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

  As part of your application, you will be prompted to upload a personal statement of 750–1,250 words that is a reflection of your ability to approach graduate-level work successfully, using creativity, critical thinking, analysis, and research. Your statement should address the following:

  • What motivates you to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy, and which policy areas or issues most inspire your interest?
  • How have your personal, academic or professional experiences prepared you for graduate study?
  • What do you propose to do with your Master's in Public Policy degree, professionally?
    
    
• Resume

  Your resume should include any relevant, previous, and current work experience. If you do not have any directly relevant work experience, please include relevant research, volunteer, or internship experience that demonstrates your interst in public policy.

• 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 from the online application system.

  Please do not email letters directly to the department, as they will not be accepted. Letters submitted by anyone other than the letter writer will also 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.