School of Engineering

Return to: Academic Schools/Departments/Programs

The engineering programs provide graduates with the knowledge to lead a successful professional career and to pursue graduate studies. The curricula include a carefully chosen mix of basic science, engineering science, engineering design, practical engineering applications, and the humanities and social sciences.

Majors in biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, and robotics engineering are offered. Freshmen may defer their decisions on a major until the beginning of their second semester.

Mission

Widener University’s School of Engineering is dedicated to providing quality undergraduate and graduate education and to advancing the state of knowledge in engineering, with the aim of preparing graduates for successful professional careers.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the university requirements, incoming engineering freshmen are expected to demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and critical reading through either standardized tests, SAT^® or ACT^®, or their high school academic records.

International Applicants

In addition to meeting the university’s and the school’s requirements, international applicants must complete the Mathematics Assessment Test administered through Widener University or provide evidence of satisfactory knowledge to pursue an engineering major.

Admission with Advanced Standing

Official scores and transcripts for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment courses should be submitted to the Office of Admissions as soon as they become available and prior to the start of the first semester.

Admission for Transfer Students

In addition to the university requirements, transfer students from four-year or two-year accredited institutions must have, at the time of their matriculation at Widener, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 and must have completed at least one calculus course and one science course in chemistry, physics, or biology that is approved for transfer credit toward the graduation requirements in one of the engineering curricula.

The School of Engineering has articulation agreements with select two-year community colleges. This program assures admission into the School of Engineering with junior standing for students who have satisfactorily completed the first two years of an approved course sequence.

Academic Requirements

The requirements for the degrees of bachelor of science in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and robotics engineering are shown under the various curricula on subsequent pages.

Engineering students must satisfy the university General Education requirements as described under “General Education  ” section of the catalog, including the Writing Enriched and Diversity requirements. Students should work with their academic advisor to ensure that all requirements are met. Engineering students are exempt from the Flex course.

Students who wish to take graduate courses must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and must get the approval of their academic advisor.

Academic Proficiency and Graduation Requirement

Academic records of undergraduate students are reviewed by the Academic Review Committee of the School of Engineering at the end of each academic semester and summer session to ensure students are making satisfactory academic progress. The Criteria for Satisfactory Academic Progress in Undergraduate Majors are maintained in the engineering departments and the Dean’s office. The criteria are designed to guide students whose academic performance is unsatisfactory toward successful completion of their degree requirements.

In addition to satisfying university requirements, engineering students must demonstrate academic proficiency in their major by maintaining a cumulative and technical GPA of 2.0 or better throughout their course of study. The technical GPA is the cumulative GPA applied to all engineering, mathematics, and science courses attempted at Widener University. Failure to meet the required academic proficiency may result in a warning, academic probation, or dismissal from the School of Engineering. It is the responsibility of the student to satisfy the university and the School of Engineering academic requirements for graduation as outlined in this catalog.

Research Travel Fellowships

The School of Engineering is grateful to have received a generous gift to establish the Suheil H. Sabbagh Family International Engineering Fellowship.  This fellowship fully funds undergraduate and graduate engineering students, and their faculty members, to present their research at international and national scholarly conferences.

Program Options

There are several program options available for students to complete the requirements for the undergraduate engineering degree. These options include the bachelor’s degree following the engineering curriculum during the traditional academic cycle (fall and spring); the cooperative education cycle (fall, spring, and summer), which includes intervals of paid work experience; an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program; minors; and dual degrees. The Engineering Honors Program is available to qualified students pursuing any of the program options. The requirements for minors in engineering are shown on subsequent pages. Minors can be arranged in many areas, including but not limited to, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics engineering, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, leadership, management, marketing, mathematics, and physics. Students interested in pursuing a minor should consult with their academic advisor.

Traditional Program

This option follows one of the engineering curricula described on the following pages during the traditional academic cycle (fall and spring semesters). School attendance during summers is not required. Freshman students normally enter the program in the fall; however, students may matriculate in fall, spring, or summer, depending on their standing.

