Stony Brook University, State University of New York Logo Stony Brook University, State University of New York

Address: 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
Phone: +1 631-632-6000
Email: admissions@stonybrook.edu
Website: www.stonybrook.edu


Stony Brook University has specific language requirements for non-native English speakers to ensure they can succeed in their academic programs. Here are the general English proficiency requirements for both undergraduate and graduate students:

Undergraduate Students

  1. English Proficiency Tests: Non-native English speakers must submit scores from one of the following standardized tests:

    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
      • Minimum score: 80 (iBT).
    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
      • Minimum overall band score: 6.5.
    • Duolingo English Test:
      • Minimum score: 105.
    • PTE (Pearson Test of English):
      • Minimum score: 53.

  2. Exemptions: Students may be exempt from providing an English proficiency test score if:

    • They have completed a minimum of two years of high school in a school where English is the primary language of instruction.
    • They have completed a degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction is English.

Graduate Students

  1. English Proficiency Tests: Graduate applicants must also meet specific English proficiency requirements:

    • TOEFL:
      • Minimum score: 90 (iBT).
    • IELTS:
      • Minimum overall band score: 7.0.
    • Duolingo English Test:
      • Minimum score: 110.
    • PTE:
      • Minimum score: 60.

  2. Program-Specific Requirements: Some graduate programs may have higher English proficiency requirements, so it’s essential to check the specific program’s website for details.

  3. Exemptions: Similar to undergraduate admissions, exemptions may be granted if:

    • Applicants have earned a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
    • They have studied for at least two years in an English-speaking country.

Additional Notes

  • Conditional Admission: Stony Brook University may offer conditional admission to students who do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements. These students may be required to take additional English language courses or assessments before starting their academic courses.
  • English Language Program: Stony Brook offers an English language program for students looking to improve their English skills before entering their degree programs.

Stony Brook University, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, offers a diverse range of specialized courses and programs across various fields. Here are some key areas of course specialization:

1. Engineering

  • Specializations: Stony Brook’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers programs in:
    • Biomedical Engineering: Focus on medical devices, biomaterials, and healthcare technologies.
    • Electrical Engineering: Emphasis on electronics, communications, and signal processing.
    • Mechanical Engineering: Courses cover thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and robotics.
    • Civil Engineering: Focus on infrastructure design, environmental engineering, and structural analysis.

2. Computer Science

  • Specializations: The computer science program covers areas such as:
    • Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
    • Cybersecurity: Information security, cryptography, and network security.
    • Data Science: Big data analytics, data mining, and statistical modeling.
    • Software Engineering: Software development processes, methodologies, and project management.

3. Health Sciences

  • Specializations: Stony Brook offers various health-related programs, including:
    • Nursing: Undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on clinical practice and nursing leadership.
    • Public Health: Programs covering epidemiology, health policy, and community health.
    • Social Work: MSW programs with a focus on clinical social work and community practice.

4. Business

  • Specializations: The College of Business provides programs in:
    • Business Administration: Specializations in marketing, finance, and management.
    • Health Care Management: Focus on the business side of healthcare delivery and management.

5. Arts and Humanities

  • Specializations: Stony Brook has strong programs in:
    • Music: Performance, composition, and music education.
    • Theater Arts: Acting, directing, and production design.
    • Literature and Cultural Studies: Courses in various literary traditions and critical theory.

6. Natural Sciences

  • Specializations: Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences include:
    • Biology: Focus on ecology, genetics, and molecular biology.
    • Chemistry: Courses in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
    • Physics: Emphasis on theoretical and experimental physics.

7. Social Sciences

  • Specializations: Stony Brook offers programs in:
    • Psychology: Focus on clinical psychology, cognitive science, and behavioral analysis.
    • Sociology: Courses covering social behavior, theory, and research methods.
    • Political Science: Specializations in international relations, public policy, and comparative politics.

8. Environmental Studies

  • Specializations: Programs focus on environmental policy, sustainability, and conservation biology.

9. Interdisciplinary Studies

  • Specializations: Stony Brook encourages interdisciplinary programs that combine fields, such as:
    • Digital Arts and Multimedia: Integrating art and technology.
    • Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Focus on gender issues, feminist theory, and social justice.

