How to Apply to the Graduate Certificate Program

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science is open to 1) free-standing certificate students who have completed their bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university who meet the admissions criteria, or 2) to any student enrolled in a graduate degree-granting program at Stony Brook University (MA, MBA, MFA, MM, MS, DA, or PhD).

APPLY TO THE FREE-STANDING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

For admission into the free-standing Certificate Program in Geospatial Science, students are required to have:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4 point scale
• A statement of purpose
• A Graduate School application form
• An official transcript of undergraduate record culminating in a bachelor’s degree and graduate degree transcript if applicable
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from teaching supervisors and/or professors
• GRE scores are not required

Online Application System

Go to the Graduate School Online Application System and create a new account. Once you create an account, you can save and update your material as often as necessary until you click the “Submit” button. Once your application is submitted, you can log on to track its status.

• Two (2) letters of recommendation: It is preferred that your recommenders use the online recommendation system. Select the 'Recommendations' link in the red bar on the right hand side of the online application and enter the contact information of your recommendation providers. It is preferred that both letters are from teaching supervisors and/or professors. One recommendation must be from an academic person who has a thorough knowledge of the quality and abilities in the classroom. All references should assess your ability to succeed in a program of graduate studies.

• Personal Statement: Please attach a personal statement (Statement of Purpose) 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 personal statement must be your own original work. You may want to address the following:

1. What is your purpose in pursuing this certificate?
2. How have you prepared yourself for Geospatial Science study? Include any relevant professional experience.
3. Specifically, how will this Certificate assist you in advancing both your professional and personal goals?
4. Describe your research and study interests as well as other aspects of your background, skills, or qualifications that would aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your application for graduate study.

Submit the nonrefundable $100 application fee, either via credit card, check, or money order. (Payment instructions are on the Apply Yourself website.)

Transcript: Students are required to have earned a minimum or a bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4 point scale. Submit a copy of your sealed, official transcript(s) from the college or university where you earned your bachelor’s or higher degree. Do not open the transcript envelope. Transcript must reflect conferral of a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Mail your transcript(s) to:

Christina Fink
Educational Programs Office
Endeavour Hall, Room 105
School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000

Students who take courses on campus will also be required to submit an immunization form to Student Health Services. Visit the Student Health Services website for more information.

The Graduate School and Geospatial Science Program must be in receipt of complete applications by the published deadline for the requested term of admission (Fall, Spring, or Summer) in order to be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered for admission.

Apply to the Secondary Certificate Program

For applicants already admitted to the Graduate School, admission involves completing a “Permission to Enroll in a Secondary Certificate Program” form, available at this Graduate School website.

Complete the “Academic Information” on the Permission to Enroll in a Secondary Certificate Program form and send it to the Graduate Coordinator of the Geospatial Science program (Ginny Clancy, 105 Endeavour Hall)  after obtaining necessary signatures from the advisor of your current Graduate Program.

Application Deadlines

The Geospatial Science Program admits students into the Advanced Graduate Certificate three (3) times a year (Fall, Spring & Summer).

The application deadlines are as follows:

• Spring 2024: December 4th, 2023
• Summer 2024: April 1st, 2024
• Fall 2024: July 1st, 2024