Cooperative Education Program

In addition to the traditional engineering program, students can gain valuable practical experience with one or two work periods totaling up to 12 months of employment in industry and/or government. The bachelor’s degree can still be completed within the normal four-year period. It is open to all interested students who have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.

The Widener cooperative engineering education program has several important features:

• It is a four-year, year-round program. This enables Widener graduates to start their professional careers one year earlier than a typical five-year co-op program and earn an additional one year of salary.
• The student’s work experience is related as closely as possible to the course of study and personal interests.
• There is one four-month work period (Co-op I: September–December) and one eight-month work period (Co-op II: January–August). This permits students to be exposed to engineering in a “real-world” environment—that is, to get to know and work with people and apply their education to practical engineering problems.
• Co-op courses taken in the summer are semester-long courses.
• The Co-op Program is optional.

A student following the Cooperative Engineering Program spends the first year (fall, spring and summer) in full-time study on campus. During the second year, four months are spent working in industry or government and the remaining eight months are spent on campus. The third year contains an eight-month industry or government work experience. During the final nine months, the senior year is completed on campus. Those students interested in only the eight-month work experience after the third year of their program or other variations for co-op employment should contact the Career Design and Development Office for details.

Cooperative Education Schedule

Students seeking a degree in engineering follow the same academic requirements whether or not they participate in the Cooperative Education Program. However, those interested in the Co-op program should apply as early as possible by contacting the Assistant Director of Experiential Learning in the Career Design and Development Office.

Internships

Students have the option to pursue summer internship opportunities. For information, contact the Career Design and Development office, the Dean’s office or the department chair.

Master’s Program

The School of Engineering offers the master of science in engineering degree with specializations in biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and robotics engineering, and in engineering and technology management. The school also offers the master of science in engineering/master of business administration dual degree with the School of Business Administration. 

Generous graduate assistantships are available to students who excel in their undergraduate major.

Students may complete up to three graduate courses during their junior/senior years applicable toward the requirements of the master of science in engineering degree.  Two of these courses may satisfy the requirements for the undergraduate major.  Consult with your faculty advisor and the Graduate Program Director prior to registering for graduate courses. Unless the maximum number of credit hours covered by the full-time undergraduate tuition is exceeded, there is normally no additional cost to take graduate courses as an undergraduate student. For more information, contact the Graduate Program Office. Students who have been determined to be in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy of the School of Engineering or the University Student Code of Conduct are not eligible.

Engineering Honors Program

The Engineering Honors Program (EHP) offers an exciting opportunity for academically talented students to enrich their engineering education with advanced engineering honors courses, honors seminar, professional and leadership development, collaboration with faculty on exciting research and travel abroad to present their research. It is an elite program that is intended for highly motivated students who are interested in expanding their horizons and considering the “bigger picture.” Participants experience an intellectual and challenging classroom environment. Co-curricular programming focuses on creativity and innovation. Characteristics of successful leaders in the global engineering community are emphasized throughout the curriculum. The EHP is integrated into the engineering curriculum and offers participants the opportunity to complete their program of study in four years with a Certificate of Honors in Engineering. For additional information, contact the EHP Director or the Dean’s office.

Eligibility

Qualified Engineering freshmen are invited to the Engineering Honors program upon matriculation and at the end of their first semester at Widener. Transfer students who have a GPA of 3.25 or better and who earned approved transferrable credit in MATH 141 (Calculus I), CHEM 145/147 (General Chemistry I), and PHYS 161 (Physics I), with a grade of “B” or better at matriculation are also eligible.

