Ernst was a student at Concordia Academy, 1945—1949; Bachelor, University Washington, 1953; and Master of Fine Arts, University Washington, 1955.

He was Illustrator at the Boeing Company, Seattle, 1954—1955; Instructor Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, 1955—1956 and Ashland College, Ohio, 1956—1957. Head art department Valparaiso University, Indiana, 1957—1960. He was free lance artist, designer, 1959—1983; Designer Charles Stade & Associate, Park Ridge, Illinois, 1960—1964; and Department chairman Seattle Pacific University, 1964—1967.

Principal Ernst Schwidder Associate, Steilacoom, since 1983. Member faculty Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, 1967—1998, department chairman school arts, 1967—1975, 1978—1983, professor design school arts, since 1974. Member Lutheran Commission Architecture, St. Louis.

Consultant on art and architecture American Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Liturgy consultant Roman Catholic Archdiocese Seattle.
Ernst Schwidder has been listed as a notable artist, educator by Marquis Who's Who.

He is a member of Lutheran Commission Architecture, St. Louis. Consultant art and architecture American Lutheran Church, Minneapolis and liturgical consultant Roman Catholic Archdiocese Seattle.