Academic Policies and Procedures for Graduate Students

Enrollment and Registration

Graduate students are expected to follow University-wide policies on Course Registration and Confirmation of Enrollment as outlined in the University Academic Policies .

Transfer or Course Waiver of Graduate Credits

Graduate students may be able to:

• Transfer credits for graduate-level coursework completed at other accredited institutions.
• Request a waiver of a specific program requirement based on prior coursework or experience.
• No provision exists within the Graduate School for students to receive course credit by demonstrating proficiency through examinations.

These processes serve different purposes and have distinct rules and implications.

Graduate Enrollment Levels and Credit Guide

Graduate students are classified into four levels (G1-G4) based on their academic progress. The table below explains each level and the corresponding credit requirements for full-time status.
 

Certification of Full-Time Status

Students in the final stages of degree work may be certified as full-time if the student’s supervisor and program director certify that the student is making a full-time investment in work toward their degree.

In order to qualify, students must have completed 24 or more graduate credits in residency and be classified as a G2, G3 or G4 student. Students must also meet additional criteria, depending on their student status:

1. Domestic doctoral students must have ABD status OR be within one academic year of ABD status.
2. International doctoral students must be officially course complete AND registered in thesis, final project, pre-dissertation research or dissertation.
3. Domestic master’s students (1) must be officially course complete, (2) within one academic semester of degree completion, OR (3) registered in an internship course as part of their program.
4. International master’s students must be (1) officially course complete AND registered in thesis or final project, OR (2) registered in an internship course as part of their program.
5. To be certified full-time, students must make a formal request to their academic department before the first day of classes for the semester.

Qualifying students must be registered for billable credits, often including comprehensive exams, non-thesis projects, thesis (599), pre-dissertation research (698) or dissertation (699). After the full-time working toward degree status is approved, students can be registered for additional credits of GRD 700 (self-funded), GRD 701 (funded), or GRD 794 (internship) to establish a full-time status. Fees are not assessed for GRD 700, 701, or 794. They are not courses; they are non-billable place-holders in Banner, used only to certify full-time status. GRD 700, 701, or 794 may not be used in conjunction with any continuous registration credits or winter registration.

To certify full-time status for a university-approved internship, students must be registered for 1 credit of the appropriate 594 (internship) credit for their academic program, as well as GRD 794 to establish full-time status. Certification of full-time status using GRD 794 is limited to one semester.

Graduate students receiving University support (a tuition scholarship, stipend or other support) and all international students are required to maintain full-time registration. Full-time registration status is defined as 12 credits per semester for G1 students (who have completed less than 24 graduate credits) and 9 credits for G2, G3 and G4 students (who have completed 24 or more graduate credits).

Domestic students being certified as full-time for loan purposes must be registered for a minimum of six credits.

Certification of status is the responsibility of the student and the graduate program. It is important that the student request certification in a timely manner and that the graduate program carefully review the student’s records to make sure that they meet the requirements for the given status.

Modality Change

Students who wish to transition between brick-and-mortar and exclusively online formats, when both options are available within the same major, should notify their advisor prior to the start of the semester in which they intend to transition. Students may also be required to follow specific policies and procedures outlined in their program’s current Student Handbook. Requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to space availability within the desired program option. Students may change program modality only once (e.g., from brick-and-mortar to exclusively online, or vice versa). International students who are in F‑1 or J‑1 status, or seeking to apply for F‑1 or J‑1 status, should consult with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (isss@binghamton.edu) prior to applying for a change in modality, as eligibility is not guaranteed. Students should note that any changes in program modality may affect tuition, fees, and financial aid eligibility.

Residence Requirement

This residence requirement refers to the University’s administrative requirement for residence, not New York State residency. 

All graduate students must meet the University’s minimum residence requirement to earn a graduate degree. This policy outlines the criteria for determining residence and specifies the credit-hour requirements for various types of graduate programs.

• For students enrolled in 4+1/Accelerated master’s programs, residence is defined as successful completion of 18 credit hours of Binghamton University graduate online or onsite coursework. See the 4+1 policy in the Academic Guide for more information.
• For all other graduate students, residence is defined as successful completion of 24 credit hours of Binghamton University graduate online or onsite coursework. 
• See specific program requirements for courses that must be taken in residence.
• S/U credits cannot be applied towards the residence requirement.
• Credit hours earned under any of the following rubrics may not be counted toward the Graduate School’s minimum residence requirement: 
  • College Teaching of the Discipline (591)
  • Thesis (599)
  • Pre-Dissertation Research (698)
  • Dissertation (699)
  • Continuous Registration (700)

Continuous Registration

Graduate students admitted to a degree program must maintain continuous registration during the academic year by registering for a minimum of one credit per semester. Students who wish to absent themselves from their studies for a semester and do not qualify for a Leave of Absence should register for one credit of continuous registration (700). 

• Summer registration is only needed if the degree will be completed in that term. 
• Online students can satisfy this requirement by completing at least one seven-week session per academic year semester or registering for one credit of continuous registration. 
• Continuous Registration (700) should not be used routinely, but is available to preserve matriculation when students are temporarily unable to take other credits. Students may not register for more than two years (or four semesters total) of continuous registration.
• Students who are course-complete should register under the appropriate course rubric (e.g. CHEM 700, HIST 700). See Dissertation Registration Policy.
• Unlike students enrolled in dissertation credits (698, 699), students enrolled in 700 require minimal faculty supervision during this period.

Students who fail to maintain registration or obtain a leave of absence are severed from the Graduate School and must reapply. Students readmitted to the same program may be required to pay for up to four credits of back-registration, plus the semester of return.

