Widener University
Chester, United States • Founded 1862 • World Rank #4367
Overview
Established in 1862, the Widener University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Chester (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania.
This institution also has branch campuses in Harrisburg, Exton and Wilmington. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Widener University is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Widener University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 162-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Widener University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Widener University's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.
Academic Details
Widener University's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Programs Offered
The programme finder below covers every degree Widener University currently offers. Programme codes here often map to international classification systems used for credential recognition abroad.
Bachelor's Degree
56 programmes
At undergraduate level, Widener University offers 56 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Legal Support Services Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Psychology, Other Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
42 programmes
Explore 42 programmes of postgraduate study at Widener University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Education, General Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Legal Support Services Law
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Health Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Taxation Taxation
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
14 programmes
Widener University delivers 14 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Education, General Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Law Law
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Social Work Social Work
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
Widener University delivers 3 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Law Law
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
31 programmes
Alongside its degrees, Widener University provides 31 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Engineering, General General Engineering
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Legal Support Services Law
Legal Support Services Law
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Digital Humanities and Textual Studies Liberal Arts
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Widener University
Five steps that capture how most applications to Widener University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Widener University's 146 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Widener University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Widener University processes applications through www.widener.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (888) 943 3637. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Widener University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Widener University, drawn directly from institutional records.
When was Widener University founded?
Widener University was established in 1862 (approximately 164 years ago).
Where can I find Widener University?
The institution is located in Chester, United States.
What is Widener University's control type?
Widener University is a private institution.
How many students does Widener University have?
The institution has a student body of 5,000-5,999.
How is Widener University ranked?
Widener University holds rank #4367 globally and #465 in United States.
Who recognises Widener University?
Yes, Widener University is recognised by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
What is Widener University's official website?
Widener University's official website is www.widener.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Research output among the United States's top universities sets the publication-and-citation upper bound. Comparing Widener University's research output to this benchmark gives a fair institutional read.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Strategic alliances often grow alongside National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership — bilateral agreements deepen collaboration beyond the broader network frame. Such alliances sometimes exist between Widener University and specific members below.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities geographically close to Widener University are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Foreign-language teaching requirements for Education & Teaching programmes vary across the United States. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Often Compared with Widener University
Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Widener University. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.
