Admission Requirements
To attend Bucknell's graduate studies program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that is comparable to one offered by Bucknell, or a certificate of corresponding achievement from a foreign institution. All applicants must file with the registrar a final transcript, verified final grades and conferral of a baccalaureate degree before admission into a graduate program can be finalized. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0 = A) in coursework comparable to that at Bucknell as well as in their undergraduate major.
Admission into certain programs may depend on the availability of an adviser for the subject or project of interest.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Scores
All* applicants for admission must submit their scores from the Graduate Record Exam general test, as well as a subject test if one is required by the department.
*Note: For the 2023-24 application process, mechanical engineering requires GRE scores to be submitted at the time of application. Chemical engineering, electrical engineering and psychology are GRE recommended, but optional. Animal behavior, biology, chemistry, civil & environmental engineering and English are GRE optional and not required.
Undergraduate Major/Minor
The applicant must have completed an undergraduate major or a minor of at least four courses or the equivalent in the department of the proposed graduate major. Exceptions will be applied to education, psychology and engineering.
Additional Requirements for International Students
TOEFL/IELTS Score
International students must submit TOEFL scores. A minimum TOEFL score of 100 points on the internet-based test or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is recommended.
Visa Requirements
Prior to attending Bucknell students must obtain a student visa (F-1 status) from the U.S. consulate in their home country. Graduate students are not required to submit the $500 deposit, but admitted international graduate students must purchase mandatory health insurance from Bucknell. For the Academic Year 2022–23 the 12-month cost of health insurance was approximately $3,200. This visa requires a Form I-20 document issued by International Student & Scholar Services. International students must show sources of support in the amount of $2,000 in addition to the financial aid award before an I-20 can be issued. This form and further information about visas for international students can be found on the International Student & Scholar Services page.
International Student & Scholar Services
International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation is required for all international students. Orientation will occur approximately 10 days before the start of the fall semester.