Admitted Students

Welcome to Binghamton University!

Congratulations on your acceptance to Binghamton University! Below, you will find a list of steps to take as you prepare to begin your graduate studies. 

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1. Make it official

  • Accept your admission offer

    Pay your admission deposit to accept your admission offer and confirm your intent to enroll at Binghamton University. The admission deposit (amount varies by program) will be credited to your first semester's bill.

    If you have decided to decline Binghamton University's offer of admission, please let us know by completing the form on your status page. The link to decline your offer of admission is located under "Forms" between "Upload Materials" and "Application Checklist". It would be greatly appreciated if you would share why you chose not to enroll. 

  • Set up your Binghamton University online account and email 

    Activate your online student account

    Visit the Binghamton University Password Portal webpage to activate your account. Select the option "I am claiming my account for the first time," and then follow the instructions. To change your password or security questions for your online account, select the option "I know my username / password and I want to change my password," and then follow the instructions. 

    Use your Binghamton University online student account to access all online resources on campus, including the myBinghamton Portal. The myBinghamton Portal will link you to services such as myCourses, BU Brain and QuikPAY, which will allow you to register for courses, pay your bill, access your transcripts and more. You can also use your account to access other services, such as on-campus computers and Internet connection.

    Configure two-factor authentication (2FA)

    Once you have activated your account, configure your two-factor authentication (2FA) on the Password Portal webpage by selecting the option "I know my username / password and I want to configure my second factor authentication (2FA)," then follow the instructions. Additional information about two-factor authentication, including step-by-step instructions, is available on the two-factor authentication website set up by Information Technology Services (ITS).

    Log in to your student email account

    BMail (bmail.binghamton.edu) is your official Binghamton University email account. You must activate your online account before you can access your student email account. Use your user ID and password to log in to BMail.

    Since all official University communications will be sent there, make sure to check your BMail at least once each week prior to the start of the semester and more often throughout the academic year.

2. Submit required documents 

  • Submit official, final Bachelor's transcript(s)

    The Office of Graduate Admissions requires copies of your official, final Bachelor's transcript(s) documenting your previous college and/or university coursework and degree conferral. If your transcript does not show that your degree has been conferred or awarded, you will also need to submit an official (attested) diploma. Unofficial documents will not be accepted.

    This requirement applies to all enrolling students, both matriculated and non-matriculated. You must submit your official, final Bachelor's transcript(s) no later than six weeks after the beginning of the semester in which you start graduate studies. 

    If your official, final Bachelor's transcript(s) showing degree conferral is (are) not received, you will be unable to register for coursework beyond the first semester. Missing such documentation may result in a rescinded admission offer or a hold on your student account and may prevent the future conferral of a graduate degree.

    Official, final Bachelor's transcript(s) can be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions in the following ways:

    1. Request your official, final transcript(s) be mailed to Binghamton University. The Office of Graduate Admissions is unable to return transcripts submitted by mail. Do not fax or email your official, final transcript(s). To ensure timely delivery and processing of your transcript(s), please be sure your transcript(s) is (are) mailed to the appropriate address.

    For the United States Postal Service (USPS):
    The Office of Graduate Admissions
    Binghamton University - State University of New York
    PO Box 6000
    Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

    For private shippers (DHL, UPS, FedEx):
    The Office of Graduate Admissions
    Binghamton University - State University of New York
    4400 Vestal Parkway East
    Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

    2. Bring your official, final transcript(s) to the Office of Graduate Admissions in a sealed envelope. Do not open the envelope prior to arrival in the Office of Graduate Admissions. If the envelope is opened, the documents will not be considered official.

    3. If your previous institution provides electronic versions of final, official transcripts, those can be sent to gradadmission@binghamton.edu, but must come directly from your previous institution.

    4. If your previous institution is a Parchment member, electronic final, then official transcripts can be sent directly to Binghamton University by visiting the Parchment website and following the directions to order transcripts. Please find the Office of Graduate Admissions under SUNY at Binghamton - GRADUATE ADMISSIONS.

    5. Applicants from Chinese institutions may request and submit final, official transcripts directly through Center for Student Services and Development, Ministry of Education, P.R. China (CSSD). Requests are processed by CSSD and will be sent electronically to Binghamton University. Visit CSSD to get started.

    6. Applicants, including Indian students, may request and submit their final, official transcript through Truecopy Credentials, which will send it electronically to Binghamton University. Visit Truecopy Credentials to get started.

