Harpur Wide Combined Degree Programs
In addition to the programs listed below, students are able to pursue a series of Harpur wide combined degree programs found here.
4+1 Bachelor’s-Master’s Program in Biology
Students may apply for a 4+1 degree program leading to the Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences (BA or BS) with a Master’s (MA or MS), as described below. The requirements for the Bachelor’s portion of these 4+1 programs are the same as the requirements listed in the undergraduate section. However, in their senior year, a 4+1 student may take up to six credits of graduate coursework that will also count toward the undergraduate degree. The nature of those six credits is to be determined between a student and their faculty research advisor.
These programs are designed for exceptional Binghamton University students who want to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. Students in the program receive a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) and a master’s degree (MA or MS) at the end of the program. The requirements for completing the 4+1 degree program are identical to those for completing the two separate degrees. Because six hours of coursework taken for the Master’s degree (500-600 level) also count for the undergraduate degree, students can complete the course requirements for the bachelor’s in four years and the course requirements for the master’s degree in one year beyond the bachelor’s degree. By completing the bachelor’s requirements during the first four years, students are assured of the bachelor’s degree if, for any reason, they do not complete the fifth year. The MS degree 4+1 options are research-intensive, so potential applicants should seek advice and a potential research mentor from among the faculty members in the Biological Sciences Department.
Undergraduate credits: 126. Double-counted credits: 6. Graduate credits: 30.
The program is appropriate for students who want to:
- Increase their preparation for medical school. An additional year of research and coursework can strengthen academic training and credentials while allowing exploration of other career options.
- Determine whether they want to pursue a PhD. An additional year of research and coursework will help ascertain whether a PhD research career is desired.
- Prepare for a career in industry. Employers are looking for people who have excellent training in science, teamwork, and communication skills, which an extra year in a research environment can provide.
- Prepare for a career in teaching. Science teachers are in high demand, but master’s degrees are often expected within a few years of employment (e.g., 3-5 years in New York). A master’s degree also can lead to administrative positions in schools and educational organizations.
Steps for Entrance into the 4+1 Degree Program
To apply for these programs, in one’s Third year, applicants will need to have successfully completed at least one semester of BIOL 497 (Independent Study) and have a 3.2 overall GPA.
Deadlines (for both Biological Sciences Department and Graduate Applications)
- When applying for admission in the Fall, the deadline is March 15 of the Third year.
- When applying for admission in the Spring, the deadline is Oct. 15 of the Third year.
What to Submit to the Biological Sciences Department (During Applicant’s Third Year)
- Personal statement (~500 words, include full name, B#, BU email address, and which bachelor’s/master’s programs applicant will be combining: BA/BS and MA/MS). The statement could contain applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate study, personal background, academic history, work and internship experience, future plans or other information that may be of special interest and importance in contributing toward an admission decision.
- Unofficial transcript: Log into BU BRAIN, choose the “Your Records” tab, and click “Online Academic Transcript” to print an unofficial transcript. If an applicant has an account hold, it must be cleared first.
- Two faculty letters of recommendation (from those with knowledge of the applicant’s undergraduate-level work).
- A Statement of Commitment from the Biological Sciences Department faculty member who will be the applicant’s research advisor (this individual can also submit a letter of recommendation, if applicable).
Admission into the Program
Students are provisionally accepted into the program in their third year. Admission into the program is based on academic performance and sponsorship by a faculty member, who will be the student’s research advisor for the Master of Science degree.
GPA Requirement
After admission into the program, the student must maintain a 3.2 GPA or better in biology courses during the remainder of the bachelor’s degree work.
Register for Graduate-Level Courses as an Undergraduate Student (During the Applicant’s Fourth Year)
Contact the graduate secretary for assistance registering for six graduate-level course credits. Students take up to six credits of BIOL 500-600 courses, excluding BIOL 591, 595 and 599. If the objective is an MS degree, candidates should begin their research project and can receive credit by registering for BIOL 597.
Apply to the Graduate School (During the Applicant’s Fourth Year)
- Formally apply by the semester deadline.
- The GRE examination will not be required for entrance into the program.
- Applicants may be eligible for a limited number of graduate application fee waivers (contact the department graduate secretary for information).
Completion of Bachelor’s Degree
Complete all requirements for the BA or BS degree as outlined in the Academic Guide and apply to graduate.
Admittance into Graduate School
The application is reviewed, and a decision is rendered.
Conferral of Bachelor’s Degree
The undergraduate degree is conferred by the Registrar’s Office. The student can now register as a graduate student.
Register for Graduate-Level Courses (In Student’s +1 Year)
As the student is now considered a new/incoming graduate student, the student can register now with all new/incoming students, typically a week before classes start. The student may work with the graduate secretary to be registered earlier once the undergraduate degree has been conferred and the student’s record has been switched to the graduate level. The student must complete 30 total credits at the graduate level. Having completed six credits in their senior year, students may determine how to complete the remaining credits after reviewing their progress with their research advisor. Note that the graduate school also has a one-academic-year full-time study requirement (nine credits per semester for two semesters, excluding BIOL 599 credit), which may cut the benefit of credit double counting.
Course Requirements - Master’s Degree
Candidates must meet the degree requirements as outlined in the Master of Arts (non-thesis) or Master of Science (thesis) Program section of the Biological Sciences Graduate Student Handbook.
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