For approved breaks from enrollment due to medical, personal hardship, or military service, see the Leave of Absence policy.

An advanced graduate certificate is a formally approved, credit-bearing award (not a degree) composed of graduate-level coursework. Therefore, continuous registration does not apply to students enrolled in a stand-alone certificate program.

Dissertation Registration

All doctoral candidates who are course-complete must register for dissertation credits (698 or 699) to maintain registration.

A doctoral student is considered course-complete when all required coursework for the degree has been completed. At that point, registration depends on the student’s progress toward candidacy and dissertation research. 

Pre-Candidacy (Pre-Dissertation Research - 698)

• For students who are course-complete but have not yet advanced to candidacy.
• Includes students preparing for:
  • Comprehensive examinations, and/or
  • Dissertation proposal requirements.
• Students must register each semester for an appropriate number of credit hours under Pre-Dissertation Research (698).

Post-Candidacy (Dissertation Research - 699)

• For students who are course-complete, have passed comprehensive examinations and/or proposal requirements, have been formally advanced to candidacy (ABD) by their department, and have filed the Recommendation for Admission to Candidacy for Doctoral Degree (ABD status) form with the Graduate School.
• Students must register each semester under Dissertation (699)

Continuous Registration (700)

• Continuous Registration (700) is available to doctoral students who have been admitted to candidacy but are temporarily unable to make active progress on the dissertation due to personal, academic, or professional reasons.
• See the Continuous Registration policy for specific details
• Students are expected to return to Dissertation (699) enrollment once they resume active research and writing.

Add/Drop Guidelines

Consistent with add/drop policies within the University Academic Policies , graduate students may add, drop, or change courses during the University’s official add/drop period. Deadlines are published on the Academic Calendar by the Registrar’s Office. Online programs may follow different timelines as posted by the program.

If a student wishes to add/drop a course after the deadline, a Late Drop/Add/Change form must be completed and signed by the instructor and department chair or graduate director.

• Late course additions are permitted during the first third of the term (five weeks in a standard 15-week semester or two weeks in a seven-week term) 
• After the add/drop deadline, course removals are processed as Withdrawals and will appear on the transcript with a grade of “W” if approved.
• The Late Drop/Add/Change form must be submitted to the Graduate School for approval and then filed with the Registrar.
• A late fee is assessed for all transactions after the deadline.

For more information, see the Absences, Withdrawals, and Readmission section of the University Academic Policies . 

​Withdrawals

Graduate students who withdraw from all courses should consult the Absences, Withdrawals, and Readmission section of the University Academic Policies .

Graduate students who wish to drop ALL fall or spring semester courses or to withdraw from Binghamton University in good standing must submit the Graduate Student Withdrawal Form.

Students should read the policies on graduate student withdrawal in the Binghamton University Academic Guide.

• Medical withdrawals will require the dean of students’ approval, and students will be required to follow the dean of students’ readmission procedures. Medical withdrawals are not available for exclusively online students. Exclusively online students should complete the Graduate Student Withdrawal form regardless of their reason for withdrawal.
• Students who have been on withdrawal for more than 3 semesters must re-apply through Graduate Admissions.
• Students are required to speak to their department chair or graduate director to clarify their student status and funding status.
• International students must also speak with an International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) representative about the withdrawal.
• Financial Aid recipients must also contact Financial Aid to discuss the effects of the withdrawal.

Retroactive Withdrawal

The Graduate School considers requests for retroactive withdrawals only under extraordinary circumstances that have prevented the student from withdrawing by the regular semester withdrawal deadline (for example, a combination of trauma and illness at the time of the deadline). All requests for retroactive withdrawals must be submitted to the CARE Team, which will make a recommendation to the Graduate School. The final decision will be made by the Graduate School. If the student is granted a retroactive withdrawal, the student’s grades for that semester will be replaced with “Withdrawn (W)” marks.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

A leave of absence is granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as unforeseen financial hardship, care giving responsibilities, sudden or prolonged illness, or other unusual personal hardship. Requests require detailed justification. Students on approved leave are excused from the continuous registration requirement for the duration of the leave. 

Medical circumstances
Students requesting a leave of absence for medical reasons must work with the CARE Team and complete the required CARE Team e-form. Medical documentation from a licensed healthcare provider is required to establish the basis for the request.

• Students who are currently enrolled and seek a leave for medical reasons must follow the University’s medical withdrawal process through the CARE Team.
• Students who are not enrolled and request a leave of absence for medical reasons are also required to work through the CARE Team and complete the same medical review process.

Students approved for a medical leave or withdrawal must complete the medical re-enrollment process and provide documentation demonstrating readiness to return prior to resuming their academic program.

Participation in an internship is not a justification for a leave of absence. Students conducting research or internships off campus must remain registered in the appropriate course or Continuous Registration (700). 

Alternatives to Leave of Absence:
Before requesting a leave of absence, consult with your department to determine if it is warranted. A leave may not be necessary if a department can provide appropriate accommodations. Options such as incompletes, reduced coursework, or modified academic requirements may allow you to remain registered.

Leave of Absence Requiring Graduate School Approval:
Students must submit a formal request via the Leave of Absence Form.

Credit Overload Policy

A course overload occurs when a graduate student registers for more credits than the standard full-time load for their level.
 

Students may register for up to the following limits in Banner with program approval:

• School of Management (SOM): 18 credits
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): 18 credits
• Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs: 18 credits
• All other graduate programs: 16 credits 

Beyond these limits, approval is needed via the academic department and the Registrar’s Office. If approved, the Registrar will adjust the student’s Banner account to allow registration for the additional credits. If the petition is approved after the add deadline, the student must also submit a Late Add/Drop Form.

