Admissions

Program Requirements
 Applications for admission will be accepted for the Fall 2011 semester. We will seek intellectually inquisitive people from diverse backgrounds who can provide special contributions to the field and the program. Excellent quantitative and written and oral communication skills will be expected. The program admission will be highly selective.

The admissions requirements will be:

1. Previous Degree Requirements

  • Master's degree or higher in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field. Exceptions may be made for outstanding candidates without a master’s degree.
  • At least 3-6 credits in a Biostatistics course/sequence.
  • Applicants who do not meet the above and below requirements for entrance into this doctoral program should consider applying for the MPH degree through the Graduate Program of Public Health, and then, if desired, apply to the doctoral program while completing the MPH program.

2. Grades

  • 3.0 GPA or better in undergraduate work leading to a baccalaureate degree.
  • Mostly A’s in graduate work, especially in Biostatistics and Epidemiology courses.
  • Two official copies of transcripts from all post-secondary schools are required.

3. GRE Requirements

  • With the exception of applicants holding prior doctoral degrees, official Graduate Record Examination General Test scores are required for all applicants. Most emphasis is placed on the quantitative section. GRE scores must be from exams within the last 7 years.
  • Applicants should request that the Educational Testing Service forward scores directly to the Graduate School (the Stony Brook code is 2548). Failure to submit GRE scores with the completed application will prevent the review of student applications by the program. Photocopies are not acceptable. Applications for the GRE are available at www.ets.org. For additional information, call 1-800-GRE-CALL.

4. Letters of Recommendation

  • Three letters of recommendation from persons who can address the applicant's interest in and capacity to complete a course of graduate study in population health and clinical outcomes research. If the applicant is a student or has graduated within the last two years, at least one letter must be from a college or university faculty member with whom the applicant has studied.

5. Statement of Purpose

  • A narrative statement (up to 1,200 words) to describe your career goals and reasons for applying to the program is required. Your statement must include:

    a) A description of your career goals and plans for pursuing these goals
    b) How doctoral study in the PHCOR Program will contribute to your career plans
    c) A description of your previous experience in the field (research or practical)
    d) A description of your areas of research interest and how they relate to the research interests of potential faculty research advisors. It will be an advantage to have identified a faculty member with whom you wish to work. Mentors traditionally will be faculty in the Epidemiology, Evaluative Sciences, and Community and Behavioral Health divisions in the department of Preventive Medicine, but you may explore other options. A list of those faculty members that may serve as advisors with links to descriptions of their interests available here.
    e) Which track are you applying (Population Health or Clinical Outcomes Research) and why

6. English Language Requirements

  • If your native or primary language is not English, you must take an English proficiency test. To be considered for admission, an applicant must present an acceptable score on the TOEFL or IELTS test. Minimum requirements for the exams are as follows:

    a) IELTS: Overall score of 7 with no subsection below 6.5.
    b) TOEFL: Paper-based test: 600; Computer-based test: 250; Internet-based test: 90 for general admission.

  • The TOEFL/IELTS are only valid for 2 years from the test date to the date the official score is received by Graduate Admissions.

7. Additional Admissions Requirements

  • A personal or telephone interview may be requested by the Admissions Committee.
  • There is a nonrefundable application fee of $100 made payable to Stony Brook University.
    Note:     Your application will not be processed without this fee.
  • Any other requirements of the Graduate School (even if not specifically stated here).

The Admissions Committee will consider all factors including grades, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, essays, prior training, and professional experience. It is a goal of the Admissions Committee to select a diversity of applicants who have the academic capability, personal qualities, dedication, and commitment to provide future value to society through a career in population health and clinical outcomes research.

Applications and all supporting documents must be received on/by May 15, 2011, for Fall 2011 admission.

Apply Online
To apply, students should go to https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=sunysb-gs, create an application account, and select the PhD Program in Population Health and Clinical Outcomes Research. All essays and recommendation letters should be submitted online.

Please send all supporting documents to:
Program Coordinator, Population Health and Clinical Outcomes Research
Stony Brook University
Health Sciences Center L3–R097
Stony Brook, New York 11794-8338

Supporting documents include 2 copies of all official transcripts. Unofficial copies will not be accepted.

An offer of admission to graduate study at Stony Brook is for a specific semester. An applicant who is unable to enroll for the semester specified should request a deferment of admission from the primary department or program. If the request is granted, the student will be sent a new offer of admission for the subsequent semester and the Graduate School will be notified accordingly. Students who do not enroll within 12 months of the original offer of admission must submit a new application and fee.

Health Records
All accepted students are required by New York State law to file a completed health history and physical examination with the Student Health Service. Transfer students may submit copies of their health forms from their former schools provided they contain the information required by the Student Health Service and are less than two years old.

Financial Support
Due to statewide budget constraints, there will be no graduate stipends offered to support students at this time. The Program is hopeful to offer support in the coming years, as economic tides turn. Students are encouraged to apply for student financial aid.