2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Version)
College of Arts & Sciences
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The College of Arts and Sciences consists of the Divisions of Humanities, Social Science, and Science. Courses in these areas provide students with a broad undergraduate foundation that prepares them for leadership roles in society, fosters intellectual and personal growth, and develops creative talents to navigate contemporary challenges. Through these disciplines, students gain the knowledge, skills, and intellectual flexibility to thrive in an ever-evolving world while enhancing the richness of their personal and professional lives. Students must satisfy the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences and their major program to graduate.
The Humanities
Click here for curricula ladders for Creative Writing , English , Art and Music , History , and Modern Languages .
Courses offered by the Humanities Division foster a sense of historical consciousness, aesthetic appreciation, and philosophical judgment. The study of the humanities demands rigorous interpretation and openness to multiple perspectives. Through this program, students develop depth and breadth in their understanding of the human condition. Students majoring in one of the humanities will work out a sound, balanced program of study in close consultation with their faculty advisors. Such a program includes a range of courses within the chosen field of study, as well as coursework in related disciplines. Students in academic and pre-professional programs frequently pursue certificates, minors, or second majors in one of the various disciplines that comprise the Humanities Division.
Course offerings and requirements for each major in the Humanities Division follow a logical sequence; typically students begin their course of study with lower-level classes. In addition to fulfilling the requirements leading to the Bachelor of Arts in one or more of the above fields, students take courses in art studio, art history, dance, history, Italian, music performance, Spanish, philosophy, and theater. Humanities faculty are committed to sparking curiosity and facilitaing learning in all areas of the division, and to the development of strong writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills in every student. Faculty welcome opportunities to advise and mentor students through guided research, experiential learning, and independent studies tailored to each student’s academic and professional interests. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 2.0 in courses required for the major.
The Social Sciences
Click here for curricula ladders for Anthropology , Communication Studies, Criminal Justice , Political Science , International Relations , Psychology , and Sociology .
The goals of the Social Science Division are threefold: to give students the broad and varied educational experiences necessary for them to be informed and useful citizens in today’s complex and ever-changing world; to enable students to pursue major areas of study that will prepare them for professional careers after graduation; and to provide students with the opportunity to relate their coursework in a meaningful fashion to the real world through direct placements in organizations and community agencies.
There are three broad fields represented within the Social Science Division: behavioral sciences (includes majors in anthropology, criminal justice, psychology, and sociology), political science (includes international relations and political science), and communication studies. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 2.0 in courses required for the major.
Educational Options for Individualized Curricula in the Social Sciences
The Social Science Division has a number of educational options that may be combined with most of its major programs. By selecting one of the options that includes minors and double majors, it is possible for students to develop individualized courses of study compatible with their career plans or their plans for graduate and professional education. Advisors work closely with students at the end of their freshman year to plan their programs in order to ensure that their education is consistent with their long-range interests.
Educational Options for Individualized Curricula for Social Science Majors
Double Majors and Dual Degrees
Students wishing to earn a double major or dual degree may do so by meeting the requirements for each major. Only one research methods course and senior project are required. Students wishing to earn a double major or dual degree should meet with their advisors to discuss which majors would be appropriate.
Minors
Social science majors may wish to minor in another social science or take one of the minors offered by the humanities or the science division.
The Sciences
Click here for curricula ladders for Biochemistry , Biology, BA , Biology, BS , Chemistry, BA , Chemistry, BS , Computer Information Systems , Computer Science , Environmental Science/Biology , Environmental Science and Sustainability , Environmental Health and Sustainability Management , Green Chemistry , Mathematics , Physics .
The major programs in the sciences are designed to prepare students for further study at the graduate level or in professional schools; for employment in hospitals, industry, research institutions, and governmental agencies.
All courses of study present opportunities for students to investigate the areas of the humanities, social sciences, and economics.
The minor programs in the sciences offer students from other disciplines the opportunity to pursue a sub-specialization of interest in an orderly fashion. Most of the major programs offer minors, and minors in experimental science and natural science are also available.
All students completing a major or minor in science are required to have a 2.0 GPA in all science courses and a 2.0 GPA in their major and minor to be eligible for graduation.
Pre-Medicine/Health Professions
Students preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other health professions may major in any discipline so long as they meet the basic course requirements of the professional school of interest. To ensure proper course selection, pre-professional students should register with the health professions advisor early in the first year and indicate their goals to their academic advisors.
Pre-Medical Concentration
The Health Professions Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences has approved a concentration of courses to assist students preparing for the study of medicine, optometry, dentistry, podiatric medicine, and veterinary medicine. Students in any major are encouraged to consult with the health professions advisor to plan their programs.
The courses listed as foundation courses satisfy the entrance requirements of most health professions schools. To be competitive, a student should have a cumulative average of 3.5 or better overall and in the sciences at the end of junior year. Most medical schools and other schools of the doctoral health professions minimally require two courses in biology, four courses in chemistry, two courses in physics, two courses in English, and one course in mathematics.
Accelerated Programs in the Health Professions
In collaboration with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, or Salus University, Widener offers seven-year programs leading to the degrees of bachelor of science and doctor of osteopathic medicine, doctor of osteopathic medicine, doctor of dental medicine, doctor of podiatric medicine, or doctor of optometry. The three years of undergraduate study at Widener proceed at a normal pace, following an adapted curriculum ladder for the BS in biology, including all of the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. The bachelor of science degree will be awarded by Widener after successful completion of the first year at the professional school and transfer of the appropriate courses to Widener.
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