Apply to an Online Graduate Program

How to apply

Step 1

Gather all required application materials. Note: Specific requirements and prerequisites vary by program. 

Transcripts

  • Provide an official transcript from every college you have attended since graduating high school. Even if courses taken at one institution are recorded on another college's transcript, transcripts must be submitted from the institution at which the courses were taken. Failure to list all colleges on the application and provide those transcripts will be considered an intentional omission and may lead to the cancellation of your application for admission or withdrawal of your offer of admission.
  • Request that an official transcript from every college or educational institution you've attended since high school is mailed to the Online Programs Office. Faxed transcripts aren't considered official.
  • If your previous institution is a Parchment member, follow the directions on the Parchment website to send transcripts to SUNY - Binghamton University - Online Programs. Double check that you choose "Online Programs" as there are several Parchment accounts associated with Binghamton University. If your previous institution does not use Parchment but provides electronic transcripts, those can be sent to onlineadmit@binghamton.edu, but must come directly from the institution.
  • If the transcript cannot be sent electronically, request that your official transcript be mailed to Binghamton University.
    • For the United States Postal Service (USPS):
      Vice Provost for Online and Innovation Education
      c/o Center for Learning and Teaching
      Binghamton University - State University of New York
      PO Box 6000
      Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
    • For private shippers (DHL, UPS, FedEx):
      Vice Provost for Online and Innovation Education
      c/o Center for Learning and Teaching
      Binghamton University - State University of New York
      4400 Vestal Parkway East
      Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

Personal statement

The personal statement offers you an opportunity to discuss the talents, experiences and goals that qualify you for acceptance to a graduate program at Binghamton. The graduate admissions committee is seeking evidence of your qualifications and aptitude, as well as your ability to communicate clearly and professionally.

Typically, the personal statement will incorporate the following:

  • Review your program's admissions requirements for specific content and page length/word count guidelines. Unless noted otherwise by your program, your personal statement should be a maximum of two single-spaced pages in length. Use standard fonts. For tips on creating a personal statement, review the Writing a Personal Statement reference guide, available through the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development at Binghamton University.
  • Your reasons for pursuing graduate study at Binghamton University
  • Your personal background
  • Your academic history
  • Your work and internship experience
  • Your future plans
  • Other information that may be of special interest and importance to the graduate admissions committee

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Your resume or CV should include your name, contact information, educational degrees and certificates, and your work and volunteer experience listed in reverse chronological order. You should also include additional information relevant to your program, such as research experience, teaching experience, published works, grants or fellowships, awards, professional associations and professional licenses.
  • Unless noted otherwise by your program, your resume or CV should be a maximum of two pages in length.

Letters of recommendation

  • The Online Programs Office generally requires two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment authoritatively on your academic achievements and/or work or internship experience related to your program. Contact your academic program for specific instructions related to letters of recommendation.
Here are some tips:
  • Give your recommenders enough time to write and submit the letters prior to your program's application deadline.
  • You may submit your online application before your recommenders have uploaded their letters. You will continue to have full access to your recommender list if you need to send reminders or change recommenders.
  • When you submit your recommenders' contact information on the online application, they will receive an email with instructions for uploading their letter. You will receive an email confirmation when your recommender has uploaded the letter.

Program-specific materials

Guidelines/best practices for uploading application materials

  • Scan and upload the files with care, making sure they are clear, legible and complete. The graduate admissions committee will receive the files you scan and upload.
  • Preferred file format is PDF. Other accepted file formats include .doc, .docx, .rtf, .jpg and .tif. Do not mail hard (paper) copies of any application materials unless specifically requested by the Online Programs Office.

Step 2

Pay the $75 (USD) nonrefundable online graduate degree program application fee.

  • The application fee is non-refundable and is independent of an admission decision or decision to withdraw or decline an offer of acceptance.
  • Once your application has been submitted you will be able to pay your application fee online through the application status checker portal.
  • You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
  • United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are eligible for an application fee waiver. Submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or after submission through the application status checker portal.
  • The application fee must be paid, or a fee waiver must be granted, before your application will be reviewed.

Step 3

Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.

Step 4

Check your application status (often!)

You can easily check the status of your application materials by logging into your status page and viewing the checklist. The Online Programs Office will update your checklist as we receive and process your materials. After submitting your application, allow at least 3-5 business days for your application status to be updated.