4+1 Program - Material Science and Engineering

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

MSE 4+1 Overview

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? 
  Students should let the program administrator know that they are interested in the 4+1 program during their junior or senior year. Declaring an interest early (by junior year) is encouraged, to facilitate coursework planning for the senior year. Students formally apply to the graduate portion of the 4+1 program in their senior year.
• How hard is it to get in? 
  Students must demonstrate that they have a strong undergraduate background. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to enter the program (3.3. for mechanical engineering). Undergraduate research is a plus but not required.
• Can I apply if I am not in one of the three listed BS programs (chemistry: materials, applied and engineering physics, mechanical engineering)? 
  Students must complete the requirements for one of the three listed undergraduate degrees. Students in related programs (such as physics or chemistry), must switch to the required degrees (such as applied and engineering physics, chemistry: materials) to be eligible for the 4+1.
• Do I need to join a research group during my undergraduate studies? 

  Undergraduate research is not required but is encouraged since this can help with completing the research component of the 4+1 within the five-year timeframe. 

• Will I have to complete an MS thesis? 
  Yes, all 4+1 students must complete and defend a research thesis.
• How is this pathway better than a typical MS degree? 
  4+1 students complete a BS and MS degree in five years rather than six, saving time and tuition costs.
• Is there funding for MS students
  Paid research and teaching positions are generally reserved for PhD students. MS students are self-funded.
• How will the 4+1 help my job prospects? 
  An MS in MSE is a professional degree that will position you for an industry career. It will also boost your resumé (through grad-level courses, new skills and training, and potential conference presentations and publications) for applications to jobs or PhD programs. Depending on the research advisor and project, some students gain direct experience in working with industry partners.