For official University program requirements for the Ph.D., please visit the Stony Brook Graduate School web page (http://www.grad.sunysb.edu/) and the Degree Requirements section of the Graduate Bulletin (Click here).
For official Departmental program requirements for the Ph.D., please visit the program requirements web page for the area to which you intend to apply:
Integrative Neuroscience | Clinical | Cognitive/Experimental | Social and Health
As an overview, to be awarded the Ph.D., students are required to complete relevant coursework, demonstrate competence in teaching, complete a second-year research project, complete a Specialties paper in the third year, and complete a dissertation. Clinical students also are required to complete clinical training in the Psychological Center and a clinical internship.
Admission to the Ph.D. program in Psychology is based primarily on academic and research qualifications. Please visit the web page for the program area in which you are interested (Biopsychology, Clinical, Cognitive/Experimental, Social & Health) for additional information on each area's specific requirements. General admission requirements are described below.
Coursework preparation:
Successful applicants typically have completed coursework
consistent with an undergraduate major in psychology. Ideally, applicants
will have also completed
courses in mathematics and science (biological and physical).
Applicants without an undergraduate background in
psychology will be considered, provided that they have engaged in
coursework that has prepared them for advanced study in their
chosen program area.
GPA and GRE scores:
GPA and GRE General Test scores are an important aspect of the application. Although there is no department-wide cut-off for GPA and GRE scores, successful applicants tend to perform well in these areas. The mean scores for students entering our program in the last three years (2008-2010) were: Verbal 630, Quantitative 705, Analytical Writing Section 4.9, GPA 3.7. The Subject GRE Test is not required.
Research and other experience:
Successful applicants have typically acquired research experience
in a field (or fields) related to their intended area of study.
Evidence of independent research is not required but is
encouraged. For applicants to the clinical area, evidence of
clinically relevant experience strengthens the application.
Letters of recommendation:
Letters of recommendation are an important aspect of the
application. Ideally, letters should come from individuals with
whom you have worked closely and who know you well, such as
research mentors, advisors, professors, and clinical supervisors
(in the case of clinical applicants).The Graduate School requires three letters of recommendation.
Alumni Network