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This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- ug [2026/03/05 01:50]
kargin
+++ ug [2026/03/06 21:47] (current)
kargin [9. Accelerated (4+1) Programs]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-~~META:title=Undergraduate Program~~
+~~META:title=Math: 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 the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/|university program page]].
-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 [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/|Undergraduate Program Overview]] and  [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/tracks/|Overview of Major Tracks]],
 If you are:
+  * **A prospective student or still exploring whether to study Math/Statistics at Binghamton.**
-  * **Thinking about declaring, dropping, or changing a major or minor in Math/Statistics.**
+    Start with the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/|program overview on the university site]]. To visit the department and talk with faculty, contact the [[https://www2.math.binghamton.edu/p/contact/|department secretary]].
-    Go to Section 3, **“Declare, Drop, and Change Major/Minor”**, which includes the Google form and instructions.
+  * **Thinking about declaring, dropping, or changing a major or minor in Math/Statistics.**
+    Go to Section 3, **"Declare, Drop, or Change Major/Minor"**.
   * **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.
+    Go to Section 5, **"Course Selection and Registration"**.
-  * **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).
@@ Line 66: / Line 61: @@
 </WRAP>
-To **declare** or **drop** a major or minor, fill in  [[https://docs.google.com/a/binghamton.edu/forms/d/1zNGh0jFPR0hSkc3YRJMiq1mn9FmqgpmrMPsMsP1PCjg/viewform|this Google Form]].
+To **declare** or **drop** a major or minor, fill in [[https://docs.google.com/a/binghamton.edu/forms/d/1zNGh0jFPR0hSkc3YRJMiq1mn9FmqgpmrMPsMsP1PCjg/viewform|this Google Form]].
 **BS majors:** Before declaring, you must meet with a faculty member. If you haven't done so yet but need to declare now, consider declaring a BA first and switching to BS later.
@@ Line 81: / Line 76: @@
   * [[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCNI1xrobusbsLV8FdOd_Cg8v9vSuTCvtVMseDUFouXLYfww/viewform|Math 225/227 Second Half-Semester Signup Form]] — For registering in 225 or 227 without the 224/226 co-requisite when the stand-alone section doesn't fit your schedule.
   * {{:forms:Math Prereq exception form.pdf?nocache|Prerequisite Exception Request Form}}
-  * {{:forms:undergraduate_request_to_take_graduate_course.pdf?nocache|Request to Take a Graduate Course}}
+  * {{:forms:undergraduate_request_to_take_graduate_course.pdf?nocache|Request to Take a Graduate Course}} — You must first obtain the instructor's consent, then visit the math department office for paperwork. To count a graduate course toward your major requirements, email the DUS **after** you have registered.
-  * {{:forms:independent-study-course-registration-form_497.pdf?nocache|Undergraduate Independent Study (Math 497) Form}}
+  * {{:forms:independent-study-course-registration-form_497.pdf?nocache|Undergraduate Independent Study (Math 497) Form}} — Find a faculty member willing to supervise, then visit the math department office. Note that there is a limit on how many independent study credits can count toward the major.
-=== Transfer Credits ===
-  * [[:ug:transfer-basics|Course Transfer Information]] — Includes the required Harpur College Transfer Credit Petition form.
 ===== 5. Course Selection and Registration =====
@@ Line 93: / Line 84: @@
 Plan your coursework around two things: **prerequisites** (which are strictly enforced in our department) and **semester availability** (some courses are only offered in fall or spring). Missing either can delay graduation.
+=== Advice for New Majors ===
+Complete **Math 330** (Number Systems) as soon as possible — no later than your fourth semester. Finish **Math 304** (Linear Algebra) and **Math 323** (Calculus III) before moving to upper-level courses. Plan for about two math courses per semester and meet with your faculty advisor regularly.
+For track-specific course planning, see [[people:kargin:ug:course-planning-advice|Course Planning by Track]].
