JOIN US AT SoMAS!

Students with bachelor’s degrees can apply directly to the M.A., M.S. or Ph.D. programs. Students with M.S. degrees can also apply to the Ph.D. program, but an M.S. is not required for entry to the Ph.D. program.

Students with backgrounds in math and the sciences, particularly those with strong quantitative backgrounds, are encouraged to apply. We help students apply the tools of math and science to solve complex environmental issues.

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Qualifications for Admission

• All Programs

  • Completion of a B.A. or B.S. with a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 (a B)
  • International students without English as their native language must have acceptable scores on the TOEFL (paper: 600, computer: 230, iBT: 90) or IELTS (6.5).
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, we will accept and consider scores for applicants who feel it strengthens their application.

  M.A. in Marine Conservation Policy

  • At least 4 semesters of college courses in math or science, including at least one course in biology.

  M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences

  • A B.A. or B.S. degree in a discipline related to the intended field of study, or coursework equivalent to such a degree.
  • At least 8 semesters total of some combination of introductory coursework in mathematics, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, sustainability, and/or related disciplines, with more advanced coursework in at least one of these disciplines.

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Admission Application Deadlines

M.A. in Marine Conservation Policy

To ensure full consideration for scholarships and fellowships for Fall 2025 admission, applications should be received by January 15th 2025. The final deadline for application is March 15th 2025.

M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine, Atmospheric, and Sustainability Sciences

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To Apply

1. Fill out the online application to the Stony Brook University Graduate School.
2. Prepare your personal statement.Tell us why you want to earn a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. How would your time in our program help to get you from your previous experiences to where you hope to be in 10 years? If relevant, describe how any prior research experience has prepared you for graduate school. Additionally, tell us about other life experiences that have prepared you for graduate work by building transferable skills (e.g., project management, coding, budgeting, work ethic, ability to work in a team, ability to work independently, etc.). Describe your research interests as specifically as you can, including which SoMAS faculty you would like to work with to pursue those interests. Although contact with potential advisors is not required before applying, it is very strongly encouraged. Our program embraces and supports diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); please describe if and how your experiences and goals are connected to DEI. Finally, tell us anything else you would like the Admissions Committee to know in evaluating your application. Aim to be concise; an effective personal statement is often less than two pages. Please note that you will be prompted to upload your personal statement from the 'checklist' page that will appear after you have submitted your application (and paid the application fee) in Slate.
3. Identify 3 people to provide letters of reference, and make sure they submit them when prompted by Slate.
4. Have ETS send Stony Brook University your official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (Stony Brook’s code for score reporting is 2548). International students must submit your TOEFL/IELTS scores to Stony Brook (code 2548).
5. Provide transcripts from previous undergraduate and graduate coursework (unofficial is acceptable) as required by the Graduate School; note that if accepted, you will also need to provide official transcripts. Please refer to the Graduate School's Admissions FAQ for more information. 

* Note: Item 4 applies to all transcripts other than Stony Brook University transcripts. SBU transcripts do not need to be mailed in. Also, the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences does not require supplemental information from applicants.

Admission decision timeline

We generally finish making our first round of offers by mid-February. Do not expect to hear from us before then. We may make some additional offers through March, and generally do not officially reject applications until early April. 

Please check your application status in Slate, and do not email anyone but your prospective advisor asking these questions. 

 

For additional information on graduate programs, please contact:

Director of Graduate Programs
Jackie Collier | somas_gpd@stonybrook.edu 

Faculty Director of the M.A. Program in Marine Conservation and Policy
Ellen Pikitch | mcp_somas@stonybrook.edu  |  631-632-9599

Graduate Programs Assistant,  for questions regarding application status or process
Christina Fink | Christina.Fink@stonybrook.edu | 631-632-8680

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