Graduate Admissions Information: PhD
The online application can be accessed here.
The deadline to apply for admission for the academic year 2026-27 is January 1st. The application system closes at midnight (Eastern Time Zone). All application materials must be uploaded with your application. Letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline.
Admission
The Department of Political Science only reviews applications for students who will
be entering our program during the fall semester.
*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:
1. Stony Brook University online application. Application fee of $100 (Credit Card)
2. Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement:
The Statement should sufficiently describe your reasons for applying to the PhD in
Political Science 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).
3. Three letters of recommendation:
These letters should be academic, but consideration will also be given to non-academic
letters. Letters must be uploaded online by the recommender using the link which will be sent via email.
4. Transcripts:
Official transcripts are valid when they are issued by the school you attended. They
have an official seal/stamp and an official signature by an appropriate academic administrative
officer. They are sealed by the university. Official electronic transcripts, sent
by authorized delivery agents, are also accepted. Photocopied documents are NOT official.
Final transcripts state that a degree has been conferred and provide the date of conferral.
If you are in the process of completing a degree, please send an official transcript
that shows your progress to this point. You will need to send a final, official transcript
once your degree is conferred. Transcripts that do not show a degree awarded will
not delay application processing, but failure to submit final documentation about
conferral will result in a registration block.
Electronic transcripts are preferred can be sent to gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu
Official transcripts can be mailed to:
Stony Brook University Graduate School Office of Admissions and Student Services
Old Computer Science Bldg, Room 2401
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4433
Please visit the graduate admissions website for additional details regarding transcripts.
*If you have previously attended 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.
Additional Materials:
GRE scores are waived for the 2026 admissions cycle.
TOEFL scores reported directly to Stony Brook (code 2548).
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.
The Department of Political Science does not waive language score requirements.
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 to these minimum score requirements.
Proof of Permanent Residency is required for students who declare themselves as Permanent Residents.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All application materials are due by the posted deadline of January 1st.
Frequently Asked Questions: