4+1 Degree Program

4+1 Program in Mathematical Sciences and Statistics

The 4+1 program is designed for outstanding Binghamton University Mathematical Sciences students who wish to combine either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences (in any track) with a Master of Arts in Statistics degree.

BA/BS Mathematical Sciences (any track) + MA Statistics

Requirements

Students complete most of the coursework for the bachelor's degree in the first three years. In the fourth year, students take both bachelor's- and master's-level courses, graduate with a bachelor's degree and formally apply to the Graduate School. In the fifth year, the student is admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on graduate coursework.

The M.A. program in Statistics has six required 4-credits courses (Math 501, Math 502, Math 530, Math 531, Math 532, Math 535) in year one (i.e. year 4 for 4+1 program students), four 4-credits electives courses from a list of approved courses and two 1-credit capstone seminars in year two (i.e. year 5 for 4+1 program students), for a total of 42 credits.

The coursework that the student completes differs and depends on the specific major and track in the Mathematical Sciences program. However, all students in the 4+1 program should have finished 329, 447 and 448 with a grade of B or better before the 4th year. These courses are prerequisite for a graduate study in statistics and may be required by or be electives for the undergraduate degree (depending on the undergraduate major and track).

A few graduate courses taken in the 4th year can be counted toward the bachelor’s degree. The number of graduate courses that may be double counted depends on the type of the bachelor’s degree.

  • For the BA Mathematical Sciences (any track), up to four graduate courses can be double counted toward the bachelor’s degree requirements, among which up to two can be double counted toward the major requirements.
  • For the BS Mathematical Sciences (any track), up to four graduate courses can be double counted toward the bachelor’s degree requirements, among which up to three can be double counted toward the major requirements.

Math 531 may be counted as Math 455; Math 535 may be counted as Math 457. At most one of Math 531 and Math 455 may be counted. At most one of Math 535 and Math 457 may be counted.

Application and admissions processes

Application and admissions processes for the 4+1 program are, first, through the Mathematical Sciences undergraduate program and the Statistics graduate program and, subsequently, through the Graduate School. Students may apply to the 4+1 program no earlier than their fourth semester of undergraduate study, and no later than the sixth semester of undergraduate study (second semester of the junior year).

Eligibility

Students applying for admission to the 4+1 program must have exceptional academic records, including a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and faculty recommendations attesting to the student's potential in a graduate program. Students who do not have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better should talk to Prof. Aleksey Polunchenko, chair of the graduate recruitment committee, before applying for the 4+1 program to discuss their options.

Admissions Application

A complete Application for Admission to the 4+1 program should include all of the following:

  • The Application for Admission Form to 4+1 program.
  • Names of 2 faculty members, including at least one faculty from math, who can attest the student’s potential in a graduate program.
  • Applicants will also be required to interview with the graduate recruitment committee of the Mathematical Sciences department. Each applicant will be contacted by email shortly after the application deadline to schedule the interview.

Applications must be submitted through this online form accessible on myBinghamton.

Admissions applications are competitively evaluated on the basis of the quality of grades, references and the interview. Applicants are advised that acceptance into the 4+1 program is highly competitive, with a limited number of applicants accepted into the program each year. Applicants will be notified of the Admissions Committee's decision approximately four to six weeks after the application deadline.

Continuing Eligibility

Upon admission to the 4+1 program, successful completion of benchmark degree requirements is necessary for continued standing in the program. Students may be dismissed from the program at any time for failure to successfully complete benchmark requirements. Benchmark requirements applicable to all students admitted include all of the following:

  • Successful completion of the undergraduate degree (the BA or BS in Mathematical Sciences) in the fourth year of study, including all General Education and Harpur College requirements for graduation;
  • Maintenance of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better;
  • Receipt of grades of “B” or better and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all graduate coursework, including the core graduate required courses;
  • Successful application to and acceptance by the Graduate School (by the fifth year); and
  • Timely completion of all required undergraduate and graduate coursework (including core graduate course requirements).

Students who complete the BA or BS degree requirements during the first four years are assured of receiving the appropriate bachelor's degree if, due to dismissal from the program or other reasons, they do not complete the fifth year of study in the 4+1 Program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students admitted to the 4+1 program are formally considered undergraduates and pay undergraduate tuition rates for the first four years of the program until they graduate with the BA or BS degree. During the fifth year in the 4+1 program, students are formally considered graduate students and pay graduate student tuition rates.

Binghamton University's Graduate School does not provide financial aid or any form of tuition assistance to students pursuing MA or MS degrees; students in the 4+1 program are thus not eligible for Graduate School financial aid or tuition assistance during their fifth year of study.

Save time and money

Typically, earning a master's degree takes two years. But with Binghamton University's 4+1 programs, you can earn your master's degree with just one extra year of classes. You'll finish both your bachelor's degree and your master's degree in a total of five years.

By choosing the 4+1 degree program, you'll save a full year of tuition dollars. Plus, you'll pay undergraduate tuition rates for your graduate classes during your fourth (senior) year.

Learn How to Apply

Questions?