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--- ug [2025/11/01 21:42]
kargin
+++ ug [2026/01/05 10:10] (current)
kargin [7. Credits Transfer]
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 ====== Undergraduate Program ======
-**See the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/|undergraduate page]] on the University website.**
+===== 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 =====
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 {{  :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,
@@ Line 31: / Line 59: @@
 ===== 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=2&poid=170|BA]], [[https://catalog.binghamton.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=171|BS]], and [[https://catalog.binghamton.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=172|Minor]]) for a very comprehensive and detailed official description of the program requirements for each of the six 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]].
+<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>
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 \\
-====== 4. Forms for Undergraduates ======
+===== 4. Forms for Undergraduates =====
 {{page>forms:ug_forms}}
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   * [[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.}}
 \\
@@ Line 79: / Line 109: @@
 \\
-===== 7. Credits Transfer =====
+===== 7. Credit Transfer and Exam Credit =====
+This section covers (i) credit earned by exams (AP/IB/CLEP) and (ii) transferring courses from other institutions.
-Students may earn credit for coursework completed in high school through AP, IB, CLEP and other exams. Please view the policies and criteria below:
+==== A. Exam credit (AP / IB / CLEP) ====
+Binghamton’s policies and equivalencies are maintained by Harpur Advising:
   * [[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/ap-equivalencies/index.html|Advanced Placement (AP) equivalencies]]
   * [[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]]
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/transfer-credit/clep.html|CLEP exam credit]]
-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,
+==== B. Transfer credit from another institution (including summer/winter elsewhere) ====
-  * 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.
+**Step 1 — Check if it is already pre-approved.**
+  * Use the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/transfer/coursework.html|Pre-approved Transfer Table]] (select the institution, then the course).
+  * If your course appears there with the correct BU equivalent, you typically do not need a separate petition.
-  * 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.
+**Step 2 — If it is not pre-approved, request Math/Stats pre-approval before registering.**
+Not all courses are transferable to Math/Stats requirements, so please have coverage reviewed in advance.
-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.)
+  * Fill out the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/forms/docs/transfer-credit-petition-major-updated-1.31.23.pdf|Harpur Transfer Credit Petition form]].
+    Save it as an **editable PDF** (not a photo/screenshot).
-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]].
+  * Email the completed petition to the **Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) Prof. Vladislav Kargin (vkargin@binghamton.edu)** for review and include in your email:
+    * the **current syllabus** (required)
+    * a link to the **course catalog/department page**
+    * **when** you plan to take the course (term + dates if known)
+----
+==== C. Common constraints (important) ====
+  * **Online courses:** asynchronous courses are generally not approved for transfer.
+  * **Non-US institutions:** transfer credit is typically not approved, with exceptions for approved programs (for example, certain study-abroad arrangements).
+    See [[ug:summer-transfer|this page]] for additional rationale and guidance.
 \\
 \\
-===== 8. Accelerated Programs =====
+===== 8. Accelerated (4+1) Programs =====
-An accelerated program allows a student to obtain a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in five years. You complete most of the coursework for your Bachelor's degree in your first three years. In your fourth year, you take both Bachelor's- and Master's-level courses, graduate with your Bachelor's degree, and formally apply to the Graduate School. In your fifth year, you are admitted to Graduate School and focus solely on graduate coursework. Check the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/degrees/4-plus-1.html|Combined Degree Programs (4+1)]]  for more details.
+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.
-We offer the following three accelerated 4+1 Master programs, allowing students to obtain a //Bachelor's degree// and a //Master's degree// in five years.
+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)]]
-  * [[ug:4_1_math_stat|BA/BS in Mathematical Sciences/ MA in Statistics]]
   * [[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 in Mathematical Sciences/ MAT Math Adolescent Education]]
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/tlel/academics/accelerated/index.html|BA Mathematical Sciences → MAT Mathematics (Adolescent Education)]]
 \\
 \\
 ===== 9. Faculty Advisors =====
-Students can seek advices from the following faculty members:
+You can get advising in several ways, depending on the question:
-  * Every major is assigned a **faculty advisor** at the time of the major declaration. Students should meet regularly with the faculty advisor to discuss course selection and career goals. Students are free to choose another advisor after they get to know the faculty better.
+  * **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.
-  * Students can also seek help from **Advising Liaison**, David Biddle (biddle@math.binghamton.edu). The Advising Liaison is the //de facto// advisor for students who are interested in math but have not declared the math major as well as those math majors who are still taking lower-level courses.
+  * **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.
-  * Additionally, any issue related to the major/minor can be discussed with the **Director of Undergraduate Studies** (the current Director of Undergraduate Studies is Prof. Vladislav Kargin, vkargin@binghamton.edu). Among other responsibilities, the Director of Undergraduate Studies is in charge of transfer course approvals, prerequisite exceptions, DegreeWork exceptions, and so on.
+  * **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 =====
-Every semester, we grant our best graduating majors a distinction called "honors". Learn about  [[:ug:honors|graduation with honors]]. The department hosts a [[http://people.math.binghamton.edu/alex/Pi_Mu_Epsilon_at_Binghamton_University.html|local chapter]] of [[http://www.pme-math.org/|Pi Mu Epsilon]], the National Mathematics Honor Society. In addition to departmental graduation honors, the department grants several awards and scholarships each year to students who have made outstanding achievements in mathematical sciences. Many awards are made possible because of donations from our alumni and friends. These awards include the following.
+===== 10. Honors, Awards and Scholarships =====
+We recognize students through **graduation with departmental honors** and several **annual awards/scholarships**.
-    * **Award for Excellence in Mathematical Sciences** -- presented to outstanding graduating seniors majoring in mathematical sciences.
+  * **Award descriptions & criteria (stable):** [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/honors.html|Honors, awards and scholarships (university page)]]
-    * **Actuarial Science Award** -- presented to actuarial science students with academic excellence.
+  * **Recent recipients (updated annually):** [[ug:awards|Award recipients by year]]
-    * **Helen P. Beard Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics** -- established by Gerald Miller '67 in honor of Professor Emeritus Helen Pearl Beard, who retired in 1982 and passed away in January of 2004 at the age of 88. Presented to a junior or senior major who demonstrates qualities exemplified by Professor Beard.
+  * **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]])
-    * **Lawrence I. Wilkins Scholarship** -- awarded to a Harpur student majoring in math with academic excellence. Recipients are selected in the Spring for the following academic year.
-    * **Miguel Arcones Memorial Award** -- established in 2013 to honor the memory of Professor Miguel Arcones. Awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated academic excellence. Preference will be given to a student in the actuarial program.
-    * **Award for Putnam Competition and Problem-Solving** -- presented to undergraduate majors in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics who participated in and received good results in the Putnam Mathematics Competition and/or the Problem of the Week problem-solving series.
 \\
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 \\
-===== 12. Additional Resources =====
-    * [[http://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/|Harpur College Student Advising Office]]
-    * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/registrar/|Student Records and Registrar Services]]
-    * [[http://www.binghamton.edu/scholarships/|External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center]] for scholarship opportunities.
-\\
-\\
-===== 13. For Prospective Students =====
+===== 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]].

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