Graduate School Bulletin

Spring 2024

Admission Requirements

All students must meet the general requirements of the Graduate School which include:

A. Completion of a B.A. or B.S. with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B);

B. Acceptable scores on the TOEFL (paper: 600, computer: 230, iBT: 90) or IELTS (6.5) for foreign students;

C. Three letters of recommendation;

D. Official transcript(s);

All applications should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School.

For admission to the M.A. program, students must have completed at least 4 semesters of college courses in math or science, including at least one course in biology. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the M.A. program.

For admission to either the M.S. or Ph.D. graduate program, the following are normally required:

A. B.A. or B.S. degree in a discipline related to the intended field of study, or coursework equivalent to such a degree;

B. At least eight semesters total of some combination of introductory coursework in mathematics, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, sustainability, and/or related disciplines, with more advanced work in at least one of these disciplines;

C. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, we will accept and consider scores for applicants who feel it strengthens their application.

In their personal statements, all students should describe why they wish to enter the specific SoMAS graduate program and what their career goals are. In addition, M.S. and Ph.D. students should provide an indication of both the specific research areas they are interested in and potential faculty advisors. Obtaining a position in specific research groups is very competitive, so applicants are encouraged to contact potential advisors prior to submitting their application. Further information and guidance for applicants can be found on our website https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/education/graduate/apply