Admission

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Undergraduate Admission

Students wishing to take courses for credit or pursue degree programs in Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Decker School of Nursing, School of Education and Human Development, School of Management or Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science must be admitted to the specific school (or readmitted if appropriate) before registering for courses. Forms and information are available in the Undergraduate Admissions Office and on the Web. Information concerning non-credit courses is available from the Division of Continuing Education & Outreach. In addition to program information in the Bulletin and its print companion, the Binghamton University Catalog, viewbooks and other informative brochures are available from the Admissions Office and the departments and schools. Before the start of each academic term, the Registrar’s Office publishes the schedule of course offerings.

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Freshman Admission

Freshmen are defined as students who have attempted no college coursework, or whose only college courses were pursued before high school graduation. All of Binghamton’s undergraduate schools accept freshman applicants. Applications are available on the Web at www.binghamton.edu, from the State University of New York application processing center or from  any high school guidance office in New York state. The University is a member of the Common Application group, and applications may be obtained from the group at its website, http://www.commonapplication.org. New York residents using the SUNY application should mail their forms to the Application Processing Center in Albany. Non-residents should send their applications directly to Binghamton’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Those choosing to use the Common Application should follow the directions provided on the Common Application website.

Binghamton also requires that candidates submit a Supplementary Admission Form that enables applicants to provide additional information about their coursework, extracurricular activities, awards and other experiences. An essay and a teacher or counselor recommendation are also required. Results of the Scholastic Assessment Test or American College Testing Program must be sent directly by the testing agency to the Admissions Office. Binghamton requires all three parts of the SAT examination: math, critical reading and writing. SAT II (formerly Achievement) tests are not required. Applicants must be graduates of an accredited secondary school or offer evidence of equivalent education.

In addition to the high school transcript, freshmen who have taken courses for college credit should have a record of that work sent by the college or testing agency directly to the Admissions Office.

After admission for the fall term has been offered, a $150 tuition deposit must be paid by May 1, or 20 days after admission, as specified in the admission letter. Students applying for campus housing must pay an additional $200 by May 1, or 20 days after admission, as specified. The tuition and room deposits may be refunded only if requested before May 1 or 20 days after admission, whichever is later. Students admitted to the spring term are given 20 days to pay each deposit or until the start of the term, if less than 20 days.

All enrolling students must complete, with the aid of a health official, a health history and a physical examination report prior to registration. The University sends these forms to each student who has paid an admission deposit. Only in the most unusual circumstances is it legally permissible for the University to rescind an offer of admission for health reasons. In those infrequent cases in which health or disability seems to pose a challenge to academic success, the admitted student is invited to campus to consult the appropriate health and/or Student Affairs officials to discuss challenges the student may encounter in pursuing the desired academic program. In such cases, the final decision to enroll or not is the student’s. Students unable to submit health forms because of religious affiliation should consult the University Health Service for alternatives.

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How Freshman Admission Decisions are Made

Specific enrollment goals are set for each undergraduate school. Supply and demand (available spaces in relation to the number of applications), as well as admission policy, play a role in who is admitted. Admission is very selective. Freshmen are admitted to all undergraduate programs in Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Decker School of Nursing, School of Education and Human Development, School of Management and Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. Admission decisions are announced on a modified rolling basis, with the first letters for fall enrollment mailed on or about Jan. 15. For spring, decisions are mailed beginning in early November.

Applicants to the University are admitted on the total strength of their applications. While academic criteria such as grades, quality and level of courses, test scores, trend of grades, and rank are primary, involvement in leadership and school and community activities, recommendations, and how effectively an applicant communicates strengths and interests, are also important (and sometimes crucial) elements in an admission decision. There is no automatic cutoff in the admission process, either in GPA, test scores or rank, as the Admissions Committee is aware of differences in how secondary schools grade and rank their students, as well as ways in which secondary-school offerings and competitiveness vary. Home-schooled applicants with well-documented educational and personal achievement records are invited to apply.

The Admissions Committee seeks to enroll the strongest and most diverse class possible. Candidates are urged to make full use of the Supplementary Admission Form. The Admissions Committee is sensitive to all types of achievement and welcomes information about the candidate’s values, aspirations and personal challenges. Students who meet both academic and financial criteria may be admitted to the Educational Opportunity Program, and students living in Broome and Tioga counties are afforded a degree of flexibility in the admission process. Candidates with special skills may request a review of those skills by checking the appropriate box on the Supplementary Admission Form and following the instructions noted on the form.

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Early Admission

Applicants who have completed the junior year in high school but have not graduated may be considered for admission. Approval of such early admission is contingent on the student’s meeting the normal entrance requirements and admission criteria. Early applicants should submit the regular application form. Note that persons who have not graduated from high school may be ineligible for some forms of financial aid.

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Internal Transfer

Students enroll in a specific undergraduate school at Binghamton University. If internal transfer to a different school is sought, a formal application for intra-university transfer must be obtained from the Undergraduate Admissions Office or online at www.binghamton.edu and submitted by the deadline. Spaces for transfer to some programs are limited and competition is keen. Students should apply well before the beginning of the semester in which enrollment is desired. Students are responsible for meeting the requirements in effect in the school to which they are transferring at the time of their internal transfer.

