How To Apply

For MA/LS, MPS and MS Programs Only

Applications are accepted online via Apply Yourself. All applicants must provide a valid email address and must be using a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari) that is Javascript-enabled (as most browsers are). If you have any questions about the technical requirements, see the Apply Yourself website.

To complete the application process, you will need to do the following:

1. Complete an online orientation and submit the required online Orientation Checklist at the end of the online orientation section, under SIGN OUT.
   
   
2. Please attach a personal statement of 750-1000 words that is a reflection of your ability to approach graduate-level work successfully, using creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research. Your statement should address the following:
   
   · What is your purpose in pursuing this degree/certificate?
   · How have you prepared yourself for this field of study? (Include any relevant professional experience.)
   · Specifically, how will this degree/certificate assist you in advancing both your professional and personal goals?
   · Describe your research and study interests and any other aspects of your background, skills, or qualifications that would aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your motivation for graduate study.
   
   Your personal statement must be your own original work. (Read the rubric for evaluating personal statement - PDF.)
   
   
3. Go to the Apply Yourself website and click on the "Create Account" button. By creating an account, you will receive a unique ID so you can check your application status online. There are separate applications for traditional and online programs, so please be sure to select the correct option.
   
   
4. Submit the nonrefundable $100 application fee, either via credit card, check, or money order. (Instructions are on the Apply Yourself website.)
   
   
5. Arrange to have an official, sealed copy of your transcript sent to SPD. Mailing address: School of Professional Development, N-201 Social & Behavioral Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-4310. (Full zip code must be used.) The transcript must show that you have earned a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 (if your GPA is lower than 3.00, please see the note on Conditional Admission, below). If you earned your bachelor's from Stony Brook, SPD will access your transcript electronically.
   
   
6. Print, fill out, and return Immunization Form (PDF).
   
   
7. Additional requirements apply for International Students (see Information for International Students).

Conditional Admission

If your official transcript indicates an undergraduate cumulative GPA below 3.00 and above 2.75, you will be considered for Conditional Admission. Conditionally admitted part-time students must achieve a cumulative 3.00 GPA after attempting six graduate credits (applicable to their program) at Stony Brook. Full-time students (12 or more credits) must achieve a cumulative 3.00 GPA after their first semester/term. If a cumulative 3.00 GPA is not achieved as described, students will not be permitted to re-enroll at matriculated status. However, a student may petition SPD for approval to continue taking courses at Non-matriculated Graduate Student (GSP) status in an effort to raise his/her cumulative GPA to the required 3.00, provided he/she submits the requisite GSP application and application fee to SPD.

Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.75 are ineligible for admission as a matriculated student. However, these students may apply for Non-matriculated Graduate Student (GSP) status in order to enroll in classes at Stony Brook in an effort to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.00 for program admission. If, after completion of a minimum of 6.0--maximum of 12.0--graduate credits appropriate to the student's intended Master's program, a cumulative 3.00 GPA is earned, student may submit the required application/application package for admission consideration.  

Application Deadlines*

• July 15 for Fall admission.
• December 15 Spring admission.
• March 15 for Summer admission.

*Applications may be accepted up until two weeks prior to the start of a term, but SPD cannot guarantee course availability for late applicants.

Contact Information

School of Professional Development
N 201 Social and Behavioral Sciences Building
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4310
E-mail: spd@stonybrook.edu
Tel. (631) 632-7050 (option 1)

Statement of Student Responsibility
Students themselves—whether new, returning, or continuing—are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and adhering to their degree and/or certificate program requirements. (SPD’s Non-matriculating (non-degree) Graduate Students [GSP] are responsible for adhering to the guidelines related to non-matriculated status.) All SPD students are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and complying with University and SPD regulations, policies, and procedures, as described in all official publications, the University website, and the SPD website, including, but not limited to, SPD’s online references, the SPD Bulletin and SPD Academic Calendar.