College of Arts and Sciences

Graduate Studies


Master of Arts (MART)

A candidate normally seeks this degree in the field of his/her undergraduate major. The degree may be terminal or preliminary to further study leading to a doctorate at another institution. Degree programs are available in chemistry, English, and mathematics.

Master of Science (MSCI)

Similarly, the master of science degree is usually pursued in the field of the undergraduate major; it may be terminal or preparatory to a doctorate to be taken elsewhere. The MSCI degree is available in animal behavior, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and psychology.

Master of Science in Education (MSED)

This is a professional degree, the curriculum for which permits concentration in one of the following areas:

           College Student Personnel
           Administration (superintendency)


The College of Arts and Sciences has a variety of graduate study programs.

  • Animal Behavior
    The program is intended primarily for those who hope to later earn a Ph.D. or wish to amplify their expertise in an animal-related career, such as laboratory research, field research, or conservation biology. The program is administered by the departments of biology and psychology.
  • Biology
    The degree of master of science in biology is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in their subfield of biology and to prepare them to either purse an advanced degree at another institution or obtain employment in industry, government or education. Graduate-level courses are offered in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology and evolution.
  • Chemistry
    The degree of master of science in chemistry is designed to ensure students a thorough foundation in their field and to prepare them to continue their graduate education elsewhere or to obtain attractive employment in industry, government, or education. The M.A. degree program in chemistry is for high school teachers of chemistry. It is designed to allow high school teachers to experience chemistry as it is actually practiced.
  • Education
    The education department seeks to cultivate citizens who are broadly educated, thoughtful, and committed to lifelong learning as a means to better themselves and society. Our blend of social sciences and professional preparation coursework is theoretically grounded and presents issues within social contexts that are diverse and evolving. The Master of Science degree in education (MSED) is offered in school psychology and college student personnel.
  • English
    The M.A. in English is designed for A) those who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or M.F.A. and B) those who plan to teach in high school or community colleges and C) those who desire to advance in related careers or programs of study.
  • Mathematics
    Bucknell offers a master's degree in mathematics. We offer a variety of courses in pure and applied mathematics and statistics. This program is tailored for students with specific goals.
  • Psychology
    The department offers programs leading to the M.S. degree in general experimental psychology, intended primarily for students planning to enter a Ph.D. program and pursue a career in research or teaching. The program involves both research and course work but is unusual in the extent to which it provides students with extensive research experience and skills under the close supervision of faculty members.
  • Other Courses
    A number of departments offer courses which may be taken for graduate credit although the departments do not have graduate programs. These courses may be taken with permission of the student’s adviser to supplement the graduate programs of other departments.