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College of Arts and Sciences
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
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ADMISSIONS TO THE WGSS
M.A. AND PH.D. PROGRAMS

The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) offers both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Below are important details, deadlines, and FAQs regarding admissions to these programs.

1. Application Deadlines & Current Status

Ph.D. in WGSS (Fall 2025)

Application deadline: December 1, 2024

Admissions for the PhD in WGSS for Fall 2025 is now CLOSED

M.A. in WGSS (Fall 2025)

Application deadline: January 15, 2025

Admissions for the MA in WGSS for Fall 2025 is now CLOSED

Before applying

Please visit the Stony Brook Graduate Admissions website for the most updated information and review our 2024-2025 WGSS Graduate Handbook.

GREs are NOT required for admission to either the M.A. or Ph.D. programs.

2. What Is Needed to Apply

Complete the online graduate school application and submit the following:

  1. Statement of Purpose

  2. Three Letters of Recommendation

  3. Writing Sample (15–20 pages of scholarly work)

  4. Resume/CV

  5. School Transcripts

  6. $100 application fee

All materials must be uploaded to your online application; hard copies are not accepted.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

A. Statement of Purpose

A strong Statement of Purpose is roughly two (2) pages in length and should address:

  1. Who are you? Introduce yourself, including relevant experience and background.

  2. Your goals in the WGSS program? Speak on your academic research interests and goals etc. 

  3. Which faculty members’ work interests you?

  4. Your skills and experiences: How will these help you succeed in the WGSS graduate program?

  5. Your motivation: Why are you pursuing this degree, and what are your short- and long-term goals (5 years after completion and beyond)?

B. Letters of Recommendation

Your letters should come from individuals who know you well, have worked with you, and can assess your potential for success in a WGSS graduate program—preferably faculty. Letters might address:

  1. Relationship to you (professional/academic).

  2. Specific examples of your abilities and work ethic.

  3. Teaching, problem-solving, and leadership abilities (if applicable).

  4. Relevance to WGSS at SUNY Stony Brook (consider the specifics of the program).

  5. Other strengths (curricular and/or extracurricular).

C. Writing Sample

Submit a 15–20 page scholarly paper demonstrating originality of ideas, familiarity with academic research conventions, and writing proficiency.

Ideally, this paper should align with the research interests in your Statement of Purpose. If not, submit your best academic work.

A topic related to gender and sexuality is most relevant for a WGSS graduate application.

Tips:

Send your best work, but don’t overthink the process.

You may supplement with multimedia, but we still need a written sample.

Observe the page length (15–20 pages).

D. Do I Need an M.A. to Apply for the Ph.D.?

No. You are not required to have a Master’s degree or a WGSS background before starting the Ph.D. program. We have admitted applicants without M.A. degrees and from various academic backgrounds. However, students who hold a Master’s in WGSS or a related discipline are often better prepared for Ph.D.-level work.

E. When Are Decisions Made?

Admissions letters are typically sent out in February once the file review is complete.

F. What If It’s April and I Haven’t Heard Anything?

If you have not received any notification by April, please email the Graduate Program Coordinator, Jackie Donnelly at jacqueline.m.donnelly@stonybrook.edu with your full name and the specific degree you applied for. She will investigate and get back to you.

G. Can I Call for My Decision?

No. Results are only given in writing, so please refrain from calling about the status of your admission letter.

4. Tuition and Financial Support

Ph.D. Students

Supported by teaching assistantships (currently $26,000/year stipend) plus a full tuition scholarship.

Funding is provided for 4 years.

The University also offers a limited number of fellowships for outstanding applicants:

Graduate Council Fellowship (for exceptionally qualified incoming doctoral students; open to U.S. citizens/permanent residents only)

Turner Fellowship (for underrepresented applicants, providing 5 years of funding)

M.A. Students

Currently, the department is unable to provide funding for M.A. students.

For current tuition rates, consult Stony Brook University’s tuition page.

For questions not answered here, feel free to contact our Graduate Program Coordinator, Jackie Donnelly at jacqueline.m.donnelly@stonybrook.edu. 

5. Admissions to the WGSS Graduate Certificate Program          

Admission is open to any full-time, fully matriculated graduate student enrolled in a Stony Brook graduate degree–granting program.

We are not able to accept non-matriculated students.

How to Apply

Please fill out our WGSS Graduate Certificate Application.

Have Questions?

Director of Graduate Studies

Ritch Calvin

Email: ritchie.calvin@stonybrook.edu 

Course approvals & substitutions,  program specific transfer credit evaluation,  clarification on course and program content, research, and similar academically related questions. 

Academic Program Coordinator

Charles Edwards  

Email: charles.j.edwards@stonybrook.edu

Enrollment, graduation, general administrative questions. 

 

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