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--- ug [2019/09/09 11:08]
qiao
+++ ug [2026/01/04 14:59] (current)
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+~~META:title=Undergraduate Program~~
+====== Undergraduate Program ======
+===== Start here =====
+This page is for current and incoming Binghamton students who need the practical details of the Mathematics & Statistics majors and minor: forms, policies, and course-planning tools. For an overview of the program and tracks, see [[ug:overview|Overview of the Major Tracks]] and the University's [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/|Undergraduate Programs in Mathematical Sciences]] page.
+If you are:
+  * **Thinking about declaring, dropping, or changing a major or minor in Math/Statistics.**
+    Go to Section 3, **“Declare, Drop, and Change Major/Minor”**, which includes the Google form and instructions.
+  * **Already a Math/Statistics major or minor and planning your courses.**
+    Go to Section 5, **“Course Selection and Registration”**, where you’ll find the prerequisite infographic, unofficial course schedules, and links to past syllabi.
+  * **A prospective student or still exploring whether to study Math/Statistics at Binghamton.**
+    Go to Section 12, **“For Prospective Students”**.
+Need non-department help? See [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/|Harpur Advising]] (general advising) and [[https://www.binghamton.edu/registrar/|Registrar]] (records/transcripts).
+----
+===== 1. Degree Options =====
+The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has the following **seven degree options**: three BA major tracks, three BS major tracks, and one minor, covering a wide range of topics in mathematics and statistics.
+  * **Bachelor of Arts** in **Mathematical Sciences** with
+     * a track in **Mathematics**,
+     * a track in **Data Science and Statistics (DSS)**, and
+     * a track in **Actuarial Science**.
+  * **Bachelor of Science** in **Mathematical Sciences** with
+     * a track in **Mathematics**, and
+     * a track in **Data Science and Statistics (DSS)**, and
+     * a track in **Actuarial Science**.
+  * **Minor** in **Mathematics**.
+{{  :img:a0a0545.jpg?400|}}
+=== BA vs. BS in Mathematics ===
+  * **BA in Mathematics:** Broad exposure to mathematics and statistics with an emphasis on practical applications. Requires fewer math courses, giving you flexibility to explore other fields (e.g., languages, arts, natural and social sciences). It’s often the most efficient path to a double major or dual degree.
+  * **BS in Mathematics:** More demanding, with additional upper-level and proof-oriented coursework. Designed for students aiming at graduate study in mathematics, statistics, or related fields. Our BS also includes an actuarial track for those who want more preparation toward actuarial exams.
+  * **Both degrees:** Require the same total number of credits; the BS simply includes more math courses. The BA is not an inferior degree—it’s a different pathway aligned with different goals. Choose the option that best fits your interests and plans after graduation.
+/*
+In terms of the difference between a BA and a BS in Mathematics, a summary is that the BA program provides undergraduate students with a broad knowledge of mathematics and statistics emphasizing their practical applications. The BS degree, on the other hand, offers a rigorous program tailored to undergraduates who intend to continue graduate school. BS is a more demanding degree (with more math courses and some very challenging proof-oriented courses required). Both degrees require the same number of total credits, although the BS degree does require more math courses. Some students seem to think that the BA in Mathematics is an inferior degree. However, that is not true. The BS degree includes a selection of courses that will best prepare students for graduate school in Mathematics, Statistics, or other related fields. The BS curriculum narrows the selection of courses to focus on that target. In addition to those who want to go to graduate school, the actuarial track in our BS degree also serves students who would like to take more classes that potentially help them pass more actuarial exams. The BA degree requires fewer math courses and hence students have the flexibility to take courses from other fields, including, for example, arts, languages, linguistics, natural science, philosophy, and social sciences. The BA is the most efficient way (though it is not the only way) for a student to get a dual degree or a double major in mathematics and another discipline.
+*/
+To know more details about the three different tracks and their future career paths,
+[[ug:overview|here is the overview information.]]
+\\
+\\
+===== 2. Degree Requirements =====
+<WRAP rounded center important > Read the [[https://catalog.binghamton.edu/index.php|Academic Guide]] ([[https://catalog.binghamton.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=1025&returnto=209|BA]], [[https://catalog.binghamton.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=1026&returnto=209|BS]], and [[https://catalog.binghamton.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=1027&returnto=209|Minor]]) for a very comprehensive and detailed official description of the program requirements for each of the seven degree options. In addition to the major/minor requirements, the Harpur College requirements can be found on [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/requirements-policies/degree-requirements.html|this webpage]].
