Graduate Admissions Information
MA IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND MA IN PUBLIC POLICY
Information on the MA in Political Science can be found here. (Note: The MA in Political Science only offers Fall Admission.)
Information on the MA in Public Policy can be found here. (Note: The MA in Public Policy offers both Fall and Spring Admission.)
MA in Public Policy
Accepting Fall and Spring Admissions
Fall Admissions:
International Applicants: May 1st
Domestic Applicants: July 1st
Spring Admissions:
International Applicants: October 21st
Domestic Applicants: December 1st
MA in Political Science
To join our program starting in the Fall of 2024, please apply by the following dates.
Domestic Applicants: July 1st
International Applicants: May 1st
(Note: Unlike the MA in Public Policy, the MA in Political Science has only a single
application period.)
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 Master's 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).
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. Please do not email them directly to the department. Letters submitted by anyone other than the letter writer will not be accepted.
4. Transcripts:
Transcripts should be uploaded as part of your application. Additionally, official transcripts are required. Official e-transcripts sent directly from the Office of the Registrar at your isntitution are acceptable. E-transcirpt orders should be sent to gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu. Please note that all physical mail is being forwarded to an imaging service and sent back to your office digitally; therefore, receipt of physical mail may be delayed.`
Mail should be sent using United States Postal Services (USPS), not other mailing services. Please mail official materials to :
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. For more details, please visit Grad Admissions.
Additional Materials:
1. Test Scores:
GRE scores are waived for the 2024 admissions cycle.
TOEFL/IELTS scores reported directly to Stony Brook (code 2548).
Please visit Graduate Admissions for mimimum test score requirements.
2. Proof of Permanent Residency is required for students who declare themselves as Permanent Residents.
Completed applications are reviewed by the committee on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All application materials are due by the posted deadline.
Click here for the online application
**FEE WAIVERS:
The department does not issue fee waivers. Only applicants meeting the Graduate School
fee waiver requirements will be granted waivers. Please see fee waiver instructions
within the application: https://graduateadmissions.stonybrook.edu/apply/
In the Graduate Bulletin: https://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/graduatebulletin/current/admissions/special/waiver.php
Frequently Asked Questions