Five Bucknell Degrees for Future Psychologists
Bucknell University appears in our ranking of the 50 Great Small Colleges for a Bachelor’s in Psychology.
At O’Leary Center, the College of Arts & Sciences offers a 32-unit, four-year Psychology Major (B.A.) for Bucknell University Bison to learn about the human condition while joining Psi Chi, conducting Pediatric Behavioral Health Lab research, and finding internships like Danville State Psychiatric Hospital. Chaired by Dr. Kevin Myers, the Neuroscience Major (B.S.) builds a 32-unit, MSCHE-accredited curriculum focused on the brain with opportunities to work at Geisinger Medical Center, attend the Neuroscience Summit on Addiction, and exchange to Edinburgh. The 32-unit Animal Behavior (B.A./B.S.) selectively admits cohorts of 8-10 each August for studying diverse species with hands-on Primate Research Lab projects, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park trips, and fieldwork in East Africa.
Ranked 44th nationally by Washington Monthly, Bucknell University provides a Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology for cohorts of 2-3 “research apprentices” to practice experiential methods before doctoral admission. Directed by Dr. Judy Grisel, the two-year path features eight 600-level courses like Trauma Psychology and Cognitive Aging plus an original thesis for 96 percent graduate placement. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Animal Behavior prepares for Ph.D. programs by examining brain processes in non-human subjects on campus, including the species Cebus apella and Papio hamadryas. Headed by Dr. Peter Judge, the eight-credit, full-time option costs $48,992 total before assistantships with courses like Neuroethology and Philadelphia Zoo work.
About Bucknell University
Bucknell University originated on August 24, 1832, when the Northumberland Baptist Association resolved to open an all-male literary institution for Central PA. In February 1846, the University at Lewisburg was finally chartered by the General Assembly. In 1850, it relocated from the First Baptist Church to its first campus building called Taylor Hall. The next year, President James Buchanan joined the university’s Board of Trustees. During the Civil War, the University at Lewisburg was closed in 1863 as the Battle of Gettysburg occurred. In 1883, women were openly admitted for equal opportunity. In 1886, its name was changed to Bucknell University after real estate investor William Bucknell’s $50,000 donation. By 1925, the earliest four-year Bachelor of Science degree was granted. In 1933, the institution had expanded by founding Bucknell Junior College in Wilkes-Barre. In 1947, Bucknell established an Animal Behavior Lab. In 1970, Bucknell University launched its Freshman Humanities Semester.
Endowed for $851.3 million, Bucknell University now employs 428 faculty teaching 3,597 undergrad and 71 post-grad Bison from 42 countries on its 450-acre Susquehanna Valley campus in Lewisburg with 200+ clubs like Psychologists for Social Responsibility. In 2019, Bucknell won a CASE District II Circle of Excellence Award. In 2017, Bucknell accepted an ABC Central Pennsylvania Excellence in Construction Award. Bucknell University received a 2018 SPS Outstanding Student Chapter Award too. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Bucknell the 35th best liberal arts college and 43rd most innovative school. On Niche, Bucknell boasts America’s 49th best professors and 87th top psychology program. Forbes declared Bucknell University the 56th best private school and 187th top value. The Princeton Review applauded Bucknell for the 12th best science labs and 10th most beautiful campus.
Bucknell University Accreditation Details
On June 26, 2014, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Board of Trustees voted to reaffirm Bucknell University’s Level III accreditation status with commendation through the next 2023-24 evaluation under President John C. Bravman, PhD, who earned the Gores Award for Excellence in Teaching. Located 167 miles down Interstate 476 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this splendid six-state Northeast Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to review Bucknell’s 63 baccalaureate and 13 graduate options.