+=== Getting Into Closed Courses ===
+If a course has a **waiting list**, add yourself to the waitlist for the section you prefer. When a seat opens, the system emails the student at the top of the list, who has **18 hours to register** from the time the email is sent (not when you open it). If you see an open seat but cannot register, it is likely reserved for someone ahead of you on the waitlist — be patient and check your email frequently. Do **not** try to switch sections while waitlisted; doing so will drop you to the bottom of the list.
+If a course is closed with **no waiting list**, monitor the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/registrar/student/course-registration/schedule/|Schedule of Classes]] during open registration and self-register if a spot appears.
+For additional help, contact the **math department secretaries** in Whitney Hall. Neither your instructor nor your faculty advisor can place you in a full course.
 === Useful Resources ===
-  * [[ug:advising-resources|Advising Resources]]
+  * [[ug:advising-resources|Prerequisite Dependency Infographic]]
+  * [[people:kargin:ug:course-planning-advice|Course Planning by Track]]
+  * [[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uDGTcS77GkOP5fIsZxIb8FRYp7uZyALS|Sample 4-Year Plans by Track]]
   * [[http://matrix.math.binghamton.edu/d/cgi-bin/schedule/course_schedule_form|Unofficial course schedules]] for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
   * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/registrar/student/course-registration/schedule/|Schedule of Classes]] — Search for courses by term and subject (Binghamton login required)
@@ Line 102: / Line 108: @@
-===== 5. Summer and Winter Sessions =====
+===== 6. Summer and Winter Sessions =====
 The department offers online math courses during summer and winter sessions. All courses are **synchronous** (live scheduled meetings, not self-paced). See the [[http://matrix.math.binghamton.edu/d/cgi-bin/schedule/course_schedule_form|department course schedule]] for current offerings and session dates.
@@ Line 113: / Line 119: @@
+===== 7. Information Regarding Calculus =====
-===== 6. Information Regarding Calculus =====
   * [[:Calculus|The Calculus Overview]]
   * [[calculus:placementtest:start|Calculus placement test]]
-  * [[math_227_place-out_exam| Math 227 place-out exam]]
+  * [[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)]]
-\\
-\\
-===== 6. Credit Transfer and Exam Credit =====
+ 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)]]
-This section covers (i) credit earned by exams (AP/IB/CLEP) and (ii) transferring courses from other institutions.
+===== 8. Credit Transfer and Exam Credit =====
+==== Exam Credit (AP / IB / CLEP) ====
-==== A. Exam credit (AP / IB / CLEP) ====
+Binghamton's policies and equivalencies are maintained by Harpur Advising:
-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) 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|CLEP exam credit]]
-----
+==== Transfer Credit from Another Institution ====
+**First, check the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/transfer/coursework.html|Pre-Approved Transfer Table]]** — select the institution and course. If your course appears with the correct BU equivalent, you typically do not need a separate petition.
-==== B. Transfer credit from another institution (including summer/winter elsewhere) ====
+**If not pre-approved,** get department approval **before** registering for the course:
+  - 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]] and save as a PDF (not a photo/screenshot).
+  - Email it to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Vladislav Kargin (vkargin@binghamton.edu), and include:
+    * Current syllabus
+    * Link to the course catalog or department page
+    * When you plan to take the course
-**Step 1 — Check if it is already pre-approved.**
+<WRAP important>
-  * Use the [[https://www.binghamton.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/transfer/coursework.html|Pre-approved Transfer Table]] (select the institution, then the course).
+  * **Online asynchronous courses** are generally not approved for transfer.
-  * If your course appears there with the correct BU equivalent, you typically do not need a separate petition.
+  * **Upper-level courses** (Math 330 and above) are rarely approved for transfer.
+  * **Courses from non-US institutions** are generally not approved unless part of a regular degree-granting curriculum or an approved Binghamton-affiliated program (e.g., BU study abroad). Standalone summer or winter courses abroad are not accepted.
+</WRAP>
-**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.
-  * 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]].
+===== 9. Accelerated (4+1) Programs =====
-    Save it as an **editable PDF** (not a photo/screenshot).