Graduate Students in Undergraduate Courses

Graduate students may earn graduate credit for undergraduate courses number 400-499 per the conditions below. Such courses must include additional work beyond what is required for undergraduate students as determined by the instructor. 

Conditions to earn graduate credit in 400-499 level undergraduate courses:

• Cross-listed 500-level courses
• OR
•  Independent Study of 400-level course with:
  • Permission from instructor
  • Enrollment in graduate-level independent study course (597) with the same name as the course at the undergraduate level
• Any course number below 400 requires Graduate Council approval.

In general, approval of graduate credit for advanced undergraduate courses is limited to unique program circumstances usually involving interdisciplinary work. Graduate students should not expect to receive graduate credit for more than two 400-level courses.

Undergraduate courses that do not meet the condition above, will not count toward a graduate-level degree requirements, and the course grade will not be counted in the graduate-level grade point average.

4+1/Accelerated Master’s Program

The 4+1 or combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program is designed for highly qualified and motivated students who wish to complete both an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame, typically five years. Eligible students apply to the program as undergraduates, usually during their sophomore or junior year. Prior to applying via the BU Brain portal, students should review a degree plan with their undergraduate advising office,  undergraduate major advising, and the graduate program. Once accepted, students complete undergraduate requirements while beginning approved graduate-level coursework.

During the undergraduate phase, students remain classified as undergraduates for tuition, financial aid, and administrative purposes. After the bachelor’s degree is awarded and the student formally matriculates into the Graduate School, the student’s classification changes to graduate status, and all academic and financial policies applicable to graduate students apply.

The detailed policies that follow outline residence, the double-counting of credits, and enrollment requirements for students enrolled in 4+1 and accelerated master’s degree programs.

Residence Requirement after the Bachelor’s degree is awarded

• Students must complete at least one academic year (or part-time equivalent) of graduate study in residence.
• A minimum of 18 graduate-level credits, taken for a letter grade, is required for residence. Credits taken for a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade do not count toward the residence requirement.

Double-Counting of Credits

• Double-counting credits are graduate-level courses completed while a student is still enrolled as an undergraduate that may be applied toward a graduate degree. However, these credits do not fulfill the graduate residence requirement, which must be completed after the bachelor’s degree is awarded.
• The maximum number of credits that may be double-counted is 18. Individual programs may allow fewer credits to be applied. Specific requirements for each program can be found in program-specific portion of the Academic Guide. 
• All double-counted courses must meet graduate-level academic standards and be approved by the student’s 4+1 program.

Enrollment Requirements for the Graduate Degree Portion of 4+1

• During the graduate portion of study, students must maintain full-time enrollment, which is normally defined as 12 credits per semester.
• Enrolling in fewer than 12 credits while in graduate student status may impact financial aid, health insurance eligibility, immigration status, and progress toward degree completion. Students should check with the appropriate offices.
• Some programs may certify full-time enrollment at a reduced credit load, consistent with the Graduate School Full-time Certification policy.

Students are ineligible to enroll in a 4+1 and a graduate-level Dual/Double-Degree Program simultaneously. 

Undergraduate Students in Graduate Courses

This policy applies only to undergraduate students who are not enrolled in an Accelerated/4+1 Master’s Program and who wish to register for graduate-level courses. Students enrolled in an Accelerated/4+1 Master’s Program should instead follow the 4+1/Accelerated Master’s Program policy.

Courses numbered 500 and above are graduate courses, ordinarily open only to graduate students, primarily for students at the master’s level; 600-level courses are research seminars primarily for doctoral students. Undergraduate students who are within eight credits of completing the requirements for their bachelor’s degree may register for up to a maximum of 8 credits and receive graduate credit, provided these courses are not applied toward undergraduate degree requirements. Such graduate credits may only be applied to a future graduate degree.

Graduate courses taken under this policy do not count toward full-time undergraduate enrollment for financial aid purposes. Therefore, undergraduates taking graduate courses should confirm that their remaining undergraduate registration still meets full-time enrollment requirements. Otherwise, they may lose eligibility for certain types of financial aid.

To receive graduate credit for such courses, the undergraduate student must complete the Undergraduate Receiving Graduate Credit: Transcript Notation Petition Form. The form is then filed with the Registrar’s Office before the beginning of the semester.

Dual and Double Degree Programs

Students admitted into a Dual or Double Degree Program should refer to the specific course plan and policies created for these degrees for each program. Students enrolled in a 4+1 program are ineligible to enroll in a graduate-level dual or double degree program simultaneously. 

Concurrent Degree Credit Policy

Students applying for pre-established dual or double-degree programs or advanced certificates should refer to the program-specific policies. This policy applies to all other instances in which a student seeks to earn two degrees simultaneously.

General Eligibility and Restrictions

• Students admitted to a graduate program may use specific courses to fulfill requirements for two degrees.
• All double-counting requires endorsement by both program graduate committees and approval by the vice provost and dean.
• Double-counting is only permissible for two degrees of the same rank (e.g., two master’s degrees) in separate disciplines.
• Double-counting is prohibited for:
  • Culminating experiences, including thesis (599), capstone, and dissertation (699) hours.
  • MSEd coursework.
  • Situations that diminish the rigor or depth of either program.
  • Students are concurrently enrolled in campus-based and online programs.

