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  • Application Instructions

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    Students entering the MCB program are admitted through the Graduate School of the State University of New York.

    Applicants must have Baccalaureate degree, in an appropriate field, from an accredited college or university. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all students whose native language is not English. Permanent Residents of the US or applicants who hold a degree (such as high school diploma, bachelors, master's or PhD) from an institution where the primary instruction was in English are not required to provide TOEFL scores.  Note: if scores are not required but still provided, they will become part of the application and will be considered.

    The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is NOT required.

    Students who are members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.

    Consideration for admission requires the following by the deadline dates below:

    1. Copies of Undergraduate/Graduate school transcripts uploaded to the application.
    2. Original transcripts are to be submitted only if you are accepted into the program.
    3. Three letters of recommendation
    4. TOEFL scores, if required (see note below*). ETS Code 2548.  

    Deadline: December 1

    Application Fee: $100


    For full consideration all application material must be submitted by the deadline date.

    Whenever possible, prospective candidates are invited to visit Stony Brook to meet with MCB program faculty and students.

    The MCB graduate program strongly recommends that undergraduate preparation include courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, general and organic chemistry, microbiology, and cell biology.  It’s important that prospective students seek opportunities to carry out undergraduate research. Selection is based on the evaluation of a student's undergraduate record for indications of the ability to excel in independent and creative research. Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate or advanced degree by the time of matriculation.

    Resume/CV

    Include your educational background, course work in progress, work experience, honors, internships, awards and prizes, and papers that you have co-authored, if any.

    Statement of Purpose

    Please include specific information about your research experience, what inspired you to pursue graduate studies, why you are interested in our program, and what are your research goals. The statement of purpose is submitted in lieu of a personal statement.

    Recommendation and Evaluation Letters

    A minimum of 3 letters are required. When you list your references, they are automatically sent instructions on how to submit a letter of recommendation, and an evaluation. Be sure that the email addresses are correct.

    The review is done online: Please do not email application materials to the program.

    Students who are members of minority groups are encouraged to apply. Applicants with varied cultural experiences and educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to include these factors in the review of their application.

  • International Students

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    The MCB program welcomes applications from foreign students. The program currently includes students from more than 10 different countries. Foreign students will need to obtain a student (F-1) visa before they can enroll. The Stony Brook University Office of International Studies will work with applicants to coordinate that process. More information is available on their website: http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/visa/

    Required scores:

    IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no subsection recommended to be below 6

    TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90 for doctoral applicants and 80 for master’s applicants.  

    Students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted on condition that they remedy deficiencies after admission.

    *Please note that there is no need to submit an English language proficiency test if:

    • you hold a degree such as a high school diploma, bachelors, masters, or PhD from an institution where the primary instruction was in English 
    • you are a US citizen (or US National) or Permanent Resident
    • you served as a Teaching Assistant at an institution where the primary instruction was in English  

    English language proficiency test results will be considered as part of the review process for admission for any applicant who submits test results as part of their application. If the scores are below the stated requirements, an offer of admission cannot be extended.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

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    What is the application deadline?
    December 1. Our Admissions Committee will not reviewe incomplete applications. We recommend that international applicants apply by November 15.

    Do you offer admittance more than once a year?
    No. We accept students only once a year, beginning in the fall semester.

    Can I apply to more than one program or department at Stony Brook University? 
    Yes. However, you must submit a separate application and pay an additional fee for each program to which you apply.

    Do you offer a Master’s Degree Program?
    No. The MCB program is designed for those seeking a PhD degree.

    Is it recommended that I contact individual MCB program professors to request their support for my application?
    No. Our first-year students are required to complete four laboratory rotations before choosing a permanent lab.

    Is the GRE Exam required?
     No, the GRE Exam is not required.

    Is the TOEFL required for international students?
    Scores are required for all students whose native language is not English. Permanent Residents of the US or applicants who hold a degree (such as high school diploma, bachelors, master's or PhD) from an institution where the primary instruction was in English are not required to provide TOEFL scores but these scores will be considered if submitted. TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years.

    Is funding available?
    Yes. Typically, MCB graduate students are supported by research or teaching assistantships. These positions provide a monthly stipend for living expenses, tuition waiver, and health benefits. Students are responsible for paying student activity fees.

    Can I be a part-time student?
    No. We do not accept students on a part-time basis.

    For additional information about the Stony Brook Graduate School Admissions requirements, please refer to the Graduate School Admissions FAQs here.

    For any other questions, email the Program Administrator, Sharon Schmidt, at sharon.schmidt@stonybrook.edu.