Graduate Program In Genetics

How to Apply

We welcome your interest in the Graduate Program in Genetics at Stony Brook!

For information on admission requirements, financial aid, required test scores and much more, please review the Graduate School website, using the Admissions tab. There you will also find the on-line application form.

Application Deadline:

January 1:  Deadline for receipt of all applications, and the Admissions Committee will begin to review applications soon thereafter.

Supplemental materials (updated English proficiency scores, letters of recommendation, etc.) must be received by January 1 to ensure that the file is complete in time for review by the Admissions Committee.

Please note that our course of study does not permit students to matriculate in the Spring semester.

Required Components of a Complete Application:

1.      Online Application and Application Fee

2.      Statement of Purpose

This essay is your opportunity to introduce yourself and your unique skills and experiences. You are encouraged to discuss your preparation and motivation for graduate studies, as well as previous research experience and future research interests and how they align with the Genetics Program.  You may also want to let us know of any challenges that you have encountered on your journey to applying for a doctoral program. The most effective statements are typically no more than one to two pages long. Once you have submitted the general on-line application form and paid the application fee, you will be taken to a page where you can upload this statement.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in statements of purpose must follow Genetics Program policy. Applicants must synthesize their own content, and AI tools may be used only to improve the clarity or flow of that content. Applicants must give appropriate credit to any generative AI tools used and state the purpose for which they were employed.

3.      Three Letters of Recommendation

The online application system enables you to enter the email addresses of your references. Each will receive an automated email message with a link to your application, so that their comments and letter of reference can be uploaded into your electronic file. You will be able to review the status of your application and see whether or not the letters have been submitted. It is possible to add an additional reference if desired.  References who can evaluate your academic qualifications and research experience are preferred.

4.      Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores (for applicants whose native language is not English)

Please refer to the Graduate School requirements regarding English proficiency requirements and the minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores that are needed. For candidates who declare a native language other than English, TOEFL scores must be reported electronically to Stony Brook University (institution code 2548) before the application will be considered. For IELTS scores, an unofficial copy can be uploaded in the on-line application for consideration by the Admissions Committee, but an official report will be needed prior to admission.

5.      Transcript(s)

Please scan and upload a copy of your transcript from each college and/or university that you have attended, including community college(s) and/or summer studies. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial review process. These can be uploaded in the ‘Supplemental Documents’ section of the online application.

Applicants from India should scan and upload each Statement of Marks, so that the Admissions Committee can review the courses that have been completed. For candidates whose institutions do not use a 4.0 grade scale, it is important to include a notation or document indicating the basis for grading.

Original transcripts or certified copies are required for enrollment and to formalize an offer of admission. If you are offered admission to the Genetics Program, the offer letter will request that you have official transcripts sent electronically to gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu or mailed to this address:

Stony Brook University

Graduate School Office of Admissions and Student Services

Old Computer Science Bldg, Room 2401

Stony Brook, NY 11794-4433

6. Curriculum Vitae or Resume (Optional)

Applicants are not required to submit a CV or resume. However, there is an option to do so, and the Admissions Committee often finds these summaries of accomplishments helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

After the application deadline has passed, each application is reviewed prior to submission to the Admissions Committee. The status of your application will be updated to indicate whether test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation have been received. You can log in to the online system to view the status.

It is not necessary or helpful to contact the faculty directly, since they will defer to the Admissions Committee for decisions regarding offers of admission.  

The online system will not allow you to modify your application once it is submitted. However, if you have discovered a significant error, you may email the Graduate Program Coordinator.

The application review process begins in early January. Every complete application is reviewed by multiple members of the Admissions Committee, and the process is quite time-consuming. The timing of interviews and decisions is different each year. Many applications are selected for secondary reviews and may remain active long into the recruiting season. If your application is not selected for further consideration, we will let you know as soon as that decision is made. 

Our interviews are conducted via Zoom, which allows easy participation of faculty based at both Stony Brook and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Our virtual interview days also include an informational session with the Program Director and the opportunity to meet with current students. Accepted students who reside in the US will be invited to visit the campus at the Program's expense before making their decision.

Questions about the application procedure may be directed to Ms. Jennifer Jokinen, Program Coordinator, or Dr. Martha Furie, Program Director.