Save Time & Money with a 4+1 Degree Program in Anthropology at Binghamton University
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.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology can be combined with either a BA/BS in Anthropology or BA in Linguistics:
- BA/BS Anthropology + MA Anthropology
- BA Linguistics + MA Anthropology
The Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Anthropology can be combined with any Harpur BA/BS (excluding MusB, any Art & Design BA, and any Theatre BA):
- Harpur BA/BS + MS Biomedical Anthropology
Students complete much 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 up to three graduate courses can double count for both the graduate and undergraduate degrees. 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.
Take your Binghamton experience to the next level. Plan your coursework early and
apply for a 4+1 program today.
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Application & Admissions Process
The application and admission process is similar for all the 4+1 programs offered by the anthropology department. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the undergraduate advisor/director in your major program as an initial step in the process. Students apply to the 4+1 program of their choosing generally no earlier than their fourth semester of undergraduate study (second semester of sophomore year), and generally not later than the sixth semester of undergraduate study (second semester of the junior year). Applications from students in their final year of undergraduate study will also occasionally be considered.
After a review of your application, you will be required to interview with the 4+1 Program Admissions Committee, consisting of the Department of Anthropology's undergraduate director, graduate director, and department chair. Each applicant will be contacted by email shortly after the application submission to schedule the interview.
Admissions applications are competitively evaluated on the basis of the quality of grades, references, an applicant statement of intent, cv and the interview. Applicants are advised that acceptance into the 4+1 Program is highly competitive, with a limited number of students accepted into the program each year. Applicants will be notified of the Admissions Committee's decision within two weeks after the interview.
Deadlines:
There is no specific deadline. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Eligibility:
- Program 1 - BA/BS Anthropology + MA Anthropology/MS Biomedical Anthropology
Anthropology majors interested in applying to the 4+1 program should first meet with the undergraduate director in anthropology to discuss the program. Students must have an exceptional academic record, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Applicants must also submit two letters from faculty attesting to the student's potential in a graduate program.
- Program 2 - BS Integrative Neuroscience + MS Biomedical Anthropology
Integrative Neuroscience majors interested in pursuing the 4+1 Program in Integrative Neuroscience and Anthropology should first meet with the IN undergraduate advisor (Science IV, Suite 175) to discuss the program and ensure eligibility. On the recommendation of the IN undergraduate director, students fill out an application to be submitted to the anthropology undergraduate director. Students must have an exceptional academic record, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and 3.3 GPA within the IN major. Applicants must also submit two letters from faculty attesting to the student's potential in a graduate program.
- Program 3 - BA/BS Biology + MS Biomedical Anthropology
Biology majors interested in pursuing the 4+1 Program in Biology and Anthropology should first meet with the Biology undergraduate advisor to discuss the program and ensure eligibility. Subsequently, students fill out an application to be submitted to the anthropology undergraduate director. Students must have an exceptional academic record, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and 3.3 GPA within the Biology major. Applicants must also submit two letters from faculty attesting to the student's potential in a graduate program.
- Program 4 - BA Linguistics + MA Anthropology
Linguistics majors interested in pursuing the 4+1 Program in Linguistics and Anthropology should first meet with the Linguistics undergraduate advisor to discuss the program and ensure eligibility. Subsequently, students fill out an application to be submitted to the anthropology undergraduate director. Students must have an exceptional academic record, including a minimum 3.3 GPA within the Linguistics major. Applicants must also submit two letters from faculty attesting to the student's potential in a graduate program.
Application:
A complete Application for Admission to any of the 4+1 programs 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 (1-2 pages) explaining the applicant’s interest in the program, the areas of anthropology that most interest them, whether they have specific interests they might like to pursue for their biomedical anthropology internship, and what their professional plans are after receiving their master’s degree.
- Two letters of recommendation from Binghamton University faculty members. One of the letters must be from a faculty member in the anthropology department. For students applying from a different major, the other letter must be from a faculty member in the student’s major department.
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Continuing Eligibility
Upon admission to the 4+1 Program, successful completion of benchmark degree requirements is necessary for continued standing in the program. While some requirements vary according to the specific 4+1 Program into which the student has been accepted, 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.
Receipt of grades of "B-" or better and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all graduate coursework.
In addition:
For students pursuing the Anthropology MA degree:
- Formation of a faculty committee willing to supervise the student's MA thesis, which must be in place by the beginning of the fifth year;
- Successful completion of the foreign language requirement as required by the Graduate School;
- Successful completion of the MA colloquium which details the research plans for the master's thesis or two-paper option
- Successful completion of either an MA thesis or two-paper thesis option.
For students pursuing the Biomedical Anthropology MS degree:
- Completion of the required internship in the fifth year, and
- Successful completion of the MS exit interview administered by the faculty.
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.
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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; students in the 4+1 Program are thus not eligible for Graduate School financial aid or tuition assistance during their fifth year of study.
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?
Sebastien C.P. Lacombe
Research Assistant Professor/Director of Undergraduate Studies
Anthropology