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Readmission

See general readmission policies listed elsewhere in this publication.

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Deferred Admission

Students who wish to defer their enrollment for one or two semesters, after having been admitted and having paid their tuition deposit, should contact the Admissions Office. Deferments are not automatically given but, dependent on the admission competition and general demand for them, may be granted for some of the undergraduate schools.

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International Student Admission

Applicants who are citizens of other countries, and who have or will require a student visa to study in the United States, whether they are enrolled in a school in the United States or abroad, are required to submit special international student admission forms to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Application forms are available on the Web at www.binghamton.edu or from the Admissions Office.

International applicants are required to meet the academic standards for admission, show proficiency in English on the college level and submit documentation of sufficient funds to cover all educational and living expenses for the duration of study. Due to delays in the exchange of some foreign currencies, students from certain countries may be required to prepay one year’s academic and personal living expenses to ensure that adequate funds will be available for their study.

With the exception of students placed through special educational exchange agreements and those enrolling for the summer term only, all international students are required to be enrolled in a degree program.

To certify English proficiency, international applicants whose native language is not English should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System evaluation (IELTS). Information may be obtained from www.toefl.org or www.ielts.org. Generally, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the “old” TOEFL or a score of 213 on the computerized version, or a score of 6.5 on the IELTS, is required for admission.

Students are required to provide their own funds for tuition, fees, housing, meals, insurance and personal expenses. Currently, this figure is estimated at approximately $23,000 for one calendar year and is expected to increase by 10 percent each year. (Costs are subject to change.) The University cannot provide financial assistance to international undergraduate students, nor may study be financed through employment: The U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services rarely grants permission to work off campus, and on-campus employment opportunities are limited.

Applicants who meet the above requirements are issued a letter of admission and, subsequently, the appropriate Certificate of Eligibility to apply for a student or exchange visitor visa.

Details regarding admission policies and procedures for international students are sent to all prospective applicants.

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Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

Under the state-supported Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Binghamton provides an avenue for low-income students from historically under-represented backgrounds to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students with unrealized potential and talent are provided with financial assistance, tutoring and counseling, the opportunity to take advantage of credit-bearing developmental courses where needed, and other services required to provide a transition into any one of the degree programs offered by the University. Continued enrollment in EOP is contingent upon meeting program expectations and use of these services.

Students who believe they may qualify for this program should fill out the basic application. They are also required to complete Binghamton’s Supplementary Admission Form and to submit verification of finances, and may be required to have a personal interview.

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Transfer Admission

Transfer students are those who have attempted college courses following high school graduation. New York resident transfer students should submit an application to the Application Processing Center in Albany. Non-residents send their applications to the Binghamton University Admissions Office. Transcripts from all applicants should be sent directly to the Admissions Office in Binghamton. The same high school requirements apply to transfer students, but admission decisions are usually made on the basis of college work, pending the receipt of high school transcripts. Students admitted because of strong college work need not be concerned that a weaker high school record will adversely affect a decision already made.

It is essential that a high school transcript, or equivalent, be received well before enrollment so that a complete transfer credit evaluation may be made promptly. The sooner the high school record is received, the sooner the final evaluation may be made.

Students applying for transfer admission during their first year of college must submit an official copy of their high school transcripts and test scores to complete their application. For some students, admission decisions may be delayed until grades from two consecutive college semesters are available; in such cases, students are notified of this requirement.

Harpur College usually provides a substantial number of transfer spaces and, while admission is selective, students with about a 2.8 average are encouraged to apply.

Transfer admission to Decker School of Nursing is competitive. Applicants with a strong background in either liberal arts or nursing (Registered Nurses) should apply. Most students will complete nursing requirements in a minimum of two years. Some Registered Nurse students and graduates with baccalaureate or higher degrees may be eligible for accelerated programs. See the Program Options section under Decker School of Nursing in this publication.

Transfer admission to School of Education and Human Development is selective. Candidates generally need an average of 3.0 (B) or better to gain admission. Candidates are required to complete the Supplementary Admission Form (a separate form for New York versions of the application, but integrated fully into the out-of-state version) to help the SEHD Admissions Committee gain a better understanding of the student’s educational goals and objectives.

Transfer spaces for School of Management are very limited. Admission is granted primarily on the basis of academic proficiency in appropriate courses; candidates generally need well above a 3.0 average for admission. Completion of the Supplementary Admission Form is strongly encouraged.

Transfer admission to Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science is selective, but the school welcomes engineering and computer science applicants with strong academic records. See the appropriate academic section of this publication for additional information.

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Transfer Credit

The awarding of transfer credit is determined by each undergraduate school. Evaluations are completed by the advising office of each school, then prepared and mailed by the Admissions Office. Questions regarding transfer credit decisions may be discussed with the academic advising staff in your school.

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Academic Integrity

Binghamton University values honesty and integrity. Students applying for admission or readmission must provide full and accurate information on the appropriate application. Students falsifying information by any method may be suspended or dismissed from the University or have their admission rescinded.