    7. Applicants may request and submit their final, official transcript through WES (World Education Services), or equivalent evaluations. Visit WES to get started.

    If any documents are written in a language other than English, then they must also be accompanied by English translations of those documents. You can either send attested copies of these documents in the mail or bring them to us when you arrive on campus.

  • Submit official, final Master's transcript(s)

    The Office of Graduate Admissions requests copies of your official, final Master's transcript(s) documenting your previous college and/or university coursework and degree conferral, if you have earned your Master's degree. If your transcript does not show that your degree has been conferred or awarded, you will also need to submit an official (attested) diploma. Unofficial documents will not be accepted.

    This request applies to all enrolling students, both matriculated and non-matriculated. 

    If you have earned your Master’s degree, we request that you provide your Final Official Master’s transcript(s) as soon as possible. While not required, missing such documentation may impact the amount of credits you will be required to register for to remain in full-time status, if you are enrolling in a Doctoral program.

    Official, final Master's transcript(s) can be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions in the following ways:


    1. Request your official, final transcript(s) be mailed to Binghamton University. The Office of Graduate Admissions is unable to return transcripts submitted by mail. Do not fax or email your official, final transcript(s). To ensure timely delivery and processing of your transcript(s), please be sure your transcript(s) is (are) mailed to the appropriate address.

    For the United States Postal Service (USPS):
    The Office of Graduate Admissions
    Binghamton University - State University of New York
    PO Box 6000
    Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

    For private shippers (DHL, UPS, FedEx):
    The Office of Graduate Admissions
    Binghamton University - State University of New York
    4400 Vestal Parkway East
    Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

    2. Bring your official, final transcript(s) to the Office of Graduate Admissions in a sealed envelope. Do not open the envelope prior to arrival in the Office of Graduate Admissions. If the envelope is opened, the documents will not be considered official.

    3. If your previous institution provides electronic versions of final, official transcripts, those can be sent to gradadmission@binghamton.edu, but must come directly from your previous institution.

    4. If your previous institution is a Parchment member, electronic final, then official transcripts can be sent directly to Binghamton University by visiting the Parchment website and following the directions to order transcripts. Please find the Office of Graduate Admissions under SUNY at Binghamton - GRADUATE ADMISSIONS.

    5. Applicants from Chinese institutions may request and submit final, official transcripts directly through Center for Student Services and Development, Ministry of Education, P.R. China (CSSD). Requests are processed by CSSD and will be sent electronically to Binghamton University. Visit CSSD to get started.

    6. Applicants, including Indian students, may request and submit their final, official transcript through Truecopy Credentials, which will send it electronically to Binghamton University. Visit Truecopy Credentials to get started.

    7. Applicants may request and submit their final, official transcript through WES (World Education Services), or equivalent evaluations. Visit WES to get started.

    If any documents are written in a language other than English, then they must also be accompanied by English translations of those documents. You can either send attested copies of these documents in the mail or bring them to us when you arrive on campus.

  • Finalize your financing

    Financial Aid

    All domestic graduate students who seek federal loans or need-based tuition scholarships should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you receive student aid, accept or decline your loans online through BU Brain. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records.

    Students with Funding

    If you are a teaching assistant (TA), graduate assistant (GA), research project assistant (RPA), fellow and/or tuition scholarship awardee, you must sign and submit the award letter(s) you received with your offer(s). TAs and GAs should contact Human Resources for information regarding health insurance plans and required paperwork. RPAs should contact the Research Foundation at 607-777-4264 with questions.

    Proof of Enrollment/Enrollment Verification

    If you need to obtain proof of enrollment for an insurance company, scholarship program, loan company or other third party, visit BU Brain and then click on "Student Service Tools" under the "Student" tab.

  • Submit mandatory health forms

    All students must submit health requirements before they will be allowed to register for courses. Use the Patient Portal to upload and submit your health requirements. For more information, visit the Decker Student Health Services Center website.

    Health Insurance: All domestic and international students are required to have health insurance. Review plan options, eligibility requirements and enrollment details for health insurance.

  • Apply for New York State residency for tuition purposes, if applicable
  • Upload a photo for your graduate student ID card

    Student ID cards are available through the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records. Visit the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records website to learn where and when student ID cards will be issued. A valid photo ID is required to pick up a student ID card.

    All graduate students must have a graduate student ID card to access most campus services. 