-  * Email the completed petition to the **Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) Prof. Vladislav Kargin (vkargin@binghamton.edu)** for review and include in your email:
+Binghamton's 4+1 programs let qualified students earn a bachelor's + master's degree in about five years.
-    * the **current syllabus** (required)
+See [[https://www.binghamton.edu/harpur/degrees/4-plus-1.html|Combined Degree Programs (4+1)]] for general eligibility and policies.
-    * a link to the **course catalog/department page**
-    * **when** you plan to take the course (term + dates if known)
-----
+Math-related options include:
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/overview/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)]]
-==== C. Common constraints (important) ====
+===== 10. Planning for Graduate School =====
-  * **Online courses:** asynchronous courses are generally not approved for transfer.
+If you are considering graduate school in mathematics, statistics, or a related field, start planning early.
-  * **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.
-\\
+**Choose the right courses.** Performance in **Real Analysis I and II** (Math 478/479) is widely used by admissions committees to gauge a student's potential — even for statistics and applied math programs. Beyond Real Analysis, the courses that matter most depend on the discipline you're targeting:
-\\
+  * **Mathematics:** The BS track is strongly recommended. Its required courses (Modern Algebra, Topology, Real Analysis) form the standard preparation.
+  * **Statistics or Actuarial Science:** A BA may be sufficient, but a BS or additional coursework beyond BA requirements is preferred. Do well in **Math 447** (Probability) and **Math 448** (Mathematical Statistics).
+  * **Data Science:** In addition to probability and statistics, consider extra coursework in computer science and computational methods.
-===== 7. Accelerated (4+1) Programs =====
+**Pursue research experience.** REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) programs are competitive summer research opportunities funded by the NSF and hosted by universities across the country. They strengthen graduate applications significantly and give you a taste of what research is like. Most REU applications are due in **January–February** for the following summer, so start looking in the fall. Sophomores and juniors are the strongest candidates. You can also approach faculty in our department directly to ask about research projects suitable for undergraduates. See this [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U-27BeHMSJCWumbNByal2tHyYo9wRVud9WoRE70E47Y/edit?gid=1578071627#gid=1578071627|list of REU programs]] for current and past opportunities.
-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)]]
-\\
+**Plan your recommendation letters.** You will need letters from faculty who know your work well. Think ahead about which courses and professors will give you that opportunity — a professor who taught a course in which you earned a B or lower may decline to write, or write a letter that does not help your application.
-\\
+**Explore your options.** Math majors pursue graduate degrees in many fields, including mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, computer science, data science, operations research, economics, finance, and management science. Talk with your faculty advisor and read about programs early in your junior year.
-===== 8. Faculty Advisors =====
+===== 11. Faculty Advisors =====
 You can get advising in several ways, depending on the question:
@@ Line 203: / Line 197: @@
   * **Advising Liaison (especially for pre-majors / lower-division).**
-    * **David Biddle** (biddle@math.binghamton.edu) is the department’s Coordinator of Undegraduate Advising.
+    * **David Biddle** (biddle@math.binghamton.edu) is the department's Coordinator of Undergraduate Advising.
     * He is the primary contact for students exploring the major (not yet declared) and for majors still completing mostly lower-level coursework.
@@ Line 210: / Line 204: @@
     * Current DUS: **Prof. Vladislav Kargin** (vkargin@binghamton.edu).
-\\
-\\
+===== 12. Honors, Awards and Scholarships =====
-===== 9. 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)]]
+  * [[https://www.binghamton.edu/math/undergraduate/overview/honors-awards.html|Honors Criteria and Award Descriptions]]
-  * **Recent recipients (updated annually):** [[ug:awards|Award recipients by year]]
+  * [[ug:awards|Honors and 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]])
-\\
-\\
-===== 10. Student Organizations and Activities =====
+===== 13. 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.
@@ Line 232: / Line 220: @@
     * [[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.
+    * [[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]].
-\\
-\\
-===== 11. 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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