Dec 17, 2024  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Version) 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Version)

Chemistry, BS


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A degree in chemistry can lead to a variety of professional opportunities. Many of our graduates choose careers in chemistry; others pursue careers in biochemistry, material science, medicine, dentistry, education, pharmacology, toxicology, and patent law.

Chemistry majors can choose from two options that lead to a bachelor of science in chemistry. The first option 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. This program offers more flexibility in its curriculum by including more free electives and fewer required mathematics and chemistry courses. This flexibility allows students to tailor the degree to their particular interdisciplinary interests.

As a second option, students who want more extensive coursework in chemistry and mathematics may choose to earn a bachelor of science with American Chemical Society (ACS) certification. The ACS has approved the chemistry program at Widener since 1968. 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.

Special Academic Policies for the Major and Minor

  • All chemistry courses must be completed with a C- grade or better.
  • Chemistry courses may be attempted no more than two times. Enrollment and subsequent withdrawal from a course is considered one attempt.
  • To be approved for graduation, a chemistry major must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in all science courses.

Curriculum Sequence


First Year


Spring (15.5 Credits)


Sophomore


Spring (15 Credits)


Junior


Fall (17 Credits)


Spring (15 Credits)


Senior


Fall (13-14 Credits)


Spring (14 Credits)


Total Credits: 121-122


*A minimum of three semester hours of CHEM 498  must be completed prior to graduation. Students should consult with their advisors as soon as possible about scheduling.

**At the 200 level or above.

***BCH 451 /BCH 453 , BCH 452 /BCH 454 , CHEM 475 , or CHEM 488 .

****CHEM 461/463 is offered only in the Fall semester of even-numbered years.  CHEM 366/368 should be taken in the spring of the sophomore year for students needing to take CHEM 461/463 in their junior fall

 

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.

Chemistry with a Pre-Medical Studies Specialization


Entrance Requirements


To satisfy the entrance requirements for most health professions schools, chemistry majors need the following courses in addition to the major courses

Electives


Chemistry majors will also enhance their credentials for medical school applications by taking the following courses as advanced chemistry electives or free electives:

Pre-Occupational Therapy Pathway


Chemistry majors who wish to apply for admission to Widener’s graduate occupational therapy program should take the following courses (note the most recent courses are factored into the prerequisite requirements):

Please Note:


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.

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