BA+MS Program
Students can save time and tuition costs by applying to our 4+1 degree program leading to a bachelor's degree (BA) and a master's degree (MS) in biology.
The program is designed for exceptional Binghamton University students who want to combine and receive a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. The requirements for completion of the 4+1 degree program are identical to those for completion of the two separate degrees. But because up to 8 hours of coursework taken for the master's degree (500-600 level) also count for the undergraduate degree, students are able to complete the course requirements for the bachelor's in four years and the course requirements for the 4+1 degree in five years. By completing the bachelor's requirements during the first four years, students are assured of the bachelor's degree if, for any reason, they do not complete the fifth year.
Undergraduate credits: 126. Double count credits: up to 8. Graduate credits: 30.
The program is appropriate for students who want to:
- Increase their preparation for medical school. An additional year of research and coursework can strengthen academic training and credentials while allowing exploration of other career options.
- Determine whether they want to pursue a PhD. An additional year of research and coursework will help ascertain whether a research career is desired.
- Prepare for a career in industry. Employers are looking for people who have excellent training in science and teamwork and communication skills, which an extra year in a research environment can provide.
- Prepare for a career in teaching. Science teachers are in high demand, but master's degrees are often expected within a few years of employment (e.g., 3-5 years in New York). A master's degree also can lead to administrative positions in schools and educational organizations.
What are the Benefits to a Master's Degree?
Reasons to Pursue A Master's Degree
How Does It Work?
You complete most of the coursework for your bachelor's degree in your first three years and apply to the accelerated program with the Biological Sciences department. In your fourth year, you take both bachelor's- and master's-level courses, graduate with your bachelor's degree and formally apply to the Graduate School. In your fifth year, you are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on graduate coursework and research. Refer to the department's Graduate Student Handbook for MS degree requirements.
Steps for Entrance into the 4+1 Degree Program
To apply for this program, you will need to have successfully completed at least one semester of BIOL 497 (Independent Study) and have a 3.2 overall GPA. Agreement to sponsor by a faculty research supervisor is also needed. The application is due to the department during the second semester of your junior year (preferred by March 15 or October 15).
Access the Biology Graduate Student Handbook, current Academic Guide (Formerly Bulletin) or contact the department Graduate Director and/or Graduate Secretary for application package submission requirements.
Students are provisionally admitted into the program in their junior year. Admission is based on academic performance and sponsorship by a faculty member, who will be the student's research advisor for the Master of Science degree.
After provisional admission into the program, the student must maintain a 3.2 GPA or better in biology courses during the remainder of the bachelor's degree work.
Expand Your Binghamton Experience to the Next Level!
- Plan your undergraduate coursework early
- Begin a research plan
- Network - identify a faculty research supervisor
- Apply to Biological Sciences 4+1 Degree Program in your junior year
BA+BS+MBA Program
Students have the opportunity to complete both the bachelor's degree and a master's of business administration (MBA) in five years. Students should see their school advising office for questions regarding the curriculum for the undergraduate degree and the School of Management graduate advising office for questions regarding the MBA program.
Questions?
Weixing Zhu
Professor / Graduate Director
Biological Sciences
