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General Information

Help with the Application Process

If you have questions about the training and research opportunities that the Genetics Program offers, please email the Program Director, Dr. Martha Furie. If you encounter problems with the on-line application, reach out to the Program Coordinator, Ms. Jennifer Jokinen

If as a prospective applicant you need advice about preparing application materials or have any other questions for current graduate students in the Genetics Program, please fill out this Google Form. Our student volunteers will try their best to answer any questions you might have and support you during the admissions process. Questions can be related to students' experiences as international students, first-generation PhD students or applicants, as well as general life at Stony Brook. 

Requirements

For information on general admission requirements and much more, please consult the Graduate School website.  A link to the on-line application for admission can be found on the Graduate Admissions page, along with additional helpful information.

In addition to requirements set by the Graduate School, other factors are considered by the Genetics Program's Admissions Committee. Candidates should show evidence of a superior undergraduate performance, ideally with strong preparation in the life sciences and coursework in genetics.  The Program does not require, but strongly prefers to see, previous research experience.  Whenever possible, letters of recommendation should be obtained from faculty who can address the candidate's academic qualifications and/or research expertise.

Deadlines and Required Examinations

The application deadline  is January 15, although international applicants are urged to apply by January 1 to allow additional time for processing of visa applications. Applicants who would like to be considered for University Graduate Council Fellowships (for exceptionally well-qualified applicants) or Turner Fellowships (for applicants from under-represented groups) should submit their applications as soon as possible and well before the deadlines.

International candidates whose native or primary language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS exam.  TOEFL test scores should be reported electronically to the Graduate School, Stony Brook University, code 2548. A 'department code' is not needed. Note that TOEFL scores must be reported electronically, since the Graduate School will not accept photocopies of score reports. For IELTS scores, it should be requested that an official copy be mailed to the Genetics Program. Self-reported scores are not sufficient for review of applications; official scores must be sent. 

The Genetics Program no longer uses GRE scores as a criterion for admission, nor are they required to be nominated for Graduate Council or Turner Fellowships.

"Should I apply?"

We or our Program faculty are sometimes asked to review qualifications to help prospective students decide if they should apply for admission. Regrettably, we cannot evaluate a candidate's qualifications without a complete application. The Admissions Committee considers each candidate individually, weighing the entire application. Academic interests and performance, research experience and interests, letters of recommendation, and personal statements are all important factors. If you have a sincere interest in research in genetics, we strongly encourage you to apply.

International Students

International candidates sometimes ask if we accept students from specific countries and, if so, how many. We evaluate potential students on the strength of their qualifications, not on their country of origin. We actively recruit from around the world and select the most qualified candidates, regardless of where they are from. Just as the numbers of applications we receive will change from year to year, so too will the numbers of incoming students and the countries that they represent. The demographics fluctuate as degrees are awarded, 45% of our current Genetics students are from countries other than the United States. There is wonderful cultural and international diversity at Stony Brook, which is reflected in our program.

Interviews

It is not possible to interview every applicant, but the Admissions Committee will invite selected candidates to meet with faculty, the Program Director, and a group of current students via Zoom.  Accepted students who are in the United States then will be invited to visit campus, with the Program paying for all travel, lodging, and meal costs. 

Financial Aid and Support

All students (international or domestic) accepted into the Program receive a stipend (which is currently $34,000 per calendar year), subsidized health insurance benefits, a full tuition scholarship, and a scholarship that covers almost all University fees.

Students eligible for New York State residency are expected to establish residency before the Fall semester of their second year of study, since scholarships thereafter are paid at the 'in-state' tuition rate. The Graduate Program will advise and assist students in establishing residency. International students with J-1 or F-1 visas are ineligible for residency status, so full scholarships at the 'out-of-state' rate are provided.

Click here to view the Program's informational brochure.