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.
Embarking on a degree in chemistry at Widener will give you the skills necessary to study the tiniest details of the greatest global issues.
Innovative research lives at the heart of your chemistry education. You'll get involved in meaningful research as early as your sophomore year and complete your degree with an independent study project.
And you'll be supported all the way. With small class sizes, you'll receive individualized attention from nationally-recognized faculty who value the chance to get to know you.
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.
The chemistry program is accredited by the American Chemical Society.
Students have the option to pursue a traditional chemistry track or a more extensive American Chemical Society certification track. Students are encouraged to declare their track—ACS certified or not—early in their program and no later than the end of their sophomore year.
Traditional Chemistry Track
The traditional chemistry BS is designed to meet the needs of students who want a strong foundation in chemistry, but who do not necessarily wish to pursue a traditional career in chemistry.
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American Chemical Society (ACS) Track
Students who want more extensive coursework in chemistry and mathematics may choose to earn a bachelor of science with American Chemical Society (ACS) certification. Loading... for the ACS track.
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:
Students may earn a BS/BSE in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering. Loading... for this dual degree.
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Students majoring in chemistry can obtain secondary certification in chemistry by completing the secondary education track. Loading...
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.
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.
You'll build meaningful relationships with your professors in small classes that focus on your individual needs and goals. With first-year labs capped at 16 students and most lectures capped at 30 students, you won't get lost in the crowd—you'll build a second family that supports you both personally and professionally.
Our professors invest in your success through close mentoring and continual feedback. Get to know our chemistry faculty.
"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."
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.
Widener's innovative faculty stepped up to provide two virtual camp experiences for middle- and high school-age students around the world.
As Widener continues to navigate these unprecedented times, the university is building on the success of the spring semester and preparing for a productive fall by upgrading technology to accommodate students’ learning needs and supporting faculty as they find creative ways to engage students.
Our graduates are starting successful careers in the chemical industry, attending graduate school in chemistry or forensics, or pursuing professional degrees such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, and law.
Kirkbride Hall, Room 466B