Graduate Program Admissions

Program Overview

Graduate Programs in Computer Science

The graduate program is a highly ranked, research-focused department with a large faculty and student body, producing graduates who go on to prestigious academic, industry, and leadership roles. It emphasizes collaboration across key research areas like visual computing, algorithms, and systems to drive innovation. The Ph.D. program prepares students for research careers with strong academic support, while the M.S. program focuses on applied skills for industry, offering hands-on project experience, though with more limited funding opportunities.

Graduate Programs in Data Science

The SBU Graduate Program in Data Science (DS) features both MS and PhD degree programs in Data Science. It is jointly offered by the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS), and the Department of Computer Science (CS), both part of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS). Students will receive vigorous training in Data Science encompassing topics such as statistical analysis, big data analysis/management and fundamentals of computing. 

Application

Start your application to the Computer Science or Data Science graduate programs through Stony Brook University’s Graduate School portal. Please review all program requirements and deadlines before submitting your materials.

Apply Now

Note that the application portal status page will give several options to upload additional documents after the application has been submitted. Applicants will receive access to upload additional documents, including their resume and personal statement, after the application is formally submitted (and application fee paid). To provide materials after submission, navigate to the Upload Materials section on your dashboard, select the best document type among the limited dropdown menu options, and upload the supplemental document(s).

Important Application Notes:

• Late applications are not accepted
• Spring 2026 applications are closed for PhD applicants. If interested in the PhD program, please see the Graduate Student Handbook (Sec 4.9) to learn about the MS to PhD pathway

Provisional Admission

Occasionally, students with who are less proficient in terms of credentials, but otherwise demonstrate academic potential are offered provisional admission. Their admission offer will stipulate remedial classes they must take in their first semester and earn at least a B average in order to matriculate to the regular MS or PhD student status. 

Application Checklist

Deadlines

The deadlines for the applications vary by program. Please review the deadlines for your program of interest at https://graduateadmissions.stonybrook.edu/portal/deadline_dates.

Statement of Purpose

A written statement describing your academic background, research or professional interests, and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree.

Resume or CV

Describe your work experience, academic projects, and areas of expertise.

3 Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters should be from academia or industry. Within the application, you can send emails directing your recommenders to each submit a recommendation online. For Ph.D. applicants in Computer Science, we highly recommend that a majority of the letters be from academia.

Official Transcripts

Upload clear, legible scans of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if applicable) into their online application before the application deadline. Applications missing transcript uploads will not be reviewed.

Requirements for Computer Science:

• • Include scans of any provisional or final degree certificates

  • Provisional certificates are valid for one year from conferral; after that, an official degree certificate is required

  • If you used transfer credits, upload the official transcript from the institution where those credits originated

Requirements for Data Science:

• • Unofficial domestic and international transcripts, evaluations, and translations are acceptable for the initial admission review

  • Applicants with international credentials may be required to submit a course‑by‑course evaluation from an approved NACES member if verification of coursework, GPA, degree, or institution is not possible. Approved evaluators are:

    • World Education Services (WES)

    • International Education Evaluations, Inc. (IEE)

    • Education Credential Evaluators (ICE)

  • If the degree is not in English, submit an official English translation from one of the approved NACES evaluators

  • Admitted students must submit final official transcripts/evaluations/translations from every institution attended. Official documents should be sent to:

    Stony Brook University
    Office of Graduate and Health Sciences Admissions
    Health Sciences Tower, Level 2 – Rm. 271
    11794‑8276

    Official E-Transcripts should be sent to gradadmissions@stonybrook.edu

Test Scores

Requirements for Computer Science:

• • GRE Policy (Spring 2026 & Fall 2026)

    • GRE is not required for domestic M.S./Ph.D. applicants

    • GRE is not required for all Ph.D. applicants

    • GRE is required for international M.S. applicants, unless the applicant holds a post‑secondary degree from the U.S. or Canada

    • Official GRE scores must be sent via ETS to institution code 2548 by the application deadline

    • If a GRE score is self‑reported, the official score must also be received by the deadline for committee review

  • Language Proficiency

    • In the online application, applicants must complete a survey that determines whether a score is required. If yes, applicants must submit one of the following:

      • An official TOEFL score via ETS (institution code 2548)

      • A clear copy of an IELTS scorecard

Requirements for Data Science:

• • GRE Policy (Fall 2025)

    • GRE is not required. Applicants may submit a score if they have one

      • GRE institution code: 2548

      • Department codes: 0402 (GRE)

  • Language Proficiency

    • Applicants who are not native or primary English speakers and do not hold a degree from an English‑language institution must submit a valid English proficiency exam. Minimum score requirements are listed on the Graduate School website.

      • TOEFL: Official scores must be sent via ETS (code 2548)

      • IELTS: Upload a copy of the score report to the online application. If admitted, applicants must have the testing center send the official report electronically to Stony Brook University

    • Applicants who served as a Teaching Assistant at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction are also exempt if they indicate this in the application

Financial Support

All students admitted to the PhD program will automatically be considered for financial support and tuition waiver if the application is submitted by the due date. MS students are not typically considered for financial support or tuition waiver at the time of admission. However, in a small number of cases qualified MS students are able to receive partial support via departmental or campus opportunities.

Department of Computer Science Non‑Discrimination Policy

The Department of Computer Science values diversity and makes admission decisions based on individual merit. Stony Brook University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic predisposition, criminal conviction, domestic violence victim status, veteran status and/or military status and all other protected classes and groups in the administration of its policies, programs, activities, or other Stony Brook University-administered programs or employment. For additional information regarding Stony Brook University’s Policy on non-discrimination, please see the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy.

Contact

Send graduate admissions related questions to:  gradadm@cs.stonybrook.edu