Mar 21, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Edition) 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog (Edited Edition)

Chemistry, BA


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Chemistry is the study of the properties and behavior of matter.  Chemistry majors synthesize new compounds, study the behavior of matter, determine the structure of compounds, and investigate chemicals.  An understanding of sustainability and how chemistry impacts our planet is integrated throughout the curriculum.  In class you learn the theories that let chemists predict how compounds behave, in lab you conduct experiments to learn scientific techniques, and in research you extend knowledge in developing fields. 

A degree in chemistry leads to careers in chemical and pharmaceutical industry; professional school in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and law; and careers in education.  The BA Chemistry degree includes a strong foundation in chemistry but includes the opportunity to broaden your scientific background with coursework in other disciplines.  This degree is well suited to students with a strong interest in a second major or minor.

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


Physical Chemistry: 4 Credits


Inorganic Chemistry: 3 Credits


Biochemistry: 4 Credits


Integration and Capstone: 3 Credits


Math: 12 Credits*


Elective: 3-5 Credits


Choose ONE additional advanced Chemistry course with appropriate cooresponding lab from the following:

Total Credits: 59-61


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 BA Curriculum Sequence


First Year


Spring (15.5 Credits)


Sophomore


Spring (15 Credits)


Junior


Fall (16-17 Credits)


Spring (16-17 Credits)


  • Chemistry Elective 4 Credit(s)**
  • Chemistry Elective** or Free Elective 3-4 Credit(s)
  • HUM/SSCI Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • Elective 3 Credit(s)***

Senior


Fall (13 - 14 Credits)


  • Chemistry Elective 4 Credit(s)**
  • Chemistry Elective** or Free Elective 3-4 Credit(s)
  • HUM/SSCI Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • Elective 3 Credit(s)

Spring (15 Credits)


Total Credits: 121


*Required; may be taken in an alternate semester than shown in the ladder above

**Chemistry electives must include choices from each of the following three categories:

  1. Physical Chemistry: CHEM 385 (4; fall) or CHEM 386 (4; spring)
  2. Analytical/Instrumental Chemistry: CHEM 365/367 (3+1; fall) or CHEM 366/368 (3+1; spring, even-numbered years)
  3. One additional course chosen from CHEM 365/367; CHEM 366/368; CHEM 385; CHEM 386; CHEM 461/463 (1+2; fall); BCH 452/454 (3+1; spring).  Students who take both CHEM 385 and 386 should also take CHEM 389 (1 credit; fall or spring).  Note that 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.
  4. ***Free elective required only if Chemistry electives do not bring the total number of credits to 121.

 

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.

Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway


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

The last two chemistry courses taken prior to admission count as fulfilling the chemistry course requirement for admission to physical therapy program.

Social Sciences


  • Two PSY Electives 6 Credit(s)*
  • One SOC or ANTH Elective 3 Credit(s)

*PSY 105 is an acceptable option

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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