Take the inside track to a career in chemical engineering where you will use science, engineering, and mathematics to solve societal problems.
In our chemical engineering, you'll apply knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to the development, design, and operation of industrial processes involving both chemical and physical changes in order to solve a wide range of problems to benefit society.
Chemical engineers are the key professionals involved in the discovery, development, and production of food, fuels, pharmaceuticals, clean water, and the modern materials used in electronics, apparel, and construction.
Here, you'll implement unique approaches and disciplines of engineering to the fundamental sciences in a supportive environment that encourages analytical thinking, while being exposed to the industry through real-world application.
The chemical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. See recent enrollment and graduation data.
In addition to the basic physical sciences underlying all engineering, the chemical engineering curriculum focuses on practical approaches to problem-solving, which will prepare you for a wide choice of careers in pharmaceutical, chemical, food, biochemical, and polymer industries, as well as government agencies.
Your coursework will begin with an emphasis on chemistry and mathematics. You'll began taking specific courses in engineering at the start of your sophomore year. During senior year, you'll take a two-semester process design course in which you will design a chemical engineering process to produce specified products and then analyze it for safety, operational stability, environmental impacts and economic benefits.
You'll also participate in a year-long project that simulates both the technical and business aspects of a professional engineering project, ranging from research to creative conception and design, to construction and evaluation.
For educational objectives, student outcomes, and curriculum sequence, view our Loading...
You can earn both a bachelor of science and a master of science in engineering degree in just 4 to 5 years through the Loading.... This is a great option to take advantage of if you are considering a master's degree.
You can apply for admission to the program any time after your second semester for freshmen or after the first semester for transfer students.
Customize your engineering degree by choosing to Loading... in the School of Engineering such as environmental engineering or mechanical engineering, or with other programs such as chemistry.
As a chemical engineering student, you can pursue a Loading... and still graduate in 4 years, by carefully selecting your technical electives and taking a small number of additional courses to complete the program.
Interested students should contact the chairs of both departments to arrange their study program and schedule.
Chemical Engineering Minor
If you are pursing another major or field of engineering, but are interested in careers in the pharmaceutical, chemical process, or petrochemical industries, consider a minor in chemical engineering. A Loading... includes important aspects of chemistry to provide significant exposure to the discipline. Contact the chemical engineering department for more information.
For an inside track into your career, the School of Engineering offers an optional cooperative education program where you can complete up to 1 year of professional work experience and graduate within 4 years, unlike other universities that extend the length of undergraduate programs.
As a co-op student, you'll spend your first year in the classroom, but in your sophomore year you'll spend 4 months working in the industry. Your third year can contain up to 8 months of work experience and you'll finish your final year on campus.
Our co-op program allows you to start your professional career 1 year earlier than a typical 5-year co-op program and earn an additional year of salary. You may also have the opportunity to receive full-time employment from your co-op or internship employers upon graduation.
Learn more about our co-op program and our Loading... for engineering students.
Need a new laptop to start college? The School of Engineering awards laptops to high school and transfer students who meet the following requirements.
Graduate high school with a combined math and critical reading SAT score of 1310 or higher or ACT composite score of 28 or higher with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) or transfer with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) and have completed 1 calculus and 1 science course approved for engineering.
Enroll in 1 of Widener’s engineering majors – biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, or robotics – and remain enrolled full time for 4 semesters pursuing a designated engineering curriculum.
Students who meet the above criteria are guaranteed a laptop! A Widener application for admission is required. No separate application for a laptop is required.
The Engineering LLC provides freshmen engineering students a unique opportunity to live and learn together through a variety of co-curricular activities and social events.
This peer support system eases the transition to college. Monthly meetings introduce freshmen to scholarly faculty work and diverse programming complements the classroom while addressing personal development, academic skills, and success in the engineering profession.
To request housing in the engineering LLC, look for an email from Admissions after you've made your deposit, which will describe how to complete the online housing application.
The engineering honors program is an exciting opportunity for academically talented students to enrich their engineering education with advanced honors courses, an honors seminar, collaboration with faculty on research, civic engagement, and professional and leadership development opportunities.
Students can complete their program of study in 4 years graduating with a certificate of honors in engineering.
See our catalog for Loading....
From research projects to co-op experiences, your Widener education will prepare you for a career of innovative discovery in chemical engineering.
Even as an undergraduate, you'll have the opportunity to partner with faculty on investigative research projects for exciting topics such as creating advanced materials, novel drug discovery and synthesis, discovering methods to enable the body's immune cells to fight cancer, and developing novel materials to recover to rare-earth elements. These research programs are supported by such institutions as the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health.
Through the co-op program, you can complete professional work experience and graduate in 4 years. The benefit: you'll not only save educational costs but you'll also start your career earlier than most engineering graduates.
From small class sizes to student and faculty research projects, faculty are invested in your success. Here, you'll learn from faculty, not graduate assistants, as you prepare for your career in engineering.
Engineering education at Widener is distinguished by close student-faculty interaction. Meet the faculty who will lead you to a powerful engineering career.
"At Widener, we are at the forefront of combining rigorous academics with experiential learning, and accordingly we train you in applying the unique chemical engineering knowledge to a wide variety of fields, ranging from chemicals and petrochemicals to more modern applications in bioengineering, nanotechnology, and pharmaceuticals."
"In dealing with the most complex and critical areas of the subjects, I always like to ask the students to adopt the process of independent thinking and analytical reasoning rather than just memorizing things, which, I believe, is the key approach to generating expertise within the students."
"I believe in developing the student's ability to apply the fundamental principles underlying chemical engineering to practical problems."
Take the inside track to a career in chemical engineering.
Have a question? Want to talk with us more about your options? Give us a call, or send an email today.
Kirkbride Hall, Room 166
Kirkbride Hall
Room 166