4+1 Degrees
Binghamton undergraduates can pursue a combined BS/MS 4+1 for the following degrees:
- BS Chemistry: Materials / MS Materials Science and Engineering
- BS Applied and Engineering Physics / MS Materials Science and Engineering
- BS Mechanical Engineering / MS Materials Science and Engineering
How Does It Work?
To complete a 4+1 program, students must complete the requirements for a BS in chemistry: materials, applied physics and engineering physics, or mechanical engineering. Students are also required to complete all requirements of the MS degree in materials science and engineering, including a thesis.
In the third and/or fourth year of their undergraduate studies, students combine bachelor's- and master's-level courses. In the fifth year, students are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on graduate work, including research. Up to 12 credits of graduate-level (5XX) courses may be applied to both degrees (these do not count toward the Graduate School residence requirement).
Timeline
First Year through Senior Year (Year 1-4)
- Take courses for a BS in chemistry: materials, applied physics and engineering physics, or mechanical engineering
Junior/Senior Year (Year 3-4)
- Contact MSE to declare intent to join the 4+1 Program
- Complete the 4+1 Intent Application in the my.binghamton portal
- Take 8 to 12 credits of 500-level crossover courses
- Optional: Begin research with an advisor
- Senior Year: Submit the 4+1 Graduate Application in the my.binghamton portal
Graduate Year (Year 5)
- Complete required MSE coursework
- Submission of a master’s thesis and oral thesis defense
MSE Courses for Junior/Senior Year
4+1 students can take any of the available MSE courses during their junior or senior year, with the exception of Materials Communications & Seminar (MSE 590), which should be taken during the graduate portion of the program. It is recommended that students who do not have a background in thermodynamics take the elective Thermodynamics of Materials (MSE 560) prior to Reactivity of Materials (MSE 566).
Prospective Students
Students should declare their intent to join the 4+1 program in their junior or senior year. Students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater (3.3 for mechanical engineering) are eligible to formally apply in their senior year.
Contact the MSE program (MSE@binghamton.edu) for further information or to declare your intent to join the 4+1 program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I apply?
- How hard is it to get in?
- Can I apply if I am not in one of the three listed BS programs (chemistry: materials, applied and engineering physics, mechanical engineering)?
- Do I need to join a research group during my undergraduate studies?
- Will I have to complete an MS thesis?
- How is this pathway better than a typical MS degree?
- Is there funding for MS students
- How will the 4+1 help my job prospects?
Questions?
Email Lisa Greeno, MSE administrative support, at mse@binghamton.edu.