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Bucknell University Application Requirements
Admission to Bucknell University is classified as “most selective” by Peterson’s because 3,352 of the 10,144 Fall 2018 applicants were chosen for competitive 33 percent acceptance. First-year Bison entering the College of Arts & Sciences must finish a strong college-prep high school curriculum. Four years of English, three years of math, and two years of foreign language are mandated. The Class of 2022 presented an average secondary GPA of 3.55. Mid-range admitted SAT scores were 1250-1420. The middle 50th percentile had ACT scores of 28-32. Please note Bucknell began a five-year pilot program for test-optional enrollment in 2019 though. One exception is for foreign students who need at least 68 PTE, 7.0 IELTS, or 600 TOEFL pBT scores in English. Undergrads who’ve completed up to 2.5 years of collegiate courses graded C or better can transfer. Master of Science programs require accredited four-year bachelor’s completion with a 3.0 or better GPA. The M.S. in Animal Behavior lists four prerequisite courses, including Introductory Biology and Research Methods.
Bucknell University set freshman deadlines of November 15th for Early Decision and January 15th for Regular Decision. Psychology Department transfers must file by March 15th for Fall or November 1st for Spring. The Office of Graduate Studies has general deadlines of February 1st, April 15th, and November 15th. Both M.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Animal Behavior programs close on February 1st. International post-grads must apply before January 1st. Accordingly, complete the Bucknell, Common, or Coalition Application online for $40 ($50 if graduate). Mail formal transcripts to One Dent Drive in Lewisburg, PA 17837. Submit test scores using SAT/GRE code 2050 or ACT code 3528. Attach supplemental documents, such as the two reference letters, 500-word personal statement, research proposal, resume or CV, and certification of finances. Contact (570) 577-3000 or admissions@bucknell.edu with questions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2019-20, Bucknell University is charging traditional Psychology Major (B.A.) and other undergrads $57,882 annually. Each bachelor’s semester costs $28,941 full-time. Studying part-time incurs $6,353 per one-credit course. Students cover the $314 activity fee every year. Freshmen pay the one-time $225 orientation fee. Credits by examination are $225 apiece. Living at the Lewisburg campus’ dorms like Vedder Hall adds $8,644 for yearly housing. Anytime Access plans for Elaine Langone Center are $5,530 extra. Bucknell budgets $900 for textbooks and $2,096 for miscellaneous expenses. Annual bachelor’s attendance equals $72,750 on-site or $59,088 if commuting. Graduate programs like the M.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Animal Behavior bill $24,496 per year.
According to the NCES College Navigator, the Office of Financial Aid at 621 St. George Street connects 59 percent of new full-time Bucknell Bison to median tuition assistance of $33,820 each for $17.04 million combined. University funds include the William Adams Scholarship, Steven Ahmuty Scholarship, Olive Barr Scholarship, Charles Baton Scholarship, Edith Griffiths Chisholm Scholarship, Clare Conway Scholarship, Denenberg Family Scholarship, Robert Greer Memorial Scholarship, Paul Hightower Scholarship, Mabel Irwin Lavers Scholarship, Malesardi Scholarship, Leila Preston McCain Scholarship, Leroy Stephens Scholarship, Strickland Family Scholarship, Elizabeth Veit Scholarship, and Ruth Williams Scholarship. The Presidential Fellowship gifts $30,000 annually for students with cumulative GPAs over 3.2 to undertake long-term projects. Starting Fall 2020, the Dean’s Scholarship will provide $15,000 each year to exemplary freshmen based on SAT/ACT scores. Federal resources, such as the Pell Grant and SEOG Grant, require separate applications coded 003238. Statewide programs like the Pennsylvania Grant, Hope Through Learning Award, Horatio Alger Scholarship, and Blind or Deaf Beneficiary Grant also help.
Learn more about Bucknell University at the Psychology Department website.
Related Resources:
- 5 Tips for Landing Your First Job after Earning a Psychology Degree
- Is an Online Psychology Degree Cheaper Than a Traditional One?
- Should One Expect to attend Graduate School with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
- What Can I Do With a Bachelors Degree in Psychology?
- What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Psychology?
- What Interests Would Lead One to Obtain an Online Degree in Psychology?
- What is the Future Job Outlook for Careers with an Online Degree in Psychology?
- What is the Future Outlook for Careers in Psychology?