+Please be careful about the [[ug:grade_req|Grade Requirements]] for the degree and prerequisite of registering courses.
+</WRAP>
+\\
+=======  =======
+{{page>ug:declare}}
+\\
+===== 4. Forms for Undergraduates =====
+{{page>forms:ug_forms}}
+\\
+\\
+===== 5. Course Selection and Registration =====
+To plan coursework effectively, students should consider both **prerequisite** dependencies between courses and the **semester** in which a course is offered. Prerequisites are particularly important in our department, and some courses are only available in certain semesters. Failing to account for these details could result in a student being unable to take required courses and potentially delaying graduation. In exceptional cases when prerequisite courses are in progress in the current semester without knowing grades, students may request a temporary waiver of prerequisites during the advance registration period using the [[https://www2.math.binghamton.edu/lib/exe/fetch.php/forms/math_prereq_exception_form.pdf?cache=nocache|Prerequisite Exception Request Form]]. However, proof of passing the prerequisite course is required at the start of the semester to remain enrolled in the class.
+   * [[ug:advising-resources]].
+  * [[http://matrix.math.binghamton.edu/d/cgi-bin/schedule/course_schedule_form|Unofficial course schedules]] of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
+  * [[https://ssb.cc.binghamton.edu/banner/bwckctlg.p_disp_dyn_ctlg|Official course descriptions in the catalog]] of the university: select the term and then choose MATH as the subject. A Binghamton user ID and password is required.
+  * [[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzaRe4lA3keJNy1MOEpwWlliM2s?resourcekey=0-Y8AehC-s_jroa55SIY-VXQ&usp=sharing|Past course syllabi by semesters]]
+  * **In-person final exams for Summer/Winter online math courses.** Some Winter/Summer online math courses require an on-campus, in-person final exam at Binghamton. A very limited off-campus, in-person proctoring exception may be approved in advance by the Department. No remote/virtual proctoring.          {{https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRXbuOyAvTfeAtvvzOS165eXK8JLmlis8Wij3bgmXXptUFHv-IU70JrLbYLE9EWCaR1VLdTGZsk7GU8/pub | Details and exception request form.}}
+\\
+\\
+===== 6. Information Regarding Calculus =====
+  * [[:Calculus|The Calculus Overview]]
+  * [[calculus:placementtest:start|Calculus placement test]]
+  * [[math_227_place-out_exam| Math 227 place-out exam]]
+  * [[calculus:how_to_register|How to register for calculus classes]]
+  * [[helprooms:start|Help room schedules]]
+  More details about some important Calculus courses
+      * [[calculus:math_223_224|Introduction to Calculus (Math 223)]]
+      * [[calculus:math_224_225:start|Calculus I (Math 224/225)]]
+      * [[calculus:math_226_227:start|Calculus II (Math 226/227)]]
+      * [[calculus:math_323:start|Calculus III (Math 323)]]
+      * [[math220|Calculus for Business and Management (Math 220)]]
+\\
+\\
+===== 7. Credits Transfer =====
+Students may earn credit for coursework completed in high school through AP, IB, CLEP and other exams. Please view the policies and criteria below:
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/transfer-credit/policies.html|Harpur College Transfer Credit Policies]]
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/transfer-credit/ap-equivalencies/index.html|Advanced Placement (AP)]]
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/transfer-credit/international-baccalaureate.html|International Baccalaureate (IB)]]
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/transfer-credit/clep.html| College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exam]]
+Students may also earn credit from courses taken in previous institutions or have the flexibility to take summer/winter courses at other institutions and then transfer credits back.
+  * The [[https://www.binghamton.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/transfer/coursework.html|Pre-approved Transfer Table]] helps to determine equivalent courses: first select institutions and then select courses. If the courses are already in this pre-approved table, students do not need to request the credit transfer petition.
+To transfer a math/stats course from outside Binghamton University for credit, you must receive pre-approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Department of Mathematics & Statistics. Not all courses can be transferred, hence it is important to have the course coverage reviewed before you register them. To this end,
+  * Fill out the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/forms/docs/transfer-credit-petition-major-updated-1.31.23.pdf|Harpur College Transfer Credit Petition form]]. Save the completed form as an **editable PDF file**; images/snapshots are discouraged.
