Academic Requirements

Minimum requirements for various course areas as they relate to prospective major and non-major studies include:

Requirements in Foreign Language

All applicants are required to have completed a minimum of two years of a foreign language (in the same language) in secondary school for all of Bucknell's degree programs. American Sign Language counts toward this requirement.

Please note that coursework taken before the ninth grade does not count toward the two-year requirement.

Requirements in Mathematics

At least three years of college preparatory mathematics are required for admission.

Students planning to take calculus at Bucknell University, including all students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, or economics, 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 the Sciences for Engineering Applicants

Engineering applicants are required to have one year of either chemistry or physics, however, Bucknell strongly recommends a minimum of three years of science, including both chemistry and physics.

Bachelor of Arts in Music or Bachelor of Music Applicants

Students who are applying to pursue a bachelor of arts in music or a bachelor of music degree must complete a two-part prescreening and audition process. Information regarding the materials required for the prescreening process, as well as deadlines and general notification and registration guidelines, are available at bucknell.edu/ArtsMeritScholarships.