BS Computer Engineering - MS Electrical and Computer Engineering Program

A 4+1 Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program is available for motivated students working toward the BS in Computer Engineering. The MS degree is an excellent professional credential, which usually commands a substantially higher starting salary. The 4+1 degree program offers the advantages of less time to degree completion, cost savings through three double-counted courses, a simplified admission process by waiving the requirements of GRE exams and recommendation letters, and the ability to start employment at the master’s level.

To be eligible, undergraduate students must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher after five semesters (fall semester, junior year); students with a GPA above 3.0 (but below 3.3) may be admitted at the discretion of the director of graduate admissions with two signatures of support from ECE faculty (submitted to the ECE director of graduate admissions). Students apply for admission to the 4+1 degree program during their junior year by completing a short 4+1 intent application on BU Brain. Once admitted to the program, students begin taking graduate courses during their senior year. Up to three graduate courses taken in the student’s senior year can count both toward their MS degree requirements and their senior BS elective requirements. (Students may not take more than three double-counted graduate classes as undergraduates.) Students in this program must take a total of 21 credits at the graduate-only level (a total of seven courses). During the second semester of the senior year, a formal application for Graduate School admission must be completed, which, assuming continued good performance, is only a formality. Note that the 4+1 program will still be open to the admitted students if they take employment immediately after completing their BS and may choose to continue the program part-time.

After admission to the graduate program, students are encouraged to seek employment as a graduate research assistant on one of the department’s research projects. Research experience gained in the summer after finishing the BS degree provides an excellent experience and a start on a MS thesis or project. Typically, this start on the graduate research allows the completion of the MS program in one academic year beyond the BS degree. The expectation is that students in the program can complete the BS and MS degrees in five years. Students in the 4+1 degree program receive their BS degree after completing their undergraduate requirements. Then, they have an option to continue as a full-time or part-time student and have the graduate courses taken as an undergraduate count toward the MS degree requirements.

Undergraduate credits: 127. Double counted credits: 9. Graduate credits: 30.

BS Computer Engineering - MBA Program

Students have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BS) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in five years. Students should see the Watson College Advising Office for questions regarding the curriculum for the undergraduate degree and the School of Management graduate advising office for questions regarding the MBA program.

Additional Information about the Program

For more information on the Computer Engineering 4+1 programs, please refer to the Watson College 4+1 website or visit the Watson College Advising Office. To apply to a Computer Engineering 4+1 program, complete the 4+1 Intent Application, located on your my.binghamton portal.