    All NEW students for the summer or fall semesters will be able to upload their ID card photo after May 1.  Please use your desktop to upload your photo rather than your cell phone. If you have issues uploading your photo, please email your photo to idcard@binghamton.edu.

    If you were a Binghamton University undergraduate student, you will need to obtain a new graduate student ID card to take advantage of extended library privileges and other graduate student services. Graduate students who attended Binghamton University as an undergraduate student should email idcard@binghamton.edu to request a graduate ID card; please include your B number in your email.  You may also choose to upload a new photo for your graduate ID card before making this request. Your graduate ID Card will be available to print after your undergraduate degree has been conferred.

3. Prepare for your first semester

  • Arrange for housing, transportation, and parking

    The Binghamton area offers a wide variety of affordable off-campus housing options for graduate students. Students can access free bus service to and from campus and around the Binghamton area with their student ID cards. For more information on housing and transportation, or to begin your housing search, visit the Off Campus College website. If you plan to park a vehicle on campus, learn about parking options through Parking Services.

  • Check student employment opportunities 

    To find part-time employment opportunities on and off campus, check hireBING through the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development regularly for job postings. New fall graduate students will have access after August 1.

  • Register for courses

    You will use BU Brain, Binghamton University's online student services hub, to view the course schedule, check your registration time ticket, add and drop most courses and confirm your enrollment. You may also access a public schedule of classes online through the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records.

    Registration processes vary across departments, so check with your department for more information about course registration. In some departments, students register themselves; in others, the department registers students. Watch for communications from your department, graduate director or faculty advisor. 

    All students who have been admitted into a graduate degree-granting program must maintain continuous registration each major (fall and spring) semester for a minimum of 1 credit hour. Students who do not register and who have not been granted a leave of absence must reapply to the Graduate School and pay additional fees. Readmission is not automatic.

    Helpful links:

  • Get textbooks

    Visit the University Bookstore online or in the University Union to view the list of textbooks required for your courses and to buy or rent your textbooks.

  • Attend orientation(s)

    Binghamton University offers several orientations: an orientation for new graduate students (fall only), an orientation for all international students (fall and spring), an orientation for new teaching assistants (fall only) and program-specific orientations hosted by individual academic departments (fall and spring). Visit the Graduate Student Orientation webpage for the schedules, locations and requirements.

  • Complete Mandated Interpersonal Violence Prevention (IVP) Training
    • Once you have paid your enrollment deposit and activated your accounts, you must complete the Interpersonal Violence Prevention (IVP) Training
    • This training is an online training and can be found on Brightspace, and is required for all new graduate students
      • Please note, this also includes student's who have previously completed their undergraduate degree at Binghamton University
    • Questions about this training should be directed to the 20 to 1 at 20to1@binghamton.edu. 
  • Confirm enrollment

    Students are required to confirm their enrollment in their coursework every semester by the fifth day of classes. Students who do not confirm enrollment will be dropped from their courses, regardless of whether their bills are paid.

    You will confirm your enrollment using BU Brain. Review instructions for confirming enrollment.

  • Pay your bill

    Your semester bill notification will be sent to your BMail. The first semester bill notification will be sent after you have registered for courses. You may pay your tuition and fees online through Student Accounts using QuikPAY. Make sure to pay your bill by the date listed on the bill to avoid penalties. If you have questions regarding tuition, fees, billing or payment, please contact Student Accounts directly at 607-777-2702 or stuaccts@binghamton.edu.

  • Set yourself up for academic success

    Help yourself have a successful graduate school career by being proactive in knowing and fulfilling your degree requirements. Here are some suggestions:

    • Meet with your advisor at least a couple of times per semester. Prepare an agenda. Tell your advisor about your progress, ask for feedback and discuss your career aspirations.
    • Pay attention to deadlines. If you fail to meet deadlines you may lose time and money.
    • Check with your department about its specific requirements for satisfactory progress. Graduate programs often have requirements that are more demanding than the minimum requirements monitored by the Graduate School. Individual department satisfactory progress criteria are usually printed in the department's student handbook.
    • Consult the Academic Guide. There, you will find answers to questions about enrollment, academic policies, funding and other topics pertaining to graduate studies at Binghamton University.

Helpful Resources 

  • Housing

    All Binghamton University graduate students live off campus. The affordability and availability of off-campus housing, coupled with free bus service, make it easy to find housing in the surrounding area and allow graduate students to fully integrate into the Binghamton community.