10. Graduate and Professional Programs

  • Specializations: Stony Brook offers various advanced degrees, including PhDs and professional degrees in law, medicine, and education.

Additional Highlights:

  • Research Opportunities: Stony Brook is a major research institution, offering students opportunities to engage in research across disciplines.
  • Collaboration with Industry: The university has strong ties with local and global industries, providing students with internships and job opportunities.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: The campus features modern laboratories, research centers, and facilities that support innovative learning.

Stony Brook University boasts many distinguished faculty members across a wide range of disciplines. Below are some of the top professors recognized for their research, contributions to their fields, and teaching excellence:

1. Dr. Esther Takeuchi

  • Field: Chemical Engineering, Materials Science
  • Achievements: Dr. Takeuchi is one of the most prominent figures in energy storage technology, particularly for her work in developing batteries for medical devices. She holds over 150 patents, including significant contributions to the development of the lithium/silver vanadium oxide battery used in pacemakers.
  • Awards: Member of the National Academy of Engineering, recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

2. Dr. Carl Safina

  • Field: Marine and Environmental Sciences
  • Achievements: Dr. Safina is an internationally recognized environmentalist and conservationist, known for his work on ocean ecology and animal behavior. He is a celebrated author and the founding president of The Safina Center.
  • Awards: MacArthur Genius Fellow, Pew Scholar in Conservation and the Environment, and multiple literary awards for his books.

3. Dr. Axel Drees

  • Field: Physics
  • Achievements: A leading figure in experimental nuclear physics, Dr. Drees' research focuses on the quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter that existed shortly after the Big Bang. He is heavily involved in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) experiments at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
  • Awards: Guggenheim Fellow, fellow of the American Physical Society.

4. Dr. Patricia Wright

  • Field: Anthropology, Primatology
  • Achievements: An expert in conservation biology, Dr. Wright is known for her research on lemurs and her extensive conservation efforts in Madagascar. She helped establish Ranomafana National Park to protect endangered species.
  • Awards: MacArthur Genius Fellow, Chevalier d'Ordre National from the President of Madagascar.

5. Dr. William M. Kober

  • Field: Computer Science
  • Achievements: Dr. Kober’s research focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data. He has made substantial contributions to the development of algorithms and computational methods that are used in large-scale data analytics.
  • Awards: Numerous NSF grants, faculty awards for research excellence.

6. Dr. Anurag Purwar

  • Field: Mechanical Engineering
  • Achievements: Dr. Purwar is recognized for his work in robotic systems and innovation in mechanical design, including medical rehabilitation robotics. His work has led to multiple patents in the area of wearable assistive devices.
  • Awards: NSF CAREER Award, several patents for medical robotics.

7. Dr. Margaret Schedel

  • Field: Music, Computer Music
  • Achievements: A pioneer in electronic music and sound art, Dr. Schedel combines computer science with music to create cutting-edge digital compositions. She co-directs the Computer Music Program at Stony Brook.
  • Awards: Recipient of numerous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts.

8. Dr. Alexander Zamolodchikov

  • Field: Theoretical Physics
  • Achievements: An influential figure in quantum field theory and statistical mechanics, Dr. Zamolodchikov's work has advanced the understanding of integrable systems and string theory.
  • Awards: Recipient of the Dirac Medal, member of the National Academy of Sciences.

9. Dr. Benjamin Hsiao

  • Field: Chemistry, Materials Science
  • Achievements: Dr. Hsiao specializes in polymer chemistry and materials science, particularly in the development of sustainable water purification technologies. His work has been recognized globally for improving access to clean water.
  • Awards: Fellow of the American Chemical Society, National Academy of Inventors.

10. Dr. R. Lawrence Swanson

  • Field: Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Achievements: A leader in marine and environmental sciences, Dr. Swanson’s research focuses on oceanography, coastal management, and environmental policy. His work has had a direct impact on public policy for sustainable coastal development.
  • Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award from the Coastal Society.

Additional Highlights:

  • Interdisciplinary Research: Many of Stony Brook’s top professors engage in interdisciplinary research, collaborating across fields such as computer science, biology, and the arts.
  • Global Recognition: Several professors are members of prestigious organizations like the National Academy of Sciences, and many have received international recognition for their contributions to their respective fields.

