You’re looking at colleges and one school on your list is Widener University, located in the historic city of Chester, PA. This scenic campus is right near Philadelphia with easy access to the city but a more small-town feel. As you check out Widener, you’ll discover an intimate university with strong academics and unique programs. Widener offers over 80 majors, including some unusual ones like Hospitality Management and Engineering. Beyond academics, the campus has tons of clubs, intramural sports, and even secret societies to join. If you want a tight-knit college community with interesting history and friendly people, Widener might be an ideal fit. This guide will give you an inside look at student life, academics, and what makes Widener special.
An Overview of Widener University’s History and Academics
Widener University, located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a long and prestigious history spanning over 180 years. Founded in 1821 as a boys’ preparatory school, it gained university status in 1859 and became coeducational in 1972.
Widener now consists of three campuses in Pennsylvania and one in Harrisburg. The main campus, located in Chester, is situated on 108 acres along the Delaware River. Here you’ll find historic architecture like Memorial Hall, as well as state-of-the-art facilities. Widener takes pride in their small class sizes, with a student to faculty ratio of just 12:1.
Academically, Widener has over 40 majors across dozens of fields of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the most popular majors are nursing, physical therapy, engineering, business, and law. Widener has a top-ranked nursing program and an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
No matter what subject interests you, Widener aims to provide a well-rounded education with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research. Widener values civic engagement and community service, with many chances for students to get involved in local organizations.
Athletically, Widener competes in NCAA Division III sports as the Pride. They have over 20 varsity teams, from basketball to swimming to lacrosse. The Pride football team even has a long-standing rivalry with nearby rivals like Ursinus College.
With a welcoming campus, accomplished faculty, and a broad range of programs, Widener University offers an excellent private school education at a reasonable cost. Their goal is to prepare students not just for a career but for a life of leadership, civic responsibility, and continued learning. If you’re looking for a historic yet forward-thinking university, Widener deserves your consideration.
Widener’s Unique Campuses in Chester and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Widener University has two unique campus locations for you to choose from—Chester and Harrisburg. Each campus has its own distinctive character that offers different experiences.
The historic Chester campus, located just outside Philadelphia, is home to over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. This campus features Georgian-style brick buildings and over 200 acres of scenic grounds. You’ll have access to extensive academic facilities like the Wolfgram Memorial Library and state-of-the-art science labs. For recreation, check out the campus center, athletic fields, tennis courts, pool, and gym.
Widener’s Harrisburg campus provides a more intimate learning environment. This campus serves over 1,000 law and graduate students in the state’s capital city, surrounded by government agencies and major corporations. The Harrisburg campus includes the Widener Law Commonwealth building and Nolan Center, equipped with a law library, classrooms, and study spaces. As a student here, you’ll have opportunities for internships and networking in the hub of Pennsylvania’s legal and political spheres.
Regardless of campus, all Widener students can take advantage of the university’s top academic programs in areas like engineering, nursing, hospitality, and criminal justice. Over 97 majors and 100+ minors are available, as well as Division III athletics, over 100 clubs and organizations, and a thriving campus community. Widener’s two unique locations in Chester and Harrisburg provide the perfect place to launch your college experience.
So whether you prefer the historic charm of Chester or the professional opportunities in Harrisburg, Widener has a campus tailored to your needs. With a long history of educating students from diverse backgrounds, Widener’s welcoming community will support your personal and professional growth.
Student Life at Widener: Clubs, Greek Life, Athletics, and More
Widener University offers students many opportunities to get involved in campus life outside the classroom. With over 100 student organizations, 13 Division III athletic teams, and an active Greek life, there’s something for everyone.
Student Organizations
Widener has clubs for nearly every interest, from academic groups to community service organizations to recreational clubs. Some examples include:
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Student Government Association (SGA): Represents the student body and plans events like homecoming and winter formal.
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Program Board: Plans entertainment and events on campus like comedians, musicians, and movie nights.
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Habitat for Humanity: Help build homes for families in need.
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Chess Club: For players of all skill levels. Meet to play casual games and compete in tournaments.
Greek Life
About 20% of Widener students join one of the 13 fraternities or sororities on campus. Rush week happens at the beginning of each semester where you can visit each house and find the right fit for you. Greek life fosters leadership opportunities, community service, and lifelong friendships.
Athletics
Widener competes in NCAA Division III athletics in the Middle Atlantic Conference. The Pioneers field 13 varsity teams including basketball, soccer, swimming, and lacrosse. Home games are free for students and a great way to show your school spirit. You can also join recreational sports leagues or take fitness classes at the university gym.
With so many ways to get involved at Widener, you’ll have an opportunity to pursue your interests, develop new skills, make friends, and become a leader on campus. Exploring extracurriculars is a great way to enhance your college experience. Find your niche and get involved—you’ll be glad you did!
Widener’s Top Academic Programs and Majors
Widener University has over 4,000 students and offers 80 undergraduate majors as well as many graduate degrees and professional programs across its three campuses. Some of the top programs Widener is known for include:
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Nursing: Widener’s School of Nursing offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an accelerated 15-month program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Widener’s nursing programs focus on clinical experience and community outreach.
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Engineering: Widener’s College of Engineering offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. Widener’s engineering programs emphasize hands-on learning, internships, and research opportunities. The school has state-of-the-art facilities including a wind tunnel, flight simulation lab, and robotics lab.
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Hospitality and Tourism Management: Widener’s School of Hospitality offers degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sport Management, and Event Leadership. The program provides students with opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and interaction with industry leaders. Graduates are prepared for careers in hotels, restaurants, sports organizations, and tourism companies.
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Psychology: Widener’s Psychology department offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. Undergraduate students can choose concentrations in areas like Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Psychology, and Child Psychology. Widener’s psychology programs focus on research, internships, and preparing students for graduate study or careers helping others.
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Law: Widener’s Delaware Law School offers Juris Doctor degrees in both full-time and part-time programs. Widener Law emphasizes practical experience through legal clinics, internships, and simulated trial experiences. The school has a nationally-ranked health and corporate law program. Widener Law produces practice-ready attorneys equipped to serve the community.
With a variety of excellent programs focused on professional development and real-world experience, Widener University provides students the opportunity to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Widener University
Widener University, located in historic Chester, Pennsylvania, is a private university with a rich history spanning over 185 years. If you’re considering Widener, you probably have some questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the university.
What academic programs does Widener offer?
Widener offers over 100 majors and minors within its four colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, and Nursing & Health Professions. Some of the popular majors include:
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Business Administration
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Mechanical Engineering
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Criminal Justice
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Psychology
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Nursing
The university also offers several graduate degree programs including master’s and doctoral degrees.
What is campus life like?
The Widener campus provides opportunities for learning and fun outside the classroom. Students can get involved in over 100 clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities, honor societies, athletic groups, volunteer organizations, and more. The campus also hosts events like comedy shows, movie nights, dances, and guest speakers.
For recreation, students can enjoy amenities like a fitness center, rock climbing wall, tennis courts, and indoor pool. Widener’s NCAA Division III athletic teams also provide entertainment, with sports like soccer, swimming, basketball, and lacrosse.
How much does it cost to attend Widener University?
The cost to attend Widener varies depending on factors like:
•Undergraduate or graduate program •Full-time or part-time enrollment •Housing (on-campus, off-campus, or commuter) •Available scholarships and financial aid
For the 2019-2020 academic year, tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students living on campus averaged around $49,000. Widener offers merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to help make college affordable.
Conclusion
And there you have it – an insider’s look at Widener’s historic Pennsylvania campus. From its roots as a military academy to its current status as a thriving university, Widener has a rich past and promising future. As you walk the brick paths and sit in the stately classrooms, you’re connecting with generations of students who studied and grew here before you. Widener may not be an Ivy League or huge state school, but its intimate campus packs plenty of charm and opportunity. Whether you’re looking to cheer on the Pride at a football game, join a spirited club or society, or simply find your place in class discussions, Widener invites you to immerse yourself and make the most of your college years. The campus surely holds adventures and lifelong friends if you take the time to uncover them. So consider all that Widener has to offer – you just may find this is the perfect place to learn, live, and build memories that will stay with you long after graduation.
