Admission to the Ph.D. in Technology, Policy and Innovation

To apply for admission to Ph.D. study in Technology and Society, applicants must have:

1. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics, or a closely related area from an accredited college or university.
2. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0;
3. Three letters of recommendation;
4. If your native or primary language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS examination is required. Minimum score requirements can be found on the Graduate School's website located here.  English proficiency scores (TOELF or IELTS exams) must be sent electronically sent to Stony Brook University (2548).
5. A Statement of Purpose describing the applicant’s relevant past experience and immediate and long-term goals. Applicants should describe how the type of research that they expect to conduct while in the program relates to one of the department’s research areas, energy and environmental systems and engineering education, management, and policy.
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV);
7. Applicants with domestic credentials must submit an official transcript from each college or university attended, regardless of whether a degree was conferred. 
8. Applicants with international credentials must submit an official English translation of all coursework showing a complete course-by-course record, GPA, degree, and institution, in addition to the original documents. In some instances where the coursework, degree equivalency, GPA, and/or institution cannot be verified, a course-by-course evaluation from one of Stony Brook University's approved NACES members listed below, may be requested from the applicant:  World Education Services (WES), International Education Evaluations, Inc (IEE), Education Credential Evaluators (ICE).

The deadline for submission of applications and all supporting documents for the Fall 2025 semester for prospective Ph.D. students is January 15, 2025.

All official transcripts must be sent to the address listed below.

The Graduate School

Stony Brook University

2401 Computer Science Building

Stony Brook, New York 11794-4723

(631)  632-4723

Email:  gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu 

https://www.stonybrook.edu/grad/

Official E-Transcripts: email to gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I write my Statement of Purpose?
  The aim of the Statement of Purpose is to provide information that will allow reviewers to see how your background, education, and experience make you a strong candidate for this specific Ph.D. program. Please comment on any work, research or otherwise, that you have done that may have prepared you for the rigors of our Ph.D. program. Also, it may be helpful to comment on your special characteristics that have prepared you for the intellectual dimensions and personal commitment essential for successful Ph.D. work.
• How long should my statement of purpose be?
  Your statement of purpose should be 2 to 5 pages in length and include you’re your prior research experience, what you hope to study in the Ph.D. program, a description of what you think will be your intellectual contribution to the program and how you hope to contribute to the university’s mission of diversity and inclusion.
• I was educated in an English- speaking environment. Do I still need to take the TOEFL or the IELTS exam?
  The answer depends on the amount of time you were educated in English and whether you consider English as a native or primary language. For more details, please see our Graduate School’s web site or contact Marypat Taveras.
• Is there a GRE requirement?
  No.  Department faculty have decided to waive the GRE requirement.
• What is the deadline for my Supporting Documents? (those not uploaded in the Graduate School’s online application system)
  All supporting documents, including the English Proficiency test score, must be received by the application deadline. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Your English Proficiency test score must be submitted to Stony Brook University (School Code: 2548) by the application deadline in order for your application to be reviewed.
• Where do I mail my supporting documents? (The supporting documents are the documents that are not loaded into the online application system.)
  The Graduate School

  Stony Brook University

  2401 Computer Science Building

  Stony Brook, New York 11794-4723

  (631)  632-4723

  Email:  gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu 

  https://www.stonybrook.edu/grad/

  Official E-Transcripts: email to gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu
• Do you offer financial support to Graduate students?
  Students offered full-time admission to our Ph.D. program are supported with a stipend and tuition. Typically, full-time students are offered four years of funding—with yearly support contingent the department's budget, on good standing and continued progress in the Ph.D. program.
• How long does it take for my application to be reviewed?
  Applications are reviewed after the January 17, 2024 deadline.  The review process can take approximately one month. 
• What do you look for when reviewing my application?
  The admissions committee considers overall academic performance, statement of purpose, evidence of ability to carry out research in technology, policy and innovation. The committee seeks to determine whether you are likely to be successful in rigorous courses and if your research interests align with our program research.