Program Requirements

Honors students must complete the following requirements to earn a certificate of honors in engineering: ENGR 107 - Engineering Honors Seminar I,  ENGR 213 - Statics (honors), ENGR335/MGT335 – Sustainability, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, participate in multidisciplinary senior project, and one graduate course in the major. Transfer credit following matriculation in the courses listed above is not acceptable. Honors students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and a technical GPA (cumulative GPA applied to all engineering, mathematics, and science courses attempted at Widener) of 3.00 or higher in every semester while enrolled in the program. Students who have been determined to be in violation of the Criteria for Satisfactory Academic Progress or the Academic Integrity Policy of the School of Engineering or the University Student Code of Conduct will be removed from the Engineering Honors Program and will not be eligible for reinstatement. For more details on program requirements, contact the EHP Director.

Certificate Completion

To earn a Certificate of Honors in Engineering, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and a technical GPA of 3.00 or higher at graduation and satisfy the above program requirements. A Certificate of Honors in Engineering will be awarded to students who meet the requirements of the program at graduation. The official transcript will document the award of the certificate.

Dual Degrees

Students interested in pursuing dual degrees in biomedical/chemical engineering, biomedical/electrical engineering, biomedical/mechanical engineering, biomedical/robotics engineering, electrical/robotics engineering, mechanical/robotics engineering, electrical/mechanical engineering, or other dual degree should contact the Dean’s office or department chairs. Dual degrees are also available in chemical engineering/chemistry, electrical engineering/physics, mechanical engineering/physics, and robotics engineering/computer science. Students interested in pursuing dual degrees should contact the departments offering the dual degree and their academic advisor.

Minors in Engineering

Engineering students who are interested in gaining additional knowledge beyond their declared major are invited to pursue one or more of the academic minors. Interested students must apply in writing and be formally accepted by the department offering the minor. The requirements for each of the engineering minors are described below. To earn a minor in engineering, a student must complete at least two engineering or science courses (6 credits) that are not used to satisfy the graduation requirements of the student’s major program. At least one course of the two courses must be at the 300-level or above.

Academic Integrity Policy of the School of Engineering

Engineering students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, both inside and outside the classroom. Violations of the Academic Integrity Policies of the school or the university constitute academic fraud and are subject to review and possible penalties. Refer to the university Academic Integrity Policy for additional information.

Electronic Communications

Unless otherwise stated in the course syllabus, the use of electronic communication devices during exams, tests, quizzes, and other times as determined by the instructor is prohibited. Electronic communication devices include, but are not limited to, digital watches, cell phones, earphones, headsets, Internet, email, and unauthorized calculators. Authorized calculators are those listed under the current Calculator Policy of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (http://NCEES https://ncees.org/exams/calculator/). Unauthorized electronic communication devices shall be powered off and placed in a secure location not accessible to the student during exams, tests, quizzes, and other times as determined by the instructor. The use or attempted use of unauthorized electronic communication devices constitutes academic fraud. 

Contact the Dean’s Office for additional information about the School’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Engineering Board of Advisors

Nick Cirilli, PE, PLS ‘79

Principal

Cirilli Associates, Inc.

Springfield, PA

J. Earl Coffman ‘90

Director, Transmission Operations Support

Exelon

Philadelphia, PA

Dionne Douglas

Engineering Manager

Kimberly Clark Corp.

Chester, PA

William Fryberger, ‘73, Chair

President

Engineering Equipment Sales

Belcamp, MD

David Maraldo ‘99

Senior Vice President of Global Biologics Operations

Merck

Rahway, NJ

Samir Mehta ‘93

Chief Product Officer

Wrench, Inc.

Seattle, WA

Charles Mouzannar

Chief Operating Officer

Exp Federal

Chicago, IL

Suheil Sabbagh

President 

Consolidated Contractors Company

Athens, Greece

Rebecca Salvadore ‘99

Director, Organizational Performance & Regulatory

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station

Constellation Energy Corporation

York, PA

Joseph Viscuso ‘73

Senior Vice President, Director of Strategic Growth

Pennoni Associates, Inc.

West Chester, PA

Jeff Warmann

CEO & President

Monroe Energy, LLC

Trainer, PA

Return to: Academic Schools/Departments/Programs