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Special Circumstances

Consideration of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Applications from Individuals Who Have Been Suspended or Expelled from a College or University for Disciplinary Reasons: Disciplinary suspension or expulsion from another college or university is not grounds for automatic rejection of an application for admission to Binghamton University. However, applications are considered incomplete until additional information is provided to Binghamton University. The applicant is required to sign a release permitting a special admissions committee to obtain documents related to the disciplinary suspension or expulsion and allowing the committee to discuss the circumstances related to such action with college officials at the previous institution. Upon receipt of the required materials, the special admissions committee reviews the circumstances pertaining to such applications and makes its recommendation.

The special admissions committee may recommend acceptance of the applicant, acceptance of the applicant with restrictions on participation in university life at Binghamton University, or rejection of the applicant based on the nature of the incident(s) that caused the disciplinary suspension or expulsion. An appeal of the decision of the committee may be made to the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Provost, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000.

Consideration of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Applications from Individuals with Felony Convictions: State law prohibits discrimination against those previously convicted of criminal offenses (Correction Law, S750 et seq.). However, the law permits an institution to deny an application for admission based on an individual’s prior conviction when the admission would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public. (S752)

Section 753 of the Correction Law specifically sets forth the factors to be considered concerning a prior criminal conviction. These factors are as follow:

1.    In making a determination pursuant to section 752 of this chapter, the public agency or private employer shall consider the following factors:

the public policy of this state, as expressed in this act, to encourage the licensure and employment of persons previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses;

the specific duties and responsibilities necessarily related to the license or employment sought;

the bearing, if any, the criminal offense or offenses for which the person was previously convicted will have on his or her fitness or ability to perform one or more such duties or responsibilities;

the time that has elapsed since the occurrence of the criminal offense or offenses;

the age of the person at the time of occurrence of the criminal offense or offenses;

the seriousness of the offense or offenses;

any information produced by the person, or produced on his or her behalf, in regard to his or her rehabilitation and good conduct;

the legitimate interest of the public agency or private employer in protecting property, and the safety and welfare of specific individuals or the general public.

2.    In making a determination pursuant to section 752 of this chapter, the public agency or private employer shall also give consideration to a certificate of relief from disabilities or a certificate of good conduct issued to the applicant, which shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offense or offenses specified therein.

 

Applications for admission to Binghamton University from individuals with felony convictions are considered in accordance with the above criteria. A special admissions committee reviews such applications and the applicant is required to sign a release permitting the committee to obtain documents related to criminal offenses and allowing the committee to discuss the circumstances related to such offenses with corrections officials.

Applications are considered incomplete until additional information is provided to Binghamton University. In addition to signing the release mentioned above, applicants with criminal convictions must provide a complete criminal background history. Upon receipt of the required material, the special admissions committee reviews the circumstances pertaining to such applications and makes its recommendation.

The special admissions committee may recommend acceptance of the applicant, acceptance of the applicant with restrictions on participation in university life at Binghamton University, or denial of the applicant based on the nature of the criminal offenses. An appeal of the decision of the committee may be made to the vice president for academic affairs. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Provost, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000.

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External Placement

External examination credit includes credits earned through Advanced Placement (AP), Higher International Baccalaureate (HIB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits, Regents College Exams Program credits, DANTES Standard Subject Tests (DSST) or through official transcript evaluation of courses taken at other institutions. Selected external credits may apply to General Education or major requirements as specified.

Students in Harpur College may apply a maximum of 32 external examination credits towards a degree. 

AP and HIB course equivalencies follow.

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Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement examinations with a grade of 3 or better are approved for credit, with the amount and applicability determined by the appropriate academic unit.

Score of 3: four elective credits.

Score of 4 or 5: four credits in art history equivalent to ARTH 101. May be used toward the art history major.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four elective credits. Not to be used as an art studio requirement.

Score of 3: four elective credits, not to be used toward the major in biological sciences, biochemistry or nursing.

Score of 4: four credits equivalent to either BIOL 117 or BIOL 118. A biological sciences adviser, in consultation with student, will determine appropriate placement.

Score of 5: eight credits equivalent to BIOL 117-118 that may be used toward the biological sciences major. (Decker: The BIOL 118 credit equivalent may be used to fulfill the Introduction to Biology requirement of the nursing major. The remaining four credits count as electives to meet degree requirements in nursing.)

Score of 3: four elective credits equivalent to CHEM 101. May not be used to fulfill chemistry major requirements.

Score of 4: four credits equivalent to CHEM 111. May be used to fulfill chemistry major requirements.

Score of 5: eight credits, equivalent to CHEM 107-108. May be used to fulfill chemistry major requirements.

Score of 3 or 4: four credits equivalent to CS 140.

 Score of 5: four credits equivalent to CS 240.

Score of 3: four elective credits.

Score of 4 or 5: eight elective credits.

Score of 3: four elective credits.

Score of 4 or 5: eight elective credits.

Computer Science A (score of 3, 4 or 5) or Computer Science AB (score of 3): Students may use credits for CS 140 (upon request) or may take CS 140 and use AP credit for free elective.

Computer Science AB (score of 4 or 5): four credits equivalent to CS 140, plus four credits that may be used for CS 240 (upon request) or free elective.

Score of 3, 4, or 5: four credits equivalent to CS 140. Consult department regarding equivalency.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four elective credits.