    The Off Campus College (OCC) is a resource for all students who live off campus. The office maintains a list of housing options, provides a forum to facilitate connections with other students looking for housemates and runs a legal clinic that can assist with lease reviews. The OCC also hosts a variety of community events and educational programs that help students integrate into the greater Binghamton community. 

    Explore the following resources as you begin your search for off-campus housing:

  • Arriving in Binghamton

    Local Airport Ground Transportation

    Binghamton is served by the Greater Binghamton Airport (airport code: BGM).

    Taxi service is available from the Greater Binghamton Airport to the Binghamton University campus and will cost approximately $25-$35 per person. Follow the signs outside to ground transportation (near baggage claim) when you arrive at the airport. You may also use the free phones near the exit door.

    OurBus

    In an effort to make your journey easier, Binghamton is pleased to offer OurBus. OurBus is a bus ride-share service offering direct service to Binghamton from JFK International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport on select dates. You can find more details about this service and available dates on the OurBus website. If you are interested in using that service, you will need to review that page carefully for instructions on selecting a time slot in advance. 

    New York City/Newark Airport Ground Transportation

    The bus is the most convenient way to get to Binghamton from the New York City/Newark airports. Follow the signs to ground transportation once you retrieve your luggage and pass through customs and immigration. You can ask for the Super Shuttle Van Service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. It will cost about $45-$50 from the Kennedy, LaGuardia or Newark airports. Bus service from the airport to the Port Authority Bus Terminal is also available. It will cost less, but will be a longer ride. Both van service and bus service are less expensive than taxi service.

    Once you arrive at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, make your way to either the Greyhound Bus Lines or Shortline/Coach USA Bus Lines ticket areas. Both bus lines serve Binghamton. The cost of a one-way ticket to Binghamton is about $35-$45. (You may be able to get a discount by purchasing a ticket online in advance.) From the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the bus will take about 3.5 hours to get to the B.C. Junction Bus Terminal in Binghamton. These bus lines share a terminal in downtown Binghamton.

    Use the links below to access the bus schedules for departure and arrival dates and times. Please note that buses operate on a reduced schedule on weekends.

    Once you arrive in Binghamton, you can take a taxi or the Broome County Transit (B.C. Transit) bus to the campus or your housing location. The cost of the taxi will be approximately $9 per person, depending on the distance. The bus will cost $2 per person. If you are going to the Binghamton University campus, take the "15" BC Transit bus, then get off at the "BU Union" stop. Check the B.C. Transit schedule. 

    Hotels

    If you have not yet made housing arrangements, you may wish to stay in a hotel until you secure permanent housing. Please note that some hotels in the Binghamton area also provide van service from the Greater Binghamton Airport. If you decide to stay in those hotels, you can travel directly from the airport to the hotel.

  • Transportation in Binghamton

    Binghamton University provides a student-operated bus service. The bus schedules and routes are listed on the Off Campus College Transport (OCCT) website. Broome County buses also operate around the Binghamton area. The bus schedules and routes can be accessed on the Broome County Transit (B.C. Transit) website. Both the OCCT bus (often called "the blue bus") and the B.C. Transit bus are free for Binghamton University students with student ID cards.

    A number of taxi companies provide 24-hour service in the Binghamton area. Please contact the taxi companies below to arrange transportation. In the U.S., it is customary to tip the taxi driver 10-15% of the fare.

    • A-1 Courtesy Cab: 607-723-2000
    • Checker Cab New York: 607-722-2227
    • Checker Cab - Upstate NY: 607-722-4071
    • AAA City Cab Inc: 607-797-4444
    • Owl Taxi: 607-722-3447
    • Whalen's Taxi: 607-723-8388
    • Yellow Cab: 607-722-2322
  • International student resources

    We understand that adjusting to a new culture is both thrilling and challenging, so Binghamton University provides our international students with as much support as possible.

    As an international graduate student at Binghamton University, you will have access to the following resources:

    Office of International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS)

    ISSS assists with the visa process and helps you understand U.S. regulations that pertain to international students. In addition, ISSS offers programs and services to help you adjust to Binghamton University. These include:

    English Language Institute (ELI) 

    The English Language Institute (ELI) assists students who need more experience and instruction in the English language to do their best academic work. The institute offers courses as well as the Conversation Pairs program, in which non-native speakers work with student volunteers who are native English speakers. The pairs spend time outside the classroom to improve conversation and build student speaking skills. 