Credit Limits and Eligibility by Program Type

To be double-counted, credits must meet at least one of the following:

• Equivalent courses that both programs determine fulfill their respective requirements.
• Elective credits for one program fulfilled by required courses in the other.
• Elective credits outside either program that count toward both.
• Experiential credits coordinated to meet requirements for both programs simultaneously.

Credit limits are determined by the following:

Coursework, Grades and Milestones

Determination of Requirements

Academic requirements for graduate programs are listed in the individual program sections of this Academic Guide. Matriculated students follow the requirements for graduation listed in the Guide currently in effect at the time they are admitted (or readmitted). With the departmental advisor’s consent and approval from their graduate program, students may elect a later Guide under which to fulfill the degree requirements; they may not elect an earlier Guide, nor use a combination of requirements from different Guides (or Bulletins).

Previously non-matriculated students who then matriculate are governed by the requirements of the Guide in effect at the time of their matriculation.

When courses required in older Guides or Bulletins are no longer offered, or in other special cases, course substitutions may be made with the approval of the appropriate graduate program.

Changes in regulations concerning grading systems, withdrawals, academic actions, etc., may be made by appropriate University governing bodies; they become effective on the date specified in the legislation. The University reserves the right at any time to make changes deemed necessary in the regulations, fees, courses or programs described in the Guide, and to cancel any course if registration does not justify its continuance or if qualified faculty members are no longer available.

It is the responsibility of the student and supervising professors to know the rules and procedures leading to completion of the degree pursued, but it is always wise for each student to take primary responsibility for meeting deadlines and ensuring his or her own progress.

Grade Policy

The general grading system of the Graduate School uses a letter scale: A through C- and F. One exception to this is the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS) uses a slightly different letter scale: A through C-, D and F.

Grades of S (satisfactory) and U (unsatisfactory) may be used in a limited number of cases as described in the Interpretation of Transcript Symbols section below, for which no greater precision in grading is required. The grades of S and U are not assigned numerical value and thus, are not averaged in with other grades in computing grade point averages. A grade of S denotes a minimum level of academic performance equivalent to at least a B.

Courses for which a student has received a D (School of Pharmacy only) or F do not count toward the number of courses required for a graduate degree or certificate.

In instances where graduate students are not assigned a grade for a graduate-level course at the end of the University’s grade submission deadline, the students in these courses will be automatically assigned an Incomplete (I) grade. In accordance with the Incomplete Grades policy, Incomplete grades that are unresolved or not extended will then convert to a No Credit (NC) grade after one semester.

For the purpose of computing semester or cumulative averages, each letter grade is assigned a quality point value as follows:

A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.7
D = 1.0 (D is used only in SOPPS)
F = 0.0

These grade values are combined with course credit hours to produce a grade-point average. Minimum GPA requirements can be found in the Academic Standing, Probation, and Severance policy in this Guide. 

Graduate School Transcripts

The official transcript of record for all students enrolled in advanced degree programs or as continuing education graduate students of Binghamton University is the graduate transcript, which provides a complete record of all academic work attempted. Undergraduate work is indicated on a separate undergraduate transcript. Graduate students with both undergraduate and graduate academic records at Binghamton have the option of requesting release only of the graduate transcript.

Interpretation of Transcript Symbols

In addition to the letter grades and corresponding quality point values described earlier, the following symbols may appear on official transcripts for the Graduate School:

• X - audit; no numerical credit given for the course.
• I - incomplete; course not completed for reasons acceptable to the instructor. A grade of I gives no grade points.
• NC - no credit; no grade issued.
• W - withdrawn; the student withdrew from the course following the second week of the semester. A grade of W is not counted in computing grade-point averages, nor does the course earn credit hours.
• R - registered; the student maintained required matriculated status during the semester through continuous registration (700, GRD 750) or registration in a research skills (707) course. Courses assigned R grades are not applied toward degree progression.
• 0 (zero plus letter grade) - course was repeated for a higher grade, or undergraduate courses taken as graduate students (will not calculate in graduate grade-point average or earn credit hours).
• S/U - satisfactory/unsatisfactory (a grade of S is equivalent to a B or better). The following limitations apply to the use of S/U grading:
  • 500-589 - master’s-level courses: at the option of the instructor (not the student), either S/U or regular letter grading may be used.
  • 590, 592-596 and 598 - internship or practicum courses: at the option of the instructor (not the student), either S/U or regular letter grading may be used.
  • 591 - supervised college teaching of the discipline: only S/U grading may be used.
  • 597 - independent study: at the option of the instructor (not the student), either S/U or regular letter grading may be used.
  • 599 - thesis: only S/U grading may be used.*
  • 600-696 - doctoral research seminars: at the option of the instructor (not the student), either S/U or regular letter grading may be used.
  • 697 - independent study at the doctoral level: at the option of the instructor (not the student), either S/U or regular letter grading may be used.
  • 698 - pre-dissertation research: only S/U grading may be used.*
  • 699 - dissertation: only S/U grading may be used.*

*Registration for one credit in 599, 698, 699 or related courses may be considered full-time whenever the principal supervisor confirms that the student is spending appropriate time and effort in research, equal to at least 32 hours per semester week.

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete (I) may be assigned when:

• A student has completed most of the coursework satisfactorily, and
• Unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent them from finishing the remaining work on time.

The student must request the incomplete, but the decision to assign an incomplete rests with the instructor.

An Incomplete (I) may not be assigned to:

• Convert a failing grade or unsatisfactory work into a passing grade.
• Extend a project that has grown beyond the course time frame (such projects may be completed through independent study).
• Serve as a grading option for an entire class.