Stony Brook University has had significant ties to Nobel Prize winners, particularly in the field of physics. Here are the notable Nobel laureates associated with Stony Brook:

1. Dr. C. N. Yang (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1957)

  • Awarded For: Yang, along with Tsung-Dao Lee, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on the laws of parity violation in weak interactions, which fundamentally changed the understanding of particle physics.
  • Connection to Stony Brook: Dr. Yang joined Stony Brook University in 1965 and founded the C. N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics (YITP), which became a leading center for research in theoretical physics.

2. Dr. Paul Lauterbur (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2003)

  • Awarded For: Lauterbur, along with Sir Peter Mansfield, received the Nobel Prize for their discoveries leading to the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a groundbreaking medical imaging technique.
  • Connection to Stony Brook: Lauterbur was a professor and researcher at Stony Brook University when he conducted his pioneering work on MRI technology in the 1970s. His research at Stony Brook contributed to the development of this critical medical tool.

3. Dr. Richard Feynman (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1965)

  • Awarded For: Feynman, along with Julian Schwinger and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, received the Nobel Prize for their contributions to quantum electrodynamics.
  • Connection to Stony Brook: While Feynman was not a long-term faculty member, he had several collaborations and gave lectures at Stony Brook. His influence in the field of physics is recognized at the university.

4. Dr. Rainer Weiss (Nobel Prize in Physics, 2017)

  • Awarded For: Weiss, along with Barry Barish and Kip Thorne, received the Nobel Prize for their decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves.
  • Connection to Stony Brook: Weiss has collaborated with researchers from Stony Brook on gravitational wave detection and is an influential figure in physics related to the university’s focus on astrophysics.

Research and Contributions Leading to Nobel-Level Work:

Stony Brook has a rich legacy of fostering research and innovation that aligns with Nobel-caliber discoveries. The university’s commitment to fundamental and applied research in physics, medicine, and other scientific fields has led to its association with groundbreaking work. Additionally, Stony Brook’s Simons Center for Geometry and Physics and Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics continue to attract world-class researchers in pursuit of significant scientific discoveries.

Stony Brook University is one of America’s most dynamic public universities. A member of the invitation-only Association of American Universities, Stony Brook is one of the 66 top research institutions in North America. Our 2,700-plus faculty are leaders in significant national and worldwide projects. Stony Brook is home to approximately 27,000 high-achieving students from nearly from nearly all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate programs. Innovative programs include the award-winning Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities program, which involves undergraduates in research in nearly every discipline and has produced Beckman, Churchill, Goldwater and Marshall scholars.


Stony Brook has a campus in Southampton, affiliated locations in Manhattan and a partnership with the State University of New York in Korea.

Stony Brook University is known for several reasons, particularly in the fields of research, academic excellence, and contributions to science and technology. Here’s why Stony Brook University is famous:

1. Strong Research Institution

  • Stony Brook is classified as an R1 institution, meaning it is among the top research universities in the U.S. The university is recognized for groundbreaking research in fields like physics, medicine, engineering, and environmental science.
  • The university has played a key role in managing Brookhaven National Laboratory, a major U.S. Department of Energy facility, making it one of the few universities involved in running a national laboratory.

2. Nobel Prize-Winning Faculty

  • Stony Brook has been home to faculty who have won prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physics. Dr. C. N. Yang, a prominent theoretical physicist, was part of the faculty, and his work on particle physics earned him the Nobel Prize.
  • The university continues to be a hub for high-impact research with several renowned scientists contributing to global discoveries.

3. Contribution to Medicine and Health Sciences

  • Stony Brook University Hospital is a leading medical center, known for its innovations in patient care, medical research, and education.
  • The Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook is highly regarded for its research in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurology.

4. Physics and Mathematics

  • Stony Brook is well-known for its programs in physics and mathematics. It is a leader in theoretical physics, with the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics being a global hub for research in mathematical physics and related fields.
  • The Institute for Advanced Computational Science conducts leading-edge research in data science, quantum computing, and computational physics.

5. Marine and Environmental Sciences

  • Stony Brook has strong programs in marine and environmental sciences. Its School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) is one of the leading institutions in the U.S. for studying marine biology, climate science, and oceanography.
  • The university's proximity to coastal regions and access to advanced research vessels gives students practical experience in marine science.

6. