Mission Statement

The mission of the computer science department at Bucknell University is to provide degree programs and courses, consistent with the missions of the university and the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and of Engineering, that meet the full range of needs of the talented, primarily undergraduate student body. To do this, the department provides the following:

  • A bachelor of science in computer science and engineering degree program in the College of Engineering for students seeking a rigorous education in computer science and engineering with an emphasis on computer software.
  • A bachelor of science degree program in the College of Arts and Sciences for students seeking a solid foundation in the sciences while gaining an in-depth preparation in computer science.
  • A bachelor of arts degree program in the College of Arts and Sciences for students seeking a broad understanding of the liberal arts while gaining an indepth preparation in computer science.
  • A minor in computer science for students seeking basic competency in the discipline.
  • Jointly with the Electrical Engineering Department, an interdisciplinary bachelor of science in computer engineering degree program in the College of Engineering for students seeking a rigorous engineering education in computer systems and the interaction between computer hardware and software with an emphasis on computer hardware.
  • Basic courses to support the general educational needs of students outside of the degree programs and minor.

The department’s philosophy has the following four principles: Departmental programs will be based on a common core curriculum that supports the breadth of the discipline. Computer science courses should focus on principles; where appropriate, specific systems should be studied to illuminate the principles. Courses in the core curriculum should have a substantial hands-on component, usually in the form of a regularly scheduled laboratory. Departmental degree programs provide the background and experiences appropriate for entering the workplace at the technical level or graduate programs at the Ph.D. level.