When assigning an Incomplete, the instructor:

• Agrees to be available to assist the student after the course ends.
• Commits to supporting completion within the University’s six-month deadline or sooner.

Roles and Responsibilities

Automatic Conversion: If the final grade is not submitted within six months, the incomplete automatically converts to No Credit (NC). Once converted to NC, the student will be unable to complete the course, and NC will be recorded on the final transcript.

Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, the six-month deadline may be extended for up to an additional six months. Requests must be approved by the course instructor, the student’s Dean’s Office, and the Graduate School. 

Graduation Requirements: All Incompletes and missing grades must be resolved before a student can receive a graduate degree, or be counted as enrolled for the term in which the incomplete is resolved. Students must be registered for the term in which the grade is finalized.

Funding and Financial Implications

Students with an Incomplete should be aware of potential impacts on funding and compliance.

If the student receives tuition Scholarships, Teacher Assistant, or Graduate Assistant Funding

• Incompletes must be resolved before receiving funding for the following semester.
• If an incomplete converts to NC and the student’s registration drops below full-time:
  • The student will owe tuition for that semester.
  • The student is not eligible for further University funding until repayment is made.
• Students with unresolved incompletes are typically not eligible for new funding offers.
  • In rare cases with compelling justification, one semester of funding may be approved.
  • Funding can only be offered for one semester, and no additional funding will be approved until all incomplete grades are converted to grades.

If the student receives Financial Aid

• Students receiving federal or state aid must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
• Unresolved incompletes may cause loss of eligibility for aid.

If the student is an International Student

• Students on visas must remain registered full-time.
• Courses that convert to NC or withdrawn status can reduce registration below full-time and affect visa compliance

Course Repeat Policy

Students are permitted to repeat for credit a graduate course in which they earned a grade of B- (2.7) or lower. This option is contingent on approval by the graduate program director. A course may be repeated only once. In those cases in which students are on financial support, they should check with Financial Aid to determine how the repeated course may impact their financial standing.

When a course is repeated:

• the grade received in the second attempt is substituted for the first in the computation of the grade-point average  
• in the award of credit at the time of degree finalization. 
• the first grade remains on the student transcript.
   

Academic Standing, Probation, Suspension, and Severance

Academic Standing Overview
A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 is required to maintain good academic standing. 

Note: Students in the PharmD program in the SOPPS must maintain a 2.50 average. Students in the PharmD program should refer instead to the School of Pharmacy’s specific policy in the handbook.

All courses required by the program, all courses required or approved by the student’s supervisory committee, and all courses taken while a student is supported by university funds are included as “presented for the degree”. While a grade of C- is the minimum threshold to earn credit for a course, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain in Good Standing. Earning the minimum passing grade in every course does not guarantee Good Standing.

The evaluation of academic standing will be made at the end of the fall semester, spring semester, and, if the student’s program requires summer enrollment, at the end of the summer session.

There are exceptions to this policy:

• Graduate programs may adopt stricter GPA or probation standards, but they cannot be more lenient than this policy. Any more stringent policies must be clearly stated in the program’s handbook and academic guide entries, and communicated to students. 
• Students in the PharmD program should refer to the School of Pharmacy’s specific policy. 

If a student has fallen out of good standing, one of the following will apply:

Academic Probation

Conditions: A graduate student is placed on academic probation in the semester when their cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. If there is clear evidence that the student cannot meet the required 3.0 GPA for graduation in a timely manner, the academic program may recommend severance to the Graduate School.

Duration: Academic Probation students may be on probation for a maximum of two semesters (see example below). 

Requirements While on Probation: Students must be enrolled and, during that time, meet with the program/graduate director at the start of the semester to review performance and develop a plan to return to good standing. Students are expected to seek guidance from faculty advisors and/or academic support staff to improve their academic performance.

Outcome: Students remain on probation until they return to a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or until they reach the limits defined above (two semesters). After which, a student is placed in academic jeopardy (see example below).

Example:

Academic Jeopardy
 

Conditions: A graduate student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.6 or has been on probation for two full semesters is considered to be in academic jeopardy.  If there is clear evidence that the student cannot meet the required 3.0 GPA for graduation in a timely manner, the academic program may recommend severance to the Graduate School.

Duration: Academic Jeopardy students may remain in academic jeopardy for only one semester.

Requirements While in Jeopardy: Students must meet with the program/graduate director at the start of the semester to review performance and develop a plan to return to good standing. Students are expected to seek guidance from faculty advisors and/or academic support staff to improve their academic performance.

Outcome: If the GPA rises above 2.6, the student may be returned to academic probation for a maximum of one semester. Continuation is granted only when there is clear evidence that the student can achieve the required 3.0 GPA for graduation in a timely manner. If the GPA is below 2.6 after one semester, the student will be academically severed or dismissed (see below for details).

Academic Suspension
 

Condition: A graduate student may be placed on academic suspension if they fail, earn an unsatisfactory grade, drop, or withdraw from a required course in a sequential curriculum that requires retaking the course in a subsequent semester. 

Duration: Suspension temporarily pauses enrollment and prohibits registration for all University courses until the student is eligible to retake the course, for a period not to exceed 12 months. Continuous registration is not required during suspension.

Requirements While in Suspension: Students must meet with the program/graduate director/advisor to identify the next opportunity to take the course, and the necessary steps for course registration.

Outcome: If the student fails to register for the course after 12 months, the student is severed, unless the course is not available during that period.
 

