Academic Requirements

Below are described the minimum requirements for various course areas as they relate to prospective major and non-major studies. As noted in an earlier section, the emphasis of the Admissions Committee's review of a student’s secondary school curriculum will be on both content and performance.

Requirements in Mathematics

The completion of three years of college-preparatory mathematics is required by the University for admission to any of its courses in mathematics. Students planning to take calculus at Bucknell University – including all students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, economics, or management – are required to have additional preparation, including a year of precalculus, and preferably calculus. The term college-preparatory mathematics denotes a logical sequence of topics, including algebra and geometry, with emphasis on basic concepts and on principles of deductive reasoning. The term precalculus denotes the study of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions. The term calculus denotes the study of transcendental functions; interpretation, significance, and calculation of a derivative; and introduction to the definite integral.

Requirements in Foreign Language

All applicants are required to have completed a minimum of two years of foreign language (in the same language) in secondary school for all of Bucknell’s degree programs. Courses taken before 9th grade (or equivalent) do not count toward this requirement.

Requirements in the Sciences for Engineering Students

Applicants to the College of Engineering are required to have one unit of either chemistry or physics. It is strongly recommended, however, that they have at least four years of high school science, including both chemistry and physics.