4+1 Program FAQ

What is the minimum GPA and number of credits required to be considered for the 4+1 Program?

A minimum of 88 credits is required. For the GPA, it depends on the program you’re applying to. Read the guidelines below. For questions, reach out to the department contact listed below.

Available Programs

Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering, BS
Graduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering, MS

• Grade Requirements
  GPA of 3.3 or higher based on Spring Junior or Fall Senior grades**
• Course Requirements
  Up to three graduate courses taken in the student’s senior year can count towards MS degree and senior technical elective requirements
• Graduate Program Contact
  Guy German (ggerman@binghamton.edu) 

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Undergraduate Degree: Computer Science, BS
Graduate Degree: Computer Science, MS

• Grade Requirements
  GPA of 3.3 or higher based on Spring Junior or Fall Senior grades**
• Course Requirements
  Up to three graduate courses taken in the student’s senior year can count towards MS degree and senior technical elective requirements
• Graduate Program Contact
  Leslie Lander (lander@binghamton.edu)

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Undergraduate Degree: Computer Engineering, BS or  Electrical Engineering, BS 
Graduate Degree: Electrical & Computer Engineering, MS 

• Grade Requirements
  GPA of 3.3 or higher based on Spring Junior or Fall Senior grades**
• Course Requirements
  Up to three graduate courses taken in the student’s senior year can count towards MS degree and senior technical elective requirements
• Graduate Program Contact
  Ning Zhou (ningzhou@binghamton.edu)

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Undergraduate Degree: Industrial & Systems Engineering, BS
Graduate Degree: Industrial & Systems Engineering, MS or Systems Science, MS

• Grade Requirements
  GPA of 3.3 or higher based on Spring Junior or Fall Senior grades**
• Course Requirements
  Up to three graduate courses taken in the student’s senior year can count towards MS degree and senior technical elective requirements
• Graduate Program Contact
  Industrial and Systems Engineering Sarah Lam (sarahlam@binghamton.edu) or Systems Science Hiroki Sayama (sayama@binghamton.edu)

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Undergraduate Degree: Mechanical Engineering, BS
Graduate Degree: Mechanical Engineering, MS 

• Grade Requirements
  GPA of 3.3 or higher based on Spring Junior or Fall Senior grades**
• Course Requirements
  Up to two graduate courses taken in the student’s senior year can count towards MS degree and senior technical elective requirements
• Graduate Program Contact
  Sherry Towfighian (stowfigh@binghamton.edu)

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Undergraduate Degree: Mechanical Engineering, BS
Graduate Degree: Materials Science and Engineering, MS

• Grade Requirements
  GPA of 3.3 or higher after five semesters***
• Course Requirements
  Up to two graduate-level courses taken in the senior year can double count for both BS and MS degrees
• Graduate Program Contact
  Guangwen Zhou (gzhou@binghamton.edu)

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Undergraduate Degree: Computer Science, BS; Computer Engineering, BS; Electrical Engineering, BS; Industrial and Systems Engineering, BS; or Mechanical Engineering, BS
Graduate Degree: Master of Business Administration*

• Grade Requirements
  GPA of 3.0 or higher after five semesters (Fall semester, Junior year)
• Course Requirements
  Must take three core MBA courses during junior and/or senior year
• Graduate Program Contact
  Molly Pianella (mpianella@binghamton.edu)

• How do I apply and what are the deadlines?

  During your sophomore or junior year, you will declare your intent to apply to an accelerated/4+1 degree program by completing the 4+1 Intent Application, located on your my.binghamton portal. Please note: Industrial and systems engineering and systems science accept applications only during junior year.

  During the second semester of your senior year, complete the Graduate School application. Submit all required application materials. GRE, letters of recommendation, and $100 deposit are waived. For the 4+1 degree program, choose ‘Accelerated Degree’ via BU Brain.
  We recommend you complete the Graduate School application process in the final semester of your senior year.

  After you submit all application materials, you will need to pay the $75 application fee. 

  After you pay the application fee, you will receive an email from the Graduate School with the admissions decision.

  If accepted, confirm your intent to continue at Binghamton University. Watson College students do not need to pay the $100 deposit fee to confirm enrollment. 

• Can I get an application fee waiver? 

  We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing gradadmission@binghamton.edu.

  We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing gradadmission@binghamton.edu.

  U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please 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 (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to gradadmission@binghamton.edu. 

• What if I’m an international student? Can I still apply?

  Yes! There is one additional step in the application process for international students:

  If you are an international student who holds or hopes to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must submit the International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form and financial documentation. For more information, review the additional admission requirements for international students.

• What should I do during my first year and sophomore year before I start the application process during my junior year?

  There are no application requirements to complete during your freshman or sophomore year.

  However, we recommend talking to your professors and other students who are currently enrolled in the 4+1 program to gather more information.

  The 4+1 application is open to juniors. Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply before your junior year. 

• I am a transfer student. Can I still apply? 

  Yes! You can apply to the 4+1 program during your junior year.  

• What if my major is not in Watson College?

  If you are a mathematics major, then you are eligible for the 4+1 program in Electrical and Computer Engineering program. Please contact the ECE Department for more details.

  For other majors not offered in Watson College, please visit the Graduate School’s Accelerated/4+1 degree programs webpage, and contact the appropriate department directly. 

• Who do I contact if I have questions?

  Please contact:

  • Biomedical Engineering: Guy German (ggerman@binghamton.edu)
  • Computer Science: Les Lander (lander@binghamton.edu)
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering: Ning Zhou (ningzhou@binghamton.edu)
  • Industrial and Systems Engineering: Sarah Lam (sarahlam@binghamton.edu)
  • Materials Science and Engineering: Guangwen Zhou, (gzhou@binghamton.edu) 
  • Mechanical Engineering: Sherry Towfighian (stowfigh@binghamton.edu)
  • Systems Science: Hiroki Sayama (sayama@binghamton.edu)
  • School of Management (BS/MBA): Molly Pianella (mpianella@binghamton.edu)

  You may also contact the Watson College recruitment team:

  Maggie Wolford
  Director of Watson Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
  mcude@binghamton.edu 
  607-777-6216
  Engineering Building L-12