecological research locally in Chester and internationally in Latin America, as well as through service learning projects in urban gardening with a local elementary school. At Widener you will grow in skills, confidence, and empowerment in your career path. Visit and find out more!
Now more than ever, students are needed in all sectors of society who can think critically and wholistically about the complex environmental problems facing our world. This program is purposely designed to train the next generation of professionals who will help solve these issues.
"The students we attract to biology are inquisitive, conscientious, and hardworking—it's why I love teaching and conducting research with students at Widener. My research currently focuses on studying the effects of stress on neural activity in the songbird brain."
Recent News
STEM Teaching Center Brings Community Learning and Engagement to Life
The STEM Teaching Center, formerly known as the Science Teaching Center, is making a big local impact and creating a pathway for students from across the university to engage with the community.
Corpse Flower Produces Pungent Bloom on Campus
A corpse flower owned and nurtured by Professor Stephen Madigosky bloomed in Kirkbride hall.
How We Spent our Summer Vacation
Partnering with faculty advisors, more than 60 students participated in the annual Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life, hands-on projects.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions
Financial Aid
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
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.
Undergraduate Admissions Office
-
Muller Hall
University Pl
Chester, PA 19013
- 888-WIDENER
- admissions.office@widener.edu
Biology Department
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Kirkbride Hall, Room 423C
- 610-499-1086
- kgoodrich@widener.edu
Bruce W. Grant
Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
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Kirkbride Hall
Room 414 - (610) 499-4017
- bwgrant@widener.edu