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 Open
Offered 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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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.
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.
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.
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
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 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
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.
Lean more about faculty mentorship
Explore resources for academic & career support
Find support for health & wellbeing
Student Stories
Our Faculty
"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."
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.
Recent News
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.
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.
On the Run: Widener Celebrates Cross Country Athlete’s Milestones
This Q&A takes a closer look at Gabby Nye, a record-setting member of the women's cross country team who racked up a series of accolades this season including becoming the first team member to secure the 2022 MAC individual title and be named the MAC runner of the year.
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
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
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Muller Hall
- 888-WIDENER
- admissions.office@widener.edu
Biology Department
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Kirkbride Hall, Room 469A
- 610-499-4519
- feweaver@widener.edu