+  * Send an email with the completed form to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Vladislav Kargin, vkargin@binghamton.edu, for review and approval. Include in the email the current syllabus of the course; the website of the department/university that offers the transfer course; and Information on when you plan to take the transfer course.
+Online courses (especially asynchronous ones) are generally **not** approved for transfer (in some cases, transfer credits may be granted after passing our final exam with a grade of C or better.)
+Courses from non-US institutions are typically //not// accepted, although there are exceptions for certain programs such as study abroad (excluding winter or summer sessions). More information on the rationale can be found [[ug:summer-transfer|here]].
+\\
+\\
+===== 8. Accelerated (4+1) Programs =====
+Binghamton’s 4+1 programs let qualified students earn a bachelor’s + master’s degree in about five years.
+See [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/degrees/4-plus-1.html|Combined Degree Programs (4+1)]] for general eligibility and policies.
+Math-related options include:
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/graduate/4-plus-1.html|BA/BS Mathematical Sciences → MS in Data Science and Statistics (DSS)]]
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/som/graduate-programs/mba/harpur.html|Harpur/MBA 4+1 program]]
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/tlel/academics/accelerated/index.html|BA Mathematical Sciences → MAT Mathematics (Adolescent Education)]]
+\\
+\\
+===== 9. Faculty Advisors =====
+You can get advising in several ways, depending on the question:
+  * **Faculty advisor (assigned when you declare the major).**
+    * Every major is assigned a faculty advisor at the time of declaration.
+    * Meet with your advisor to plan courses, choose electives, and discuss goals (graduate school, careers, etc.).
+    * You may switch to another faculty advisor later, after you get to know the faculty.
+  * **Advising Liaison (especially for pre-majors / lower-division).**
+    * **David Biddle** (biddle@math.binghamton.edu) is the department’s Coordinator of Undegraduate Advising.
+    * He is the primary contact for students exploring the major (not yet declared) and for majors still completing mostly lower-level coursework.
+  * **Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) — policies and exceptions.**
+    * The DUS handles department decisions such as transfer-course approvals, prerequisite exceptions, and DegreeWorks exceptions.
+    * Current DUS: **Prof. Vladislav Kargin** (vkargin@binghamton.edu).
+\\
+\\
+===== 10. Honors, Awards and Scholarships =====
+We recognize students through **graduation with departmental honors** and several **annual awards/scholarships**.
+  * **Award descriptions & criteria (stable):** [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/honors.html|Honors, awards and scholarships (university page)]]
+  * **Recent recipients (updated annually):** [[ug:awards|Award recipients by year]]
+  * **Pi Mu Epsilon (local chapter):** [[http://people.math.binghamton.edu/alex/Pi_Mu_Epsilon_at_Binghamton_University.html|Pi Mu Epsilon at Binghamton]] (see also [[http://www.pme-math.org/|national site]])
+\\
+\\
+===== 11. Student Organizations and Activities =====
+The students in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics frequently participate in the following organizations and in a wide range of activities.
+    * [[https://sites.google.com/binghamtonsa.org/binghamtonmathclub/|The Undergraduate Math Club and MAA student chapter]]
+    * [[https://bengaged.binghamton.edu/awm/home/|The Association for Women in Mathematics Student Chapter]]
+    * [[https://budatascienceandanalytics.github.io/|The Data Science and Analytics Club]]
+    * [[https://bengaged.binghamton.edu/actuarial/home/|The Actuarial Association]]
+    * [[http://people.math.binghamton.edu/alex/Pi_Mu_Epsilon_at_Binghamton_University.html|The Binghamton chapter]] of [[http://www.pme-math.org/|Pi Mu Epsilon]], the National Mathematics Honor Society.
+    * The department is a participant in the [[http://www.maa.org/Seaway/|Seaway Section of the MAA]].
+\\
+\\
+===== 12. For Prospective Students =====
+If you are new to the Math major/minor, please spend a few minutes to read answers to [[http://people.math.binghamton.edu/qiao/advising.html|some Frequently Asked Questions]].
+If you are a prospective student who is interested in visiting the department and talking with our faculty members, you can make an appointment with the [[https://www2.math.binghamton.edu/p/contact/|department secretary]].

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