Launch your medical research career more quickly with a 4+1 Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Binghamton University!
Earning a master's degree typically requires two years beyond your bachelor's degree. But with Binghamton University's 4+1 program, you can earn your bachelor's degree in integrative neuroscience and your master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences 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.
This is an ideal degree pathway for:
- Students entering the pharmaceutical or biotech industry
- Students who want hands-on lab experience in drug discovery and development
- Students considering a biomedical PhD program
- Students looking to boost their application profile for medical or dental school
Students complete most of the coursework for their bachelor's degree in the first three years. In their fourth year, they take both bachelor's- and master's-level courses, and perform ~10 hours per week of independent research in a Pharmaceutical Sciences (or affiliated) lab. At the end of their fourth year, students graduate with their bachelor's degree and formally apply to the Graduate School. In their fifth year, they are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on graduate coursework.
After you graduate
Graduates of the master's degree program will be particularly well-suited for the life-sciences sector and technology services organizations. PhD graduates will be prepared for academic, government and industrial research positions. Training in entrepreneurism will also play a critical role in these programs, preparing graduates to address the rapid growth in biomedical and pharmaceutical startup companies and to provide consultation and technical advisory services to law firms, venture capitalists and the financial services industry. Graduates may also find themselves working in government in areas such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The application process
Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their undergraduate advisor as an initial step. The Pharmaceutical Sciences program will offer an information session every semester to connect with potential students and explain the program. Students generally apply to the 4+1 program during their third year of undergraduate study, typically by March 1 of their sixth semester of undergraduate study. [Note: Later applications may be considered if space permits.]
Admissions applications are competitively evaluated on the basis of the quality of
grades, references, an applicant statement of intent and curriculum vitae. Admitted
students will be assigned to a research lab in which they will conduct independent
research over the course of two semesters (~10-12 hours per week). Students are encouraged
to review faculty research web pages and provide 2-3 names of faculty members of particular
interest in their personal statement (However, note that we cannot guarantee a match
with the requested faculty). The 4+1 program is highly competitive, with a limited
number of students accepted each year.
After a review of your application, you may be required to interview with the 4+1 Program Admissions Committee or the graduate director. Applications are generally reviewed in March and admissions decisions are communicated by April 1.
Integrative Neuroscience majors interested in applying to the 4+1 program should first meet with their academic advisor to discuss the program and should attend an information session offered by the Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty. Students must have an exceptional academic record, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also submit two letters from faculty attesting to the student's potential in a graduate program.
Contact pharmsci@binghamton.edu for questions and additional information.
APPLICATION:
A complete Application for Admission to the 4+1 program should include all of the following:
- The completed application cover page providing the student’s information.
- The applicant's unofficial Binghamton University transcript as well as transcripts from any other colleges or universities the applicant has attended.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
- A brief statement of intent explaining the applicant’s interest in the program, the areas of research that most interest them (including any specific faculty of interest), and what their professional plans are after receiving their master’s degree.
- Two letters of recommendation from Binghamton University faculty members. At least one of the letters must be from a faculty member in integrative neuroscience or the pharmaceutical sciences department.
Click here to submit an application for this fall
Continuing Eligibility
Upon admission to the 4+1 program, successful completion of benchmark degree requirements is necessary for continued standing in the program. Benchmark requirements applicable to all admitted students include the following:
- Maintenance of the minimum GPA requirements for admission to the program during the remainder of their undergraduate studies.
- Successful completion of the undergraduate degree in the fourth year of study, including all general education and Harpur College requirements for graduation.
- Successful application to and acceptance by the Graduate School at the end of undergraduate
studies.
Maintenance of a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all graduate coursework. - Successful completion of the required eight credit hours of PHSC598 internship in the fourth year, and
- Students who complete the BA or BS degree requirements during the first four years are assured of receiving the appropriate bachelor's degree if, for whatever reason, 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 until they graduate with the BA/BS degree. During the fifth year in the 4+1 Program, students are formally considered graduate students and pay graduate tuition rates. University guidelines stipulate that students must be registered as full-time graduate students for one academic year (18 credits minimum) to receive their master’s degree through the 4+1 program.
Binghamton University's Graduate School does not provide financial aid or any form
of tuition assistance to students pursuing MA or MS degrees. However, other sources
of financial aid may be available through the Graduate School financial aid and tuition
assistance page and through other non-academic divisions and units on campus, such
as the Library.
Have Questions?
For more information, contact:
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS and PhD programs)
Email: pharmsci@binghamton.edu
Phone: 607-777-5800
Location: PB-101