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Undergraduate Major

Green Chemistry Major (BS)

Supported by award-winning professors, you'll gain hands-on experience and learn to develop greener solutions to today's global sustainability and environmental issues through the lens of chemistry. 

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  1. Academics
  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. Green Chemistry Major (BS)

At a Glance

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Major​

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On Campus

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Campus Location
  • Chester, PA

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Explore the Green Chemistry Major 

As a green chemistry major, you'll gain foundational knowledge about chemistry and sustainability and emerge an innovative, critical thinker ready to tackle global environmental issues. 

Why Earn a Cutting-Edge Green Chemistry Degree?

  • You'll innovate with an eco-friendly mindset.
  • You'll apply the principles of green chemistry to address environmental concerns.
  • You'll create green solutions to protect the environment and human health. 
  • You'll have the flexibility and experience to pursue career paths in sustainability, chemistry, or the combined field.

When you graduate, you'll not only be American Chemical Society (ACS) certified, you'll be ready to take on a rewarding career in many science professions, including pharmaceutical chemistry, biofuels and biomolecular engineering, regulatory affairs, chemical research, and beyond.

American Chemical Society (ACS) logo

The green chemistry program is certified by the American Chemical Society. 

 

Program Options for Green Chemistry Majors

New, incoming students and transfer students with a few completed college credits will join the full-time, traditional undergraduate green chemistry major track.

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

Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements. 

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.

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. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).
 
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

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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.  

Learn more about internships

Pair Your Green Chemistry Major with a Minor or Certificate

Environmental Engineering Minor

Advantages

Deepen your knowledge of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.

Outcome

Biofuels Plant Engineer

Biology Minor, Cell & Molecular

Advantages

Examine how evolutionary mechanisms at cellular and molecular levels affect information flow in living systems.

Outcome

Biomolecular Engineer

Biology Minor, General

Advantages

Expand your understanding of principles of governing life processes at all levels–molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological.

Outcome

Pharmaceutical Chemist

Mathematics Minor

Advantages

Apply your foundation of mathematical skills to solve an array of complex conservation problems.

Outcome

Environmental Analyst

Business Minor

Advantages

Develop a foundation covering all fields of business to gain a skill set that's often sought after by employers.

Outcome

Environmental Auditor

Career Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

  • Biofuels & biomolecular engineer
  • Environmental regulation, protection, & conservation scientist
  • Environmental research specialist
  • Pharmaceutical chemist

Why Study Green Chemistry at Widener?

Biochemistry Green Seal

Belong to a Culture of Sustainability

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 sustainability-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.

You will also have the chance to explore broader perspectives on sustainability by customizing your electives to other aspects of sustainability, including environmental justice, politics, and culture.

chemistry students work in lab during covid-19 with masks on

Conduct Meaningful Green Chemistry Research

With opportunities to get involved in research after your first year, you'll apply green chemistry to address environmental issues. You'll work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge research using state-of-the-art equipment in eco-conscious labs. You'll also have the chance to present your own research within our Widener community as part of Student Project Day as well as through national and regional conferences, putting you on the inside track long before you even graduate.

Biology student and faculty

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 faculty research at arboretum

Expand Your Network & Engage on Campus

Green Chemistry majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside campus to expand their network, including the Chemistry Club, the Environmental Club, and many more.

Program Highlights

With hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs and knowledge of complex global environmental issues and scientific applications, our graduates are prepared to make a difference in leading-edge careers.

East Coast's 1st Green Chem Major

Widener offers the East Coast's first undergraduate green chemistry major, and one of very few nationwide. 

ACS Accredited

Show employers you're prepared with a bachelor's of science degree from an American Chemistry Society accredited program and an ACS certification.

11:1 Student-Faculty Ratio

Small class sizes allow faculty to make you the priority.

More about faculty mentorship

Recent News

Two students in lab coats, masks and goggles work in a lab with equipment and a notebook

Breaking Down Silos to Protect the Environment

Widener is preparing students to live, work, and lead in the green economy through interdisciplinary academic programs that take a broader look at environmental health and sustainability.

View All College of Arts & Sciences News

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.

Learn more about the application process

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! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

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.

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

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.

Widener FAFSA Code 003313

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.

    More About Tuition & Financial Aid

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    Tuition & 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.

    Apply

    Applying online has never been easier—and it’s free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.