Academic Severance

Condition: A graduate student who has not met academic, timeline, suspension, or continuous registration requirements is placed on academic severance. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Exceeding limits on academic probation, suspension, or academic jeopardy policy
• Not completing a Master’s program or achieving ABD status within 5 years of matriculation
• Not completing their PhD program within 5 years of attaining ABD status
• Not passing the required comprehensive exams
• Not meeting required program milestones or deadlines

Process: Graduate students may be severed only by the dean of the Graduate School (or designee), in consultation with the departmental graduate committee, with endorsement by the department chair, the school/college graduate committee, or the dean of the school/college.

Outcome: An academic hold is placed on the student’s record. Academic severance prevents enrollment in all University courses. To return to graduate-level study, students must reapply through the standard Graduate Admissions process. Readmission may be subject to additional terms and conditions set by the program and/or the Graduate School.

Academic Dismissal

Condition: Academic dismissal is a rare action that permanently bars the student from enrolling in any academic programs at Binghamton University. A graduate student who has failed to meet academic or professional standards may be dismissed from the University.

Process: Graduate students may be dismissed only by the dean of the Graduate School (or designee), in consultation with the departmental graduate committee, with endorsement by the department chair, the school/college graduate committee, or the dean of the school/college.

Outcome: Dismissal is a final action that permanently ends a student’s eligibility for enrollment in any academic program at Binghamton University.

Research Skills (707) Courses

The policies of the Graduate School allow students to register for up to four credit hours each semester of Research Skills (707) courses. The graduate program determines the method(s) to be used to fulfill these requirements

For example, Research Skills 707 can be used to:

• develop specific research skills essential to the student’s degree work
• learn computer coding
• establish foreign language reading competency

Students may enroll in Research Skills (707) courses only when the faculty of the program has determined that there are specific research skills essential to the student’s degree work, and that such skills may not be used to remediate normal admission requirements in that degree program. 

Research Skills (707) courses taken by graduate students may not be used to satisfy course requirements in any graduate degree program and may not be used in determining G2 enrollment status, that is, they do not count toward the advanced status that allows second-year students to take only nine credits.

Comprehensive Examinations

A comprehensive or proficiency examination is used to test candidates’ specialized knowledge in the discipline and to demonstrate that they are qualified to undertake advanced-level dissertation work. The comprehensive examination may be written and/or oral.

The composition of the examination committee and administration of the comprehensive examination is under the jurisdiction of the academic program and its officers. Graduate programs shall provide details on comprehensive examinations in their graduate manual or handbook. 

The student’s principal advisor normally serves as chair of the examination committee, and other advisory committee members may also serve on the examination committee. The student may repeat all or part of the comprehensive examination only once without prior approval from the dean of the Graduate School or designee.

Timeline for Degree Completion

For master’s degrees, completion of all requirements, including thesis if required by the program, within five years after admission to the Graduate School.

A student in a doctoral program must be admitted to candidacy (ABD status) within five years of matriculation (including time towards earning a master’s degree at Binghamton University). Subsequently, candidates for the doctoral degree must complete all requirements for the degree, including the dissertation, within five years after admission to doctoral candidacy (ABD status).

Thesis and Dissertation

Thesis and Dissertation Committee Membership

If a thesis is required for the master’s degree, the dean, chair, or director of graduate studies designates a thesis committee consisting of at least two members of the graduate faculty who supervise and approve the thesis, with one of these designated as first supervisor.

Dissertation committees should consist of at least three members of the graduate faculty and one Outside Examiner (OE).

Thesis and dissertation committees must be composed of members of the Graduate Faculty, as defined in the Graduate School Bylaws, Article II, Section 2. Faculty eligible for membership on thesis or dissertation committees include those holding Graduate Faculty status consistent with the membership categories outlined in the bylaws.

Programs are responsible for recommending committee membership in accordance with these bylaws and any additional program-level requirements.

Doctoral Candidacy

Matriculated students are admitted to doctoral candidacy when they have met all research skills and coursework requirements, passed required comprehensive examinations, and had their dissertation prospectus approved. 

Upon meeting all other requirements, a student may be admitted to candidacy (achieve ABD status) beginning in the next major semester (Fall or Spring). For all billing and student records to reflect this status correctly, this form should be submitted at least 1 month before the start of classes. Under no circumstances can a status change to ABD be processed once the semester has begun.

Once all requirements are completed, the Recommendation for Admission to Candidacy for Doctoral Degree form is submitted. Before submission of the ABD form, a copy of the dissertation prospectus approved by the dissertation committee must be submitted to the department or school/college office.

A student in a doctoral program must be admitted to candidacy within five years of matriculation (including time towards earning a master’s degree at Binghamton University). A student may submit one petition for an extension of the time limit by submitting a request to the director of graduate studies in their program unit, which the graduate school then approves.  Petitions for extension shall be approved for a maximum of one year (2 semesters). 

Intra- and inter-program majors and minors should be declared at this time. Two semesters normally elapse between admission to candidacy and the granting of the degree. Doctoral candidates must complete all degree requirements, including the dissertation, within five years of admission to doctoral candidacy.

Outside Examiner

The outside examiner’s function on the examination committee is to render an independent judgment and to ensure that the dissertation satisfies Graduate School standards. The vice provost and dean (or the dean’s designee), upon recommendation from the department, adds to the examination committee membership an outside examiner as the representative of the faculty of the Graduate School. 

