I am Lycoming

Lycoming isn’t somewhere you are — it’s something you do. We’re some of the nation’s best and brightest – working hard, discovering talents, changing the world, and enjoying every minute of it. Join in. For us, being involved isn’t a matter of if, but a matter of how much.

The History of Lycoming College

Lycoming College is now in its third century. From its beginnings in 1812 as the Williamsport Academy, its curriculum has centered on the liberal arts and sciences. The Charter described the initial educational focus as the study of “English and other languages” and “the useful arts, sciences, and literature.” In 1841, the curriculum included English, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, Mathematics, Latin, and Greek.

The Academy fell on hard times in the early 1840s and a group of Methodists, led by the Rev. Benjamin Crever, purchased it and changed its name to the Williamsport Dickinson Seminary. “Seminary” was the name used for schools with more advanced study, and many of the Seminary graduates entered four-year colleges as juniors. The curriculum continued to feature the major components of the Academy curriculum. In the late 19th century, under the leadership of President Edward J. Gray, the study of art and music attracted so many students that the Seminary constructed a new facility, Bradley Hall, dedicated to these two fields.

The Seminary continued to thrive in the early 20th century and expanded in the 1920s under the leadership of President John W. Long. In 1929, it became the Williamsport Dickinson Seminary and Junior College, the first private junior college in Pennsylvania. The Junior College curriculum formalized the advanced study available at the Seminary, the majority of which was in the liberal arts and sciences.

After World War II, the flood of returning military service personnel swelled the enrollments of all colleges, and led some, including the Seminary and Junior College, to move to full four year college status. Lycoming College emerged in 1947, marking a fourth change in the institution’s history. However, the College founders decided to retain the liberal arts and sciences as the central focus of the curriculum.

Lycoming College enjoys its present status as national liberal arts and sciences college largely because its leaders have remained steadfast to the tradition established by its founders, believing that the best preparation a person can have for a happy and successful life is time spent studying the liberal arts and sciences.

The Mission Statement

The mission of Lycoming College is to provide a distinguished baccalaureate education in the liberal arts and sciences within a coeducational, supportive, residential setting.

Guiding Principles

Lycoming College has committed to the principle that a liberal arts education provides an excellent foundation for an informed and productive life. Consequently, the Baccalaureate degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) is conferred upon the student who has completed an educational program incorporating the two principles of a liberal arts education known as distribution and concentration. The objective of the distribution principle is to ensure that the student achieves intellectual breadth through the study of the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural and social sciences and modern or ancient languages and their literature. The objective of the concentration principle is to provide depth of learning through the completion of a program of study in a given discipline or subject area known as the major. The effect of both principles is to impart knowledge, inspire inquiry and encourage creative thought.

Lycoming College promotes individual growth and community development through a combination of academic and co-curricular programs in a supportive residential environment that seeks to foster self-awareness, model social responsibility, and provide opportunities to develop leadership skills. Students are encouraged to explore new concepts and perspectives, to cultivate an aesthetic sensibility and to develop communication and critical thinking skills. The college is committed to promoting racial inclusiveness, gender equality and an appreciation of cultural diversity. Through a holistic approach, Lycoming College encourages students to become ethical, informed, and engaged individuals.

Institutional Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, a Lycoming College graduate will

have achieved a depth of learning in at least one field of study
have demonstrated intellectual breadth through the study of the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural and social sciences, and modern or ancient languages
have enriched his/her education through the completion of one or more enhanced academic experiences
understand cultural diversity
be able to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
be able to think critically
have demonstrated information literacy skills and technological competence appropriate for his/her discipline

Degree