Graduate Admissions Information: PhD

 

The   online application  can be accessed   here.The   deadline  to apply for admission for the academic year 2020-21 is   January 15th. The application system closes at midnight (Eastern Time Zone). 

Admission

The department of Political Science only reviews applications for students that will be entering our program during the fall semester.

The Political Science Doctoral Program admits admit students who intend to complete the Ph.D., although students are eligible to receive the M.A.

Applicants who apply for the PhD but are not offered admission, may contact the department to be considered for the M.A. in Political Science program (an additional application fee will not be required).

 

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of the following documentation:

• Stony Brook University online application including statement of purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Transcripts should be uploaded as part of your application. In addition to the upload, two   official  transcripts from each institution you’ve attended (even if a degree was not issued) should be submitted to the department. If you’ve previously attend Stony Brook University, you will not be required to send an official SBU transcript, but are required to upload an unofficial version of the SBU transcript for review purposes.
• GRE and TOEFL scores reported directly to Stony Brook ( code 2548).
• Writing Sample. Please upload these documents under “Additional Uploads.” Samples can include recent scholarly or critical paper (40-50 pages, double-spaced). Applicants may submit two or three shorter samples if they do not have a long one.
• Proof of Permanent Residency is required for students who declare themselves as Permanent Residents
• Application fee of $100 (credit Card).

 

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose should sufficiently describe your reasons for applying to the PhD program in Political Science program at Stony Brook University. Your statement should address:

• Research Interests
• Background in Political Science
• Career plans
• Additional interests or information that can assist the admissions committee in evaluating your application.

The Statement of Purpose should not exceed two double spaced pages (approx. 500 words).

 

GRE Scores

All applicants must submit GRE scores, even if they have completed an advanced degrees.

Q: Do you have a minimum GRE score or GPA Requirements?
A: No. However, admission to our program is highly competitive. In 2015, Admitted students typically had very high GRE scores (approx.. in the 86th percentile for quantitative and 75th percentile for verbal or higher).[

Q: What happens if my official GRE/TOEFL scores or official transcripts arrive after the application deadline?  
A: If we haven't received official scores or transcripts by the time the admissions committee begins review, we will consider your application with the unofficial scores and transcripts submitted in your online application. However, we will need to receive official scores from ETS and official transcripts before making an official offer of admission.

Q: How old can my GRE scores be?
A: GRE scores are only valid for five years. It is highly recommended that submitted scores are recent (within three years).

 

TOEFL or IELTS

These scores are required for applicants who declare a language other than English as their native language. The Graduate School will not accept any test scores that are more than 2 years old based on the application deadline date. For example, TOEFL exams taken prior to January 2016 will not be accepted for applications due on January 15, 2018.  
The Department of Political Science does not waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirements under any conditions.

Minimum Scores:

IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no subsection recommended to be below 6
TOEFL: 90 for admission to a doctoral program and to be eligible for consideration for TA/GA support
There are no exceptions for these minimum score requirements.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: