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Requirements

For admission to graduate study, the following are required:

Personal statement

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?
        • 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.  

Resume
  • You will be prompted to upload your resume.
Transcript
  • An official transcript indicating conferral of a bachelor's degree (minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average). To ensure your application materials are complete and ready for processing, applicants should order their degree-bearing transcript* to be sent upon submission of the electronic application. (Review transcript submission instructions.)

    *Applicants who have earned the required degree at Stony Brook University do not need to order/send transcripts as they can be accessed internally.
Letters of Recommendation
  • Two letters of recommendation.  Letters should be from teachers or professors with whom you have studied; letters from professionals in fields of work related to the area of specialty you wish to pursue are also appropriate. 

In those cases where the departmental admissions committee deems it desirable, personal interviews with departmental representatives may be requested.


International Students/Language Requirements

There are additional requirements for international applicants or those for whom English is not their primary language.
» View details.


Conditional Admission

Under certain circumstances, promising candidates who lack the required academic preparation may be considered for conditional admission. » Conditional Admissions Policy

Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. Effective January 1, 2016, Stony Brook University will become 100 percent tobacco-free.


 

How to Apply

  • Applications, letters of recommendation, personal statements, any other required materials and a nonrefundable $100 application fee are submitted online through Slate. When applying, you will be asked to select either the "Fully Online" or the "Face-to-face + online" option.
  • Students who take any courses on campus will also be required to send Student Health Servicea completed immunization/meningitis form, which must be received before the first day of their first on-campus term. Visit Student Health Service website for more information.
  • Transcripts and any other supporting materials not included in your electronic application can be sent to: 

Elisa Scott, Liberal Studies Program Director
School of Professional Development (SPD)
Office of Records and Admissions
2321 Computer Science Building
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794 - 4434
If you have elected to have your transcript sent electronically directly from the issuing institution, please have the transcript sent to the following address:  spd_transcripts@stonybrook.edu

Application Deadlines

Applications submitted by the deadline date will be granted priority review. Completed application packages received after this date will be accommodated as space permits.

If an applicant's package is missing materials and cannot be reviewed for the upcoming term, the application will be held for processing for the next admissions cycle.

Priority Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: May 1

International Students:

  • Fall: April 1
  • Spring: November 1 

Human Services Cohort Students Only:

Fall: July 15
Spring: December 1

 

Apply Now

 


Contact Information

School of Professional Development
2321 Computer Science Building
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794 - 4434
Email: spd_liberalstudies@stonybrook.edu
Tel. (631) 632-7050