The outside examiner must be approved and appointed before the dissertation defense is scheduled. The outside examiner:

• Is either a Binghamton University faculty member from a related area outside the major department or division, or
• Is someone from a related discipline outside the University
• Should have no involvement in the supervision of a dissertation 
• Should have no other conflict of interest
• Should be requested using the Outside Examiner Request Form

If the nominee is not on the pre-approved list, the program officer should complete the Outside Examiner Request Form, including a curriculum vitae and a brief statement that gives the title and focus of the student’s dissertation, along with a brief commentary on how the outside examiner’s credentials relate to the student’s work. The vice provost and dean (or the dean’s designee) evaluates the outside examiner’s credentials and then invites the nominee or another faculty member to serve as outside examiner.

Because of the time required to give adequate consideration to the student’s research, the student is expected to submit the dissertation to the dissertation committee  - including the outside examiner - well in advance of the final oral defense. Normally, a minimum of 30 days (1 month) is recommended; however, this falls under the purview of the committee and is subject to the requirements of the program. In all cases, the dissertation defense may be scheduled only after the outside examiner is appointed.

Dissertation Defense

The dissertation committee has direct charge of all matters pertaining to the dissertation. The dissertation must have the unanimous approval of the committee before arrangements are made for the final examination for the degree.

Members of the dissertation committee serve on the examination committee, and the dissertation chair normally serves as examination chair. The list of examiners may include one or more faculty members outside a program, if they were members of the dissertation committee.

Policy on Generative AI Use in Doctoral Dissertations, Master’s Theses, and Culminating Projects

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for the responsible use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creation, development, and submission of master’s theses, doctoral dissertations, and other culminating projects such as those in clinical doctorates (e.g., DNP, PharmD, DPT, OTD). This policy aims to ensure academic integrity, transparency, and the proper attribution of AI-generated content in graduate research while fostering innovation and the ethical use of emerging technologies. 

Individual academic programs are responsible for (i) defining acceptable use of generative AI based on the norms of their discipline, (ii) communicating these policies proactively to graduate students, and (iii) establishing a process for periodic evaluation of their generative AI policy so that it can be adapted with the rapidly-changing technological platforms. Individual programs may elect to restrict the use of generative AI beyond what is described here or prohibit use of generative AI altogether, but they may not adopt practices that are less restrictive than those described here. Undisclosed or improper AI use in violation of this policy is a violation of the Academic Honesty Code.

Core Principles

The use of generative AI tools in PhD dissertations, Masters theses, and culminating projects is governed by three core principles:

• Transparency: In line with academic norms of proper attribution, all use of generative AI must be explicitly disclosed. All students must include one of two statements in the front matter of the dissertation or thesis, as described below.
• Accountability: Students bear full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of all content, regardless of its source, including but not limited to citations, facts, and analyses.
• Responsibility: Students must demonstrate scholarly and ethical judgment in the appropriate application of generative AI tools. Final intellectual contributions must reflect the student’s original scholarly work and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their faculty mentors, thesis/dissertation committees, and/or Graduate Directors regarding specific expectations for generative AI use in their research. 

Required Declaration Statements on Generative AI Use

This statement must be placed in the front matter of the dissertation/thesis/culminating project following the formatting guide.

For No AI Use

I declare that no generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools or services were used in the research, writing, analysis, or any other aspect of this [dissertation/thesis/culminating project].

For AI Use

I declare that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used in this [dissertation/thesis] as follows:

• AI Tool(s) Used: [Name specific tools, e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.]
• Sections/Pages: [Identify specific sections or page numbers]
• Purpose: [Briefly explain how AI was used, e.g., editing for clarity, generating initial outlines, brainstorming research questions]
• Verification Process: [Briefly explain how AI-generated content was verified]

Detailed documentation of use is available in Appendix [X].

Awarding of Graduate Degrees

Students who have completed their program requirements and wish to graduate must submit the Graduate Application for Degree (GAFD), found in BU Brain. Once completed, students will be prompted to submit the Recommendation for Award Form. When all requirements have been completed (including program-required final exam/paper/project submissions or thesis/dissertation defenses, etc.), departmental or school/college graduate committees will certify and recommend to the Registrar’s Office that the appropriate degree be awarded. Following verification by Registrar’s Office that all degree requirements prescribed by the departmental graduate faculty have been met, Registrar’s Office will officially approve the award of a graduate degree.

Degrees are conferred four times each year: December, May and end of Summer Session 1 and 2. Students who complete degree requirements in the fall semester are awarded degrees in December; students who complete degree requirements in the spring semester are awarded degrees in May; students who complete degree requirements in the summer term are awarded degrees at the end of Summer Session 1 and 2 as appropriate. Formal investiture of all degrees occurs at the University’s annual spring Commencement ceremonies. All students who have completed their graduate degree requirements are invited to participate in Commencement, and eligible students will be notified of all deadlines, as well as all charges and responsibilities that must be fulfilled prior to Commencement and final conferral.

Policy Prohibiting Award of a Second Degree in the Same Field

State University of New York policy states that a second degree at the same level (e.g., master’s or doctorate) may be awarded only when a significant amount of additional coursework in a very different field is completed. When a student has already earned a master’s or doctorate in a given discipline at a U.S. institution, a second degree at the same level in that discipline may not be earned at Binghamton University. Exception requests are considered for students who have previously earned a degree from a non-U.S. institution.

Master’s Degree

At their discretion, departmental or school/college graduate committees recommend for the master’s degree those candidates who have:

• completed at least 24 credit hours of graduate coursework, exclusive of a thesis, in residence at Binghamton University;
• completed the required coursework presented for the degree (minimum total is 30 credit hours);
• maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in courses approved by the departmental or school/college graduate committee and presented for the degree. Note: Students in the PharmD program in the SOPPS must maintain a 2.50 average;
• fulfilled all departmental or school/college course requirements;
• given evidence satisfactory to their examination committees, by means of a master’s examination (written and/or oral) and required papers or a thesis, that they are familiar with basic hypotheses and techniques of their disciplines and are competent in applying them.

Candidates for the master’s degree must complete all requirements for the degree, including thesis if required by the program, within five years after matriculating in the Graduate School.

Doctoral Degree

At their discretion, departmental or school/college graduate committees recommend for the doctoral degree those candidates who have:

• completed at least 24 credit hours of graduate coursework, exclusive of a thesis, in residence at Binghamton University;
• completed the required coursework presented for the degree (minimum total is 30 credit hours);
• maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in courses approved by the departmental or school/college graduate committee and presented for the degree. Note: Students in the PharmD program in the SOPPS must maintain a 2.50 average;
• fulfilled all departmental or school/college course requirements;
• given evidence satisfactory to their examination committees by means of a comprehensive examination (written and/or oral) that they are familiar with basic hypotheses and techniques of their discipline and are competent in applying them;
• satisfactorily fulfilled the departmental or school/college research skills requirement;
• submitted a dissertation, on a topic approved by the department, that embodies the results of original research and gives evidence of high scholarship. Note: This requirement does not apply to students in the PharmD program in the SOPPS or in the DNP and OTD programs in the DCNHS, who instead complete capstone projects.

Candidates for the doctoral degree must complete all requirements for the degree, including the dissertation, within five years after admission to doctoral candidacy.

Thesis and Dissertation Preparation and Completion

For specific instructions regarding the preparation and submission of master’s theses and doctoral dissertations, students should consult the Graduate School Manual.

The absolute deadline for fulfilling thesis and dissertation requirements is approximately ten working days prior to Commencement. 

Advanced Graduate Certificate Policy

Binghamton University offers graduate-level advanced certificates that provide focused study in specialized areas. These can be taken after completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or other advanced degree. Advanced certificates are designed around specialized areas of focus for targeted study within a field. An advanced certificate is a good option for someone who would like to develop a solid background and skills in a specialized field but may not want to complete the full credit requirements for a degree program.

Advanced certificates at Binghamton are designed to maintain the academic rigor expected of a research-intensive university while offering flexible pathways for professional and continuing learners.

Advanced certificates may be completed in one of two enrollment categories - stand-alone or add-on - and may be structured as either stackable or non-stackable credentials.

Advanced Graduate Certificate (General Definition)

An advanced graduate certificate is a formally approved, credit-bearing award (not a degree) composed of graduate-level coursework that:

• Represents a coherent sequence of study with defined learning outcomes and assessments.
• Is typically 12-16 credits of graduate-level coursework (courses numbered 500 and above). 
• Is taught by faculty holding Graduate Faculty status as defined by the Graduate School Bylaws.
• May be completed independently (stand-alone) or in conjunction with a graduate degree (add-on).
• When designed to be stackable, it may meet the requirements for an approved master’s degree in a related field.

There are two types of Advanced Graduate Certificates: Stand-Alone and Add-on

Stackable Advanced Graduate Certificates

As of the 2026 publication of the Academic Guide, no stackable advanced graduate certificates are offered at Binghamton University. The policy below serves as guidance for program development. 

Stackable advanced certificates are graduate advanced certificates intentionally designed to serve as modular components of a master’s degree.
A stackable advanced certificate:

• Is registered and approved as an advanced certificate by NYSED.
• May stand alone as a discrete credential or be combined (“stacked”) with additional advanced certificates or coursework to fulfill requirements for a related master’s degree.
• Retains the same admission and completion procedures as other advanced certificates (stand-alone or add-on) but includes explicit pathways to a degree program.
• Ensures that all coursework applied to the degree meets the academic structure and credit parameters defined below.

Note: An advanced certificate may be both stand-alone and stackable; the distinction lies in whether it has been formally approved as a component of a stackable master’s pathway.

Academic Structure and Credit Parameters for Advanced Graduate Certificates

Double-Counting, Transfer and Unique Credit Requirements

Between advanced certificates from Binghamton University:

• When two or more advanced certificates share courses, at least 25 percent of the total credits applied toward each advanced certificate must be unique to that credential.
• Overlapping coursework must be approved by both the graduate or program director and the Graduate School

Between an advanced certificate and a graduate degree at Binghamton University:

• Credits earned in an approved advanced certificate may be applied toward a graduate degree only when grades of B (3.0) or higher are earned.
• Advanced certificates completed more than five (5) years before matriculation in the master’s degree program are ineligible for transfer.

Between another accredited institution and an advanced certificate at Binghamton University:

• Not more than four (4) total advanced certificate credits may be fulfilled through coursework from an accredited institution. Approved exceptions to this limit are noted on individual program pages in the academic guide.
• Transfer credit must:
  • Be graduate-level and graded B (3.0) or higher
  • Not have been used to earn another degree (unless explicitly allowed through an articulation agreement), and
  • Be approved by the program director and Graduate School.

Time to Completion

All coursework for an advanced certificate must be completed within five (5) years of initial enrollment in the program.

Extensions may be granted only under exceptional circumstances, with departmental and Graduate School approval.
 

Waiver of Regulations and Requirements

Specified Graduate School regulations and/or program degree requirements may be waived by the vice provost and dean in individual instances. A petition for such a waiver must be endorsed by the appropriate program graduate committee and graduate program director, who append their reasons for believing that the requested waiver would not result in a breach of the spirit of the specified regulation or requirement.

The University reserves the right to alter these regulations and requirements without notice, pending the publication of the next scheduled issue of this publication.