Tackle global issues like sustainability by investigating the building blocks of life when you study chemistry. Supported by award-winning professors, you'll gain hands-on experience to take far beyond the lab.
Major & Minor
On Campus
Embarking on a degree in chemistry at Widener will give you the skills necessary to help develop chemical technologies that help enrich our everyday life. A practical skill set plus your unique research interests mean you'll be ready to take on a rewarding career in many science professions, including research chemistry, forensics, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and beyond.
At Widener, you'll get involved in meaningful research as early as your sophomore year and complete your degree with an independent study project all while supported by nationally-recognized faculty who value the chance to get to know you.
Choose the traditional bachelor’s of science (BS) specialization to prepare for careers where a BS is required, such as research scientist, technical service, or graduate study in chemistry, or the bachelor’s of arts (BA) specialization to allow flexible, cross-disciplinary education in preparation for technical sales or professional graduate programs in medicine, pharmacy, law, or physical or occupational therapy. Both degrees offer the possibility of double majors and minors.
The bachelor's of science chemistry degree is certified by the American Chemical Society.
New, incoming students and transfer students with a few completed college credits will join the full-time, traditional undergraduate chemistry major with a degree specialization in either a bachelor's of science or a bachelor's of arts.
Program Details
Students have the option to pursue two chemistry degrees—a bachelor's of science or a bachelor's of arts. The first three semesters of both degrees are identical, giving you the flexibility to select either path during your second year of study. Students are encouraged to declare their degree early in their program and no later than the end of their sophomore year.
Bachelor's of Science (BS) in Chemistry Degree with ACS Certification
The chemistry BS provides in-depth, rigorous, and research-focused coursework across all chemistry disciplines preparing students for careers in research and for graduate study in chemistry. As part of the core curriculum, BS students will receive their nationally-recognized American Chemical Society (ACS) certification giving them the leading edge as technically-prepared chemistry professionals.
BS students interested in graduate professional schools (e.g., medical or law school) may work with their academic advisor to ensure they meet all requirements.
Explore benefits of an ACS certified-degree
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Bachelor's of Arts (BA) in Chemistry Degree
The chemistry BA degree provides a solid background in various disciplines of chemistry with greater flexibility for students wishing to complete professional pathways or explore other interests. It is designed for students interested in pursuing graduate professional work in medical school, pharmacy school, physician assistant programs, forensics, physical or occupational therapy, and law, and for those interested in careers where a BS degree may not be required, such as pharmaceutical sales and chemical technician. Students interested in ACS certification can work with their faculty advisor to include the additional coursework required to meet certification standards.
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Interested in sustainability?
In addition to a BA or BS in chemistry, Widener University also offers a BS in Green Chemistry.
Widener's pre-professional pathways give you the flexibility to follow your interests while preparing for a professional career.
Chemistry majors can participate in the following pathways:
Dual Degree Option: BS/BSE in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
BS students may earn a BS/BSE in chemistry/chemical engineering enrolled in both the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering. Students interested in pursuing this dual degree option should apply to both the chemistry BS and chemical engineering BSE when applying to Widener.
Students pursuing the BS/BSE dual degree option can work with their advisor to meet the additional requirements for American Chemical Society (ACS) certification. ACS certification will require additional coursework. Loading... for this dual degree.
Flexible Double Major Options for BA Students
The bachelor's of arts in chemistry affords students the option to pursue many double major combinations based on their interests. Examples include but are not limited to:
As the first Pennsylvania institution to sign the Green Chemistry Commitment to transform university-level chemistry education, we're on the cutting-edge of all things green. With sustainably-informed curriculum and faculty engaged in the latest in environmentally-conscious research, you'll be prepared to enter a career with global sustainability goals in mind.
With opportunities to get involved in research after your first year, you'll constantly be putting your knowledge to use in the lab. Working with professional-grade equipment in state-of-the-art labs, you'll have the chance to present and perhaps publish your own research, putting you on the inside track long before you graduate.
Chemistry majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside campus to expand their network, including the Chemistry Club, the Criminal Justice Organization, and many more.
With hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs and knowledge of complex global issues, our chemistry graduates hold resumes distinguished by career-specific learning opportunities.
"Science programs at Widener are designed so that students learn how to make decisions and answer questions. An undergraduate degree is not about learning to follow directions, it is about learning to look for questions, finding answers, and learning how you know."
The Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities program, or SURCA, saw a record number of participants this year from across academic disciplines. Included in this group were several students taking part for the first time.
Finding the right university can be a challenge. With one-on-one guidance from advisors and faculty, students who transfer to Widener find the right degree path, career mentorships and a second home with the Pride.
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.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
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 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.
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.
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.
Muller Hall
Kirkbride Hall, Room 467C
