Oct 01, 2024  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Version) 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Version)

Chemical and Materials Engineering, BS


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Chemical engineering uses science, especially chemistry, engineering, and mathematics, to solve societal problems. Chemical engineering is key in the safe production of pharmaceuticals, fuels, food, clean water, and the modern materials used in electronics, apparel, and construction. Chemical engineers design processes, equipment, plant-testing procedures, evaluation techniques, and standards in all areas of chemical production, as well as with pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Graduates from Widener’s chemical engineering program are employed in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food, biochemical, pulp and paper, and polymer industries, as well as by the government. Many chemical engineering graduates continue their careers by earning advanced degrees and professional licenses.

Program Educational Objectives


Consistent with Widener University’s mission to be a leading metropolitan university, the chemical engineering program’s graduates will:

  • Achieve proficiency in modern chemical engineering principles and engage in successful professional careers utilizing knowledge, skills and experience in engineering and applied sciences.
  • Acquire personal and interpersonal skills such as communication, ethical behavior, teamwork and leadership that contribute to (a) to the development of the organizations of which they are a part of, and (b) their own development as professionals and as members of their community.
  • Engage in life-long learning and self-improvement in the midst of constantly changing technological sectors and keep strong footprints in creative problem solving, future innovation and technological breakthrough.
  • Engage in sustainability and sustainable practices in the broader area of industrial, environmental, societal and economic sectors while continuing their professional and personal growth.

Student Outcomes


Over the course of their studies, graduates of the program shall have demonstrated:

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors

3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

8. an ability to design, analyze and control chemical processes, including the hazards assoicated with these processes

Curriculum Sequence


First Year


Spring (17.5 Credits)


Sophomore


Junior


Senior


Senior Spring (14 Credits)


Total Credits: 130


*While choosing elective, the students must meet the minimum number of engineering courses as per ABET requirements. While choosing an elective, the student will be responsible for meeting the pre-req and Co-req requirement. The 4+1 students need to select adequate number of graduate courses as tech electives. The students will select a minimum of 8 credits of tech electives from the list 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.

The program of study that appears here applies to students who were admitted for the summer session of this catalog year and later.  Students admitted prior to that term should select the appropriate catalog year of their admission.  Choose previous catalogs from the Home, Graduate, or Undergraduate Catalog Page at http://Catalog.widener.edu.

Dual Degrees with Chemical Engineering


Students interested in a dual degree with Biomedical Engineering, BS  or a dual degree with chemistry should contact the chairs of the departments and the dean’s office for details about the curriculum. Students wishing to pursue a dual degree must get written permission from both departments.

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