How to Apply

You'll need to gather the following materials and submit by the deadline date for the semester you wish to apply. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Transcripts

  You will need to submit unofficial and official transcripts.

  Unofficial (uploaded by you)

  You will be prompted to submit your unofficial transcripts in our application portal.

  Official (sent from your institution)

  You will need to request an official transcript from your previous institutions.  An e-transcript sent directly from the Office of the Registrar at your institution is acceptable. E-transcript orders should be sent to gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu.  

  If you request to have a paper transcript, sent, please note that all physical mail is forwarded to an imaging service for digital conversion, therefore, receipt of physical mail may be delayed.

  International Students

  Please review the transcript information presented on the Graduate School's International Students page.

• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement

  Describe why you are applying to the Master of Arts in Political Psychology 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 be approximately 750-1,250 words.

• 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.

• Test Scores/Proof of Permanent Residency

  Graduate Record Examination
  GRE scores are waived for the 2026 admissions cycle.

  Language Proficiency Tests
  If your undergraduate education was conducted in a language other than English must also submit TOEFL/IELTS scores directly to Stony Brook (code 2548). Please visitGraduate Admissions for mimimum test score and language proficiency requirements. 

  Permanent Residency
  If applicable, you will need to provide appropriate proof of your status as a Permanent Resident.

• Application Fee

  There is a $100 non-refundable application fee, payable online by credit card .

  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. Details are available in the Graduate Catalog.