    International Student Organizations

    International student organizations help international students adjust to their new culture while sharing their home culture with others through social gatherings. They also help students find housing, locate services and understand U.S. academic regulations. 

    Social Media

    Contact current Binghamton University students via social media. Current Binghamton students connect with and assist prospective, newly admitted and enrolled students. They often respond to questions and assist with international student arrival. 

    Computer Access

    Computers in all of the University Libraries have software that allows students to input characters or scripts from various languages (such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Hebrew) into word-processing programs, e-mail, Internet search engines and database searches. This software will also help you communicate with family and friends. The University Libraries offer a session for graduate students to learn how to use the software.

    Study in the States

    Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a website designed to help international students who want to pursue their studies in the United States. Study in the States provides current and prospective students with a step-by-step guide for what they need to do (in terms of documentation, visas and more) to study in the U.S.

  • Activities, events, and entertainment

    Discover the exciting attractions and interesting events happening around Binghamton, such as Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, the Cider Mill, First Friday and more.

Campus Resources

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following services and offices as you begin your graduate studies at Binghamton University.

B-Alert: Receive text messages or e-mails through B-Alert, the University's emergency alert system. Register for B-Alert.

Binghamton Portal: Use this electronic gateway to access most online resources on campus, including MyCourses, BU Brain and QuikPAY, which will allow you to register for courses, pay your bill, access your transcripts and more. Go to my.binghamton.edu.

Binghamton University Academic Guide: Our academic guide provides an overview of all university policies, as well as program requirements and other course-specific details. 

bMobi: The bMobi application for iPhone, iPods, iPads, Androids and other web-enabled cell phones provides course schedules, campus maps, news, videos, directories, athletic news, information on campus events, images and more. View instructions and download bMobi.

BU Brain: Accessible online within the MyBinghamton portal, BU Brain provides students with access to personal information including your B-Number as well as information about your student record, transcript, schedule of classes, and more.

BUC$: Turn your student ID card into a debit card that you can use at numerous locations, both on and off campus. Learn more about BUC$.

Campus map: Access a campus map. View a list of building abbreviations.

CARE Team: The CARE Team (Consultation, Advocacy, Referral and Education) work to educate and inform the University community and connect students to available resources.

Center for Community Engagement (CCE): The Center for Community Engagement helps students connect with the Greater Binghamton area through community-based research, internship and volunteer opportunities. 

Decker Student Health Services Center: Providing students with primary care of acute illness and injury, health education, women's health services, travel medicine, immunizations, HIV testing, psychiatric consultation and laboratory services, the Decker Student Health Services Center is located just behind the Dickinson Community and offers daily walk-in care and scheduled appointments.

Dining options: Learn about Binghamton University dining options through Bearcat Dining by Chartwells.

Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD): The Fleishman Center, along with the Graduate School and the Graduate Student Organization (GSO), present a number of professional development workshops during each semester. Be sure to check your BMail for notifications.

Graduate Community of Scholars (GCOS): The Graduate Community of Scholars offers resources to help you thrive in your personal life and gain a competitive edge in your professional life — whether you are starting your master's degree or completing your PhD.

Graduate School Manual: This essential resource provides important information on the Graduate School's policies and procedures. Access the Graduate School Manual.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): ISSS provides resources and advice for international students, including information on visas, housing and international student organizations. Visit the ISSS website.

Off Campus College (OCC): OCC provides resources for students living off campus, including access to online housing search tools, a commuter lounge on campus, off campus safety information, a legal clinic and more.

Off Campus College Transport (OCCT): This student-run transportation service offers safe, reliable and convenient transportation around Binghamton University and the community, including from student housing areas and downtown Binghamton to campus. Find up-to-date bus schedules and service announcements online.

Printing services: Students receive a quota each semester to print on campus using the Print@Binghamton system. View information and instructions.

University Bookstore: Buy or rent textbooks and more at the University Bookstore.

Academic Guide (Formerly Bulletin): Review specific information about academic programs and degree requirements in the Academic Guide (Formerly Bulletin).

University Counseling Center (UCC): UCC provides comprehensive clinical and referral services to Binghamton University students supporting the psychological well-being of students so you can take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to you. Explore UCC services, log onto the health portal and make an appointment online.

University Libraries: The University Libraries have three locations: Glenn G. Bartle Library, Science Library and University Downtown Center Library. Learn more about library services, search the library catalog and access journals and databases through the University Libraries website.

Contact us

If you have any other questions, please contact the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions. We are happy to answer your questions.