Microeconomics score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to ECON 160. May be used to fulfill economics major requirements.

Macroeconomics score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to ECON 162. May be used to fulfill economics major requirements.

Language and Composition score of 3, 4 or 5: four elective credits. Not to be used to fulfill major requirements. Does not satisfy Harpur College writing requirement.

Literature and Composition score of 3, 4 or 5: four elective credits. Not to be used to fulfill major requirements. Does not satisfy Harpur College writing requirement.

Language and Composition or Literature and Composition score of 3, 4 or 5: four elective credits. Does not fulfill English composition requirement.

Language and Composition or Literature and Composition score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits. Does not fulfill School of Management writing requirement.

Language and Composition or Literature and Composition score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits. May be used toward English and communication requirements in the CSIS major.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to ENVI 101.

Language score of of 3, 4 or 5: four credits. Consult with department if you plan to take additional courses.

Literature score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to FREN 215. Suggested placement if you plan to take additional courses: score of 3 or 4 — FREN 241, 244, 251 or 341; score of 5 — FREN 361 or 362.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to GEOG 101.

Literature score of 3 or 4: four credits.

Score of 5: eight credits, equivalent to GERM 203 and 204. May be used to fulfill German major requirements after consultation with the department.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four elective credits, not to be applied toward the history major.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits. If you wish to take another Latin course, these exam scores are equivalent to LAT 203 or 204, depending on consultation with the Classical and Near Eastern Studies Department adviser. Whether this credit may be used to fulfill major requirements is determined by the department.

Math Calc AB (score of 3 or 4): four credits of unspecified lower-level mathematics. Entering students may take MATH 221 for credit.

Math Calc AB (score of 5): eight credits, equivalent to MATH 221, and four additional credits of unspecified lower-level mathematics. Entering students may take MATH 222.

Math Calc BC (score of 3 or 4): four credits of unspecified lower-level mathematics. Entering students may take either MATH 221 or MATH 222 for credit.

Math Calc BC (score of 5): eight credits, equivalent to MATH 221, and four additional credits of unspecified lower-level mathematics. Entering students may take either MATH 222 or MATH 323 for credit.

Math Calc AB or BC (score of 3 or 4): four elective credits.

Math Calc AB or BC (score of 5): eight elective credits.

Math Calc AB or BC (score of 3 or 4): four credits, equivalent to MATH 221. May be used to fulfill major requirements.

Math Calc AB or BC (score of 5): eight credits, equivalent to MATH 221, and four additional credits of unspecified lower-level mathematics. Entering students may take either MATH 222 or MATH 323 for credit.

Math Calc AB (score of 3 or 4) or BC (score of 3): four credits. Students may use credits for MATH 121 (upon request), or may take MATH 121 and use AP credit for free elective.

Math Calc AB (score of 5) or BC (score of 4 or 5): eight credits equivalent to MATH 221. Students may use other four credits for MATH 222 (upon request), or may take MATH 222 and use AP credit for free elective.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four elective credits, not to be applied toward music major.

(Note: Students who present scores for both the B and the C examinations will be granted credit for either the B or C, whichever will yield the most credit.)

Physics B score of 3 or 4: four elective credits, not to be used for the major.

Score of 5: eight credits equivalent to PHYS 121/122.

Physics C score of 3 or 4 on Mech and/or E-M section: four elective credits for each score, not to be used for the major.

Score of 5 on Mech section: four credits equivalent to PHYS 131.

Score of 5 on E-M section: four credits equivalent to PHYS 132.

American Government and Politics score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to PLSC 111. May be used to fulfill political science major requirements.

Comparative Government and Politics score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to PLSC 113. May be used to fulfill political science major requirements.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to PSYC 111. May be used to fulfill major requirements.

Language score of 3, 4 or 5: four elective credits. Consult with departmental faculty if you plan to take additional courses and to determine whether this counts toward major requirements.

Literature score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to SPAN 215. Suggested placement if you plan to take additional courses: score of 3 or 4 — SPAN 244, 250 or 251; score of 5 — SPAN 360.

Score of 3, 4 or 5: four credits equivalent to MATH 147.

Higher International Baccalaureate Credits

Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma may yield up to 32 credits in transfer, provided the following conditions are met:

 

The IB holder who does not meet all of these conditions will receive credits on a course-by-course basis for HL examinations with the following scores:

The score of 4 or higher on the Mathematics Higher Level Examination will satisfy the General Education Mathematics/Reasoning requirement.

The IB holder who successfully meets the conditions required for the full year of credit (32 credits) may also receive General Education credit for Discipline-Based Composition (C) and Aesthetic Perspective (A), provided the holder has completed a Higher Level Examination (score of 4 or higher) from one or both of these areas.

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Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements between Binghamton University and many community colleges facilitate the transfer of students from those colleges into the various programs and schools of the University. Agreements exist with Adirondack Community College, Berkshire Community College, Broome Community College, Columbia-Greene Community College, Cornell Air Force ROTC, Corning Community College, Dutchess Community College, Erie Community College, Finger Lakes Community College, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Jefferson Community College, Keystone Junior Community College, Middlesex Community College, Nassau Community College, Onondaga Community College, Schenectady County Community College, Suffolk County Community College, Sullivan County Community College and Tompkins-Cortland Community College. Articulation agreements also exist with Bryant and Stratton Business Institute of Syracuse, Cazenovia College, Kolej Damansara College, Miami-Dade Community College, SUNY College of Optometry and SUNY Health Science Center/Upstate Medical University. Students who meet the criteria specified in the agreements and whose applications are completed early are generally admitted and encouraged to enroll.

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Harpur College of Arts and Sciences

Credit is usually granted for liberal arts courses completed at other accredited institutions. In addition, up to 32 elective credits may be granted for the study of theoretically oriented courses of a non-liberal-arts nature. Academic credit may be granted only if a grade of Pass or a C– or better was earned in the course.

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Decker School of Nursing

Decker School of Nursing admits transfer students with advanced standing to the sophomore or junior level of the undergraduate program. Transfer applicants include students with liberal arts and science coursework from a two-year or four-year institution, students with baccalaureate or higher degrees in other fields, and registered nurse students from associate degree programs and hospital diploma schools.

Admission is competitive and based upon:

Other considerations include:

A maximum of 64 liberal arts and science course credits may be transferred from a community college. A minimum of 128 credits is needed to meet the program requirements. Credit for liberal arts and science coursework, including courses prerequisite to the nursing major, may be transferred for courses where a grade of C– or better has been earned. Credit for courses in which the student has received a grade of D may not be transferred. Credit for upper-division nursing coursework taken in another baccalaureate nursing program is evaluated on an individual basis. See “Transfer Student Admission” in the Decker School of Nursing section or contact the Decker School for more information.

Registered Nurse Students

Liberal arts courses, including all courses prerequisite to upper-division nursing courses and taken at other colleges and universities, may be accepted in transfer. Graduates of community college nursing programs may transfer up to 30 credits of nursing coursework. Twenty credits may be used to fulfill nursing major requirements and 10 credits count toward the degree as general elective credits. An additional 54 liberal arts credits from the community college setting are transferable, bringing the maximum number of transfer credits accepted to 84 credits. There is no limit on the number of liberal arts transfer credits from four-year colleges and universities. Residency requirements of the University of at least seven and one-half courses (30 credits) are met by taking the 32 credits of required coursework in the nursing major. The 30 credits in residence must be the last courses taken toward the degree, unless a student petitions the Educational Policies Committee and obtains, in advance, an exception to this rule.

Registered nurse students may choose to present evidence of professional experience, continuing education in nursing, specialty certification, etc., to extend the time frame for direct transfer of nursing and required prerequisite courses.

Graduates of hospital diploma programs may be granted up to 30 college credits for nursing coursework with an acceptable level of achievement on selected Regents College Examinations in nursing. Diploma graduates who obtain 30 credits via the above process may transfer up to 54 liberal arts credits from community colleges. An unlimited number of credits may be transferred from other four-year colleges and universities. Residency requirements are described earlier in this section.

A complete program plan for the registered nurse student is developed in consultation with the faculty adviser to meet individual needs.

Applicants with Baccalaureate Degrees in Other Fields

Applicants with a baccalaureate or higher degree in another field wishing to earn the bachelor of science degree in nursing are required to complete the prerequisite courses listed in the Decker School of Nursing section and required nursing coursework. Applicants may be eligible for admission to the accelerated baccalaureate track. See “Program Options” in the Decker School of Nursing section or contact the Decker School for more information.

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School of Education and Human Development

The School of Education and Human Development considers for possible transfer credit all courses taken at any unit of the State University of New York or credits granted by other accredited institutions. When individual courses are considered, credits are not granted for courses in which the student earned a grade below C–. In cases in which the student earned grades of Pass on a Pass/Fail system, a grade of Pass is interpreted as a grade of not less than C– in the evaluation of credits earned. Depending on the courses presented for transfer and the program selected, students may need to take more than 124 credits to complete degree requirements.

Transfer students to the bachelor of science program in human development are automatically granted 60 credits for their associate’s degree. Students transferring into the BA program receive 60 credits in transfer if at least 30 credits of their associate’s degree work are in liberal arts and sciences courses. Transfers to the BA program without 30 credits in liberal arts and sciences have their transcripts reviewed on a course-by-course basis.

The school also considers for possible academic credit or advanced placement, or both, any college-level work offered through approved off-campus programs such as the University of the Air, the Independent Study Program, RCEP, CLEP and DANTES, and through certain educational programs of private or public institutions, such as hospital nursing programs, or formal training programs conducted by governmental agencies. A maximum of 30 credit hours is accepted from such sources, and each case is decided on its own merits. No credit or advanced standing is granted for general or equivalency examinations.

Questions concerning the transfer of academic and advanced-standing credit should be addressed to the academic adviser of School of Education and Human Development. Official transcripts and certificates of completion submitted by applicants for transfer credit are evaluated by the academic adviser. The final decision to deny or grant academic credit or advanced standing in each instance rests with the dean.

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School of Management

Students who have taken two years of work at another college or university, and who wish to transfer into School of Management for their junior and senior years, should have concentrated their first two years of academic work in arts and sciences courses, attaining at least 30 hours of credit in such subjects with grades of C or better. The student’s first two years of education should therefore consist of work in the following areas: English and literature (including at least one course in compositional techniques); economics (including one course each in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory); mathematics (including at least one course in calculus); and elective coursework in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Students may also choose to further supplement their first two years of undergraduate education with courses in the principles of financial accounting, statistics and business law. Such courses are an important foundation for the professional coursework that composes the School of Management student’s final two years of study.

While students may be able to transfer courses and/or credit in the management and accounting areas indicated above, in accordance with the school’s transfer credit policy, it is strongly recommended that students wishing to transfer concentrate their efforts on satisfying the liberal arts and foundation course requirements. Transfer credit for upper-division professional coursework is not granted without ample evidence of its basic equivalency to analogous coursework taught in School of Management. Thus, students must formally “validate” all such courses for which transfer credit is requested. Normally this requires (at a minimum) completion of a detailed proficiency examination in each course area for which transfer credit is requested. The coverage of such examinations is based on the appropriate coursework as it is taught in School of Management.

Although most transfer students have completed two years of college work, students may be accepted for transfer at any time during their college careers, if space permits. Admission is usually not granted to students whose overall average for previous studies at other institutions is less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Advanced-standing credit is generally granted for all work comparable to that offered by Binghamton University. In addition, up to 16 hours of free elective credit may be granted for courses not comparable to any offered by Binghamton, provided that the work was theoretical/analytical rather than applied in nature. Courses falling within this category may not include business or accounting courses. Advanced standing is not granted for courses completed with a grade lower than C.

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Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science

BS in Engineering

Students transferring into the Division of Engineering Discovery and Design (freshman year of engineering) have their credits transferred on a course-by-course basis. Any courses in which they receive a grade of C– or better and which apply to their major requirements will transfer. Students transferring into the junior year of bioengineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and systems engineering or mechanical engineering normally hold the degree of associate of science in engineering science, as defined by the SUNY Two-Year Engineering Science Association (TYESA). Members of TYESA have designed associate of science programs that closely match those of the Watson School so that transfer into Watson School programs is facilitated. However, special advisement is necessary for transfer into a bioengineering major. 

Members of the Two-Year Engineering Science Association are Adirondack Community College, Broome Community College, Cayuga County Community College, College of Technology at Alfred, College of Technology at Canton, College of Technology at Delhi, College of Technology at Farmingdale, College of Technology at Morrisville, Columbia-Greene Community College, Corning Community College, Dutchess Community College, Erie Community College, Finger Lakes Community College, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Genesee Community College, Herkimer County Community College, Hudson Valley Community College, Jamestown Community College, Jefferson Community College, Manhattan Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College, Nassau Community College, Onondaga Community College, Orange County Community College, Rockland Community College, Suffolk County Community College, Tompkins-Cortland Community College and Ulster Community College.

Transfers into engineering who expect to enter at the junior level should have completed the following courses, plus those noted especially for their major, if they intend to complete the BS in engineering in two years of full-time study, beginning in a fall semester. Credits are transferred on a course-by-course basis.

Major Notes

For bioengineering, transfers should select the following courses within their associate’s degree:

Transfer into this major may require additional time, due to two sophomore-level bioengineering courses not currently available at other institutions.

For electrical or computer engineering, transfers should select the following courses within their associate’s degree:

For industrial and systems engineering, transfers should select the following courses within their associate’s degree:

For mechanical engineering, transfers should select the following courses within their associate’s degree:

General Education Notes

Humanities/social sciences electives prior to junior-level engineering transfer should cover one U.S. history, one world history and one additional social science (preferably economics) to most efficiently meet Binghamton University’s General Education requirements.

BS in Computer Science

Students transferring to the BS program in computer science have their transcripts evaluated course by course. Those who have completed the following courses with no less than a C– in each may finish the program with four full-time semesters of study:

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Continuing Education (formerly Non-Degree) Students

The University encourages certain types of students to pursue coursework on a non-matriculated basis, within certain academic limits. Non-Binghamton students who wish to take courses for credit, and who intend to apply for matriculation into the University, may enroll as continuing education students, provided they have been out of high school at least one year and give evidence of the ability to do satisfactory work. Others, interested in taking a limited amount of coursework for transfer or prerequisite purposes, may also do so as continuing education students. Finally, those individuals interested in taking courses for their own personal improvement or enjoyment, and not desiring a degree from the University, may do so as a special type of continuing education student, known as the Lifelong Learner. 

All continuing education students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with a Continuing Education & Outreach adviser to explore available options and develop a personalized educational plan to guide their efforts at Binghamton University.

Continuing education students may attend part time or full time each semester, and are limited to a total maximum of 24 attempted credit hours of coursework. Beyond that point, individuals may continue taking courses at Binghamton only by gaining admission into a degree granting program or agreeing to become a CE&O Lifelong Learner. Applications  for admission to the University and information on deadlines are available from the Under­graduate Admissions Office. Students may apply for Lifelong Learner status through the Continuing Education & Outreach advising office.

Students suspended or dismissed from another college or university may not enter Binghamton until one major semester has elapsed since the date of dismissal. Summer sessions are not major semesters.

Applicants 21 years or older without a high school diploma or its equivalent who have not enrolled in any previous college-level coursework may apply only as continuing education students. Upon earning 24 credits (acceptable toward any degree program), a student of this type may apply for a high school equivalency diploma and, upon receiving it, seek admission to a degree program by completing the appropriate application. While continuing education status has certain limitations, many students have found it to be a strategic and useful way of continuing their journey toward achieving their most valued educational ­ goals.

Visiting Students

Students attending and in good standing at other colleges or universities who wish to enroll in a division of the University for one or two semesters may apply as visiting (continuing education) students. This status is generally available only for Harpur College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education and Human Development, but inquiries about spaces in Decker School of Nursing, School of Management and ­Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science should be directed to the Admissions Office. Admission as a visiting student or for one of the study-abroad programs does not imply admission to a degree program at Binghamton University. Visiting students who become interested in pursuing a degree at Binghamton must apply for admission by completing the SUNY application.

College Link Program

This program is open to students enrolled in Binghamton regional high schools who wish to take coursework in the arts and sciences at Binghamton University during their junior and/or senior years.

Courses taken by College Link students carry regular University credit and will appear on their official University transcript. College Link students are considered continuing education students and, therefore, not admitted into a degree-granting program of the University.

Specific information concerning admissions procedures and academic standards for the College Link Program is available in the Admissions Office, located in the Academic Complex, Building A.

Advising

Binghamton University’s Continuing Education & Outreach is  responsible for administratively overseeing the educational activities and academic advising of undergraduate continuing education students. All undergraduate continuing education students are directed to Continuing Education & Outreach’s Continuing Education Student Advising Office for their initial contact. Administrative duties, school coding and most advising activities will continue to be handled by Continuing Education & Outreach until the student formally applies to, and is accepted into, the school of his or her choice. At that point, the admitting school takes over all administrative and advising duties.

Once a student has been admitted to a school within the University, intra-University transfer policies  take effect.

Auditors

Students may satisfy their interest in a subject area or explore a new area of study through a course audit. By auditing, they participate in, but do not receive credit for, the course. Course Audit Petitions are available in the Registrar’s Office, the undergraduate advising offices and the Graduate School. Students may register for audits within the course add period only. Credit-bearing courses may not be changed to audit courses after the course-add deadline, nor may audited courses be changed to credit courses after this deadline. Audited courses do not satisfy degree requirements.

Prospective auditors are advised of the following:

Older Adults as Auditors

New York residents 60 years of age or older may audit courses free of charge when space is available. Courses may not be taken for credit. Consent of the instructor is required. Persons interested in auditing courses are encouraged to ­contact the Harpur College Academic ­Advising Office in Student Wing 110, 607-777-6305.

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Graduate Admission

Requirements for Matriculation

The vice provost and dean may waive the admission requirement for GRE or GMAT scores in individual cases, on the recommendation of the department’s director of graduate studies. Students who do not submit GRE or GMAT scores may also be admitted provisionally and required to submit test scores before they achieve regular matriculated status.

Admission to graduate study in any discipline does not imply admission to candidacy for a doctoral degree. Such candidacy is subject to specific requirements as defined by the several academic programs and schools. Students must have the approval of the program or school in which they wish to major before they may become candidates for the degree in a specific subject.

Procedures

Application materials are available at gradschool.binghamton.edu or by writing to the Graduate School, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000.

Applicants should read carefully the detailed instructions on the application. These instructions direct applicants to enclose all application materials together; completed applications, including transcripts and letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes, are processed more quickly by the Graduate School. When the completed application is matched with appropriate test scores (sent at the applicant’s request by Educational Testing Service), the application is forwarded to the department or program for review.

Individual graduate programs have their own criteria for evaluation. Some programs require credentials beyond those required by the Graduate School. Applicants should read carefully the materials sent by the program and should contact the program office if they have questions.

Like other highly competitive graduate institutions, Binghamton University has deadlines for receipt of completed applications. Decisions on admission and funding are made early in the spring for the following academic year. To be considered for University funding, students must submit completed applications to the Graduate School by Feb. 15; some programs, including clinical psychology, require completed applications by Jan. 1. For fall admission without University funding, completed applications should arrive by April 15. For spring admission, completed applications should arrive by Nov. 1. Some programs have different deadlines; applicants should consult department websites or the materials sent by their programs. International applicants on F or J visas should apply one month before these deadlines.

Applicants wishing to be considered for fellowships or assistantships may apply by checking the appropriate box on the application. No separate application for funding is required by Binghamton. Successful applicants who are residents of the state of New York are required to apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program. Graduate students who wish to apply for loans are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Applicants admitted as matriculated students may be placed in one of the following categories:

International Student Admission

Applicants to the Graduate School who are citizens of other countries, whether they are enrolled in a school in the United States or abroad, are required to meet academic standards for admission, show proficiency in English at the college level, and certify that they will have the required amount of money needed for each year of study. When applicants accept offers of admission and acknowledge that they plan to attend the University, they are sent an I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status (F-1).

Although special circumstances may allow an individual to be admitted as a continuing education student for one term, international students (F-1 visa) generally are not eligible for admission in continuing education status.

To certify English proficiency, international applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). However, international students who have received a degree in the United States are not required to submit TOEFL scores.

Normally, a minimum TOEFL score of 213 on the computerized version of the test is required for admission. Some graduate programs require TOEFL scores above the minimum. Instruction in English as a second language may be required as a condition of admission; students are expected to complete such instruction satisfactorily within two semesters.

International applicants must guarantee and certify funds adequate to cover the cost of education, as posted by the Graduate School. This figure includes living expenses, tuition, fees and insurance expenses. Additional funds are  needed for a spouse accompanying the student to the United States and for each child.

Continuing Education Admission

Admission to the Graduate School as a continuing education student is granted to applicants who present appropriate evidence of having completed undergraduate and/or graduate work in a satisfactory manner and who have received a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited institution.

Applicants admitted as continuing education graduate students may register for approved undergraduate or graduate courses. It is recommended that continuing education students take no more than 12 credit hours if they plan on pursuing a graduate degree.

Applications for continuing education admission may be obtained from the Graduate School via its Web page: gradschool.binghamton.edu. An official transcript from the college granting the bachelor’s or higher degree must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than six weeks after the beginning of the semester.

If at a later date a student decides to apply to the Graduate School for admission to a degree program, a regular application may be obtained from the Graduate School. If the student is admitted to a degree program, the student should obtain an evaluation of graduate courses he or she has taken on a continuing education basis from the department. Through this evaluation, those courses that are found appropriate may be officially credited toward the student’s degree.

Readmission

All graduate students admitted to a degree program must register for each semester, excluding summer, until all degree requirements have been completed. Students who fail to maintain continuous registration, unless granted a formal leave of absence, are ineligible to resume graduate study until readmission has been approved. Students applying for readmission to a graduate program are subject to the rules, procedures, curriculum and standards in effect at the time of readmission. Readmission is not automatic and may be subject to additional conditions set by the department or school or by the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School.

Continuing education students who fail to register for more than two consecutive semesters, excluding summers, are not permitted to register for courses until they have been readmitted.

Applications for readmission may be obtained from the Graduate School. The normal application fee is assessed for all applications for readmission to Binghamton University graduate degree programs.

Special Circumstances

Consideration of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Applications from Individuals Who Have Been Suspended or Expelled from a College or University for Disciplinary Reasons: Disciplinary suspension or expulsion from another college or university is not grounds for automatic rejection of an application for admission to Binghamton University. However, applications are considered incomplete until additional information is provided to Binghamton University. The applicant is required to sign a release permitting a special admissions committee to obtain documents related to the disciplinary suspension or expulsion and allowing the committee to discuss the circumstances related to such action with college officials at the previous institution. Upon receipt of the required materials, the special admissions committee reviews the circumstances pertaining to such applications and makes its recommendation.

The special admissions committee may recommend acceptance of the applicant, acceptance of the applicant with restrictions on participation in university life at Binghamton University, or rejection of the applicant based on the nature of the incident(s) that caused the disciplinary suspension or expulsion. An appeal of the decision of the committee may be made to the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Provost, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000.

Consideration of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Applications from Individuals with Felony Convictions: State law prohibits discrimination against those previously convicted of criminal offenses (Correction Law, S750 et seq.). However, the law permits an institution to deny an application for admission based on an individual's prior conviction when the admission would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public. (S752)

Section 753 of the Correction Law specifically sets forth the factors to be considered concerning a prior criminal conviction. These factors are as follows:

1.    In making a determination pursuant to Section 752 of this chapter, the public agency or private employer shall consider the following factors:

a.  the public policy of this state, as expressed in this act, to encourage the licensure and employment of persons previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses;

b.  the specific duties and responsibilities necessarily related to the license or employment sought;

c.  the bearing, if any, the criminal offense or offenses for which the person was previously convicted will have on his or her fitness or ability to perform one or more such duties or responsibilities;

d.  the time that has elapsed since the occurrence of the criminal offense or offenses;

e.  the age of the person at the time of occurrence of the criminal offense or offenses;

f.   the seriousness of the offense or offenses;

g.  any information produced by the person, or produced on his or her behalf, in regard to his or her rehabilitation and good conduct;

h.  the legitimate interest of the public agency or private employer in protecting property, and the safety and welfare of specific individuals or the general public.

2.    In making a determination pursuant to section 752 of this chapter, the public agency or private employer shall also give consideration to a certificate of relief from disabilities or a certificate of good conduct issued to the applicant, which shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offense or offenses specified therein.

 

Applications for admission to Binghamton University from individuals with felony convictions are considered in accordance with the above criteria. A special admissions committee convened by the vice provost and dean reviews such applications and the applicant is required to sign a release permitting the committee to obtain documents related to criminal offenses and allowing the committee to discuss the circumstances related to such offenses with corrections officials.

Applications are considered incomplete until additional information is provided to Binghamton University. In addition to signing the release mentioned above, applicants with criminal convictions must provide a complete criminal background history. Upon receipt of the required material, the special admissions committee reviews the circumstances pertaining to such applications and makes its recommendation.

The special admissions committee may recommend acceptance of the applicant, acceptance of the applicant with restrictions on participation in university life at Binghamton University, or rejection of the applicant. An appeal of the decision of the committee may be made to the vice president for student affairs. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000.

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