May 15, 2025  
Fall 2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
Fall 2025 Graduate Catalog

Graduate Education


Under the direction of the Provost, administration of graduate education rests with the dean and the administrative staff of the Graduate School and the School of Professional Development in conjunction with the Graduate Council.

The Graduate School

Stony Brook University’s Graduate School is a dynamic hub for advanced scholarship and research excellence. It offers a diverse range of master’s and doctoral programs that empower students to explore interdisciplinary approaches and contribute innovative solutions to global challenges. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, leading faculty, and a collaborative academic environment, graduate students are supported to become tomorrow’s thought leaders and innovators. The Graduate School not only emphasizes rigorous academic research but also fosters professional development, ensuring that students emerge with both deep expertise and the skills needed for successful careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

School of Professional Development

The School of Professional Development at Stony Brook University is dedicated to providing flexible, career-focused education for working professionals and lifelong learners. Through a comprehensive array of certificate programs, non-credit courses, and online offerings, SPD delivers practical, industry-relevant training that meets the demands of today’s fast-paced work environment. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field or pivot to a new career, SPD’s innovative programs are designed to enhance your expertise, expand your professional network, and equip you with the skills to excel in a competitive global marketplace.

The Graduate Council

The membership of the council includes one representative from the library, one professional employee, and two representatives each from the faculty of the Health Sciences Center, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts, the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the Division of Natural Sciences. One of the two Health Sciences Center representatives must be from Basic Health Sciences. Additional members include two graduate students chosen by the Graduate Student Organization. Elected faculty members serve for three years with staggered terms. The chairperson and the secretary of the Graduate Council are elected by the council. Among other duties detailed in the “Faculty By-Laws,” the council must approve all graduate programs before their submission to the SUNY System Administration Office and the State Department of Education.

Postdoctoral Council

The membership of the Postdoctoral Council includes one representative each from Human Resources, the Office of Grants Management, Visa and Immigration Services, and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and three representatives among faculty who supervise postdocs. One of the faculty members will be nominated by the University Senate. Faculty will represent multiple Schools and Colleges. Additional members include two postdoctoral representatives elected by their peers for a one-year term and a staff representative selected by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

The Council will meet quarterly to review policies pertaining to postdoctoral scholars at Stony Brook University and to make recommendations to the Graduate School and Vice President for Research

The Department/Program

Each program exercises a large measure of responsibility for its graduate program. The graduate program director administers graduate activities. Individual programs select graduate applicants and recommend them for admission. The programs are responsible for administration of the graduate program, including coursework, supervised research, and any teaching assistantships, and/or graduate examinations. It is the program that certifies to the School of Professional Development that the student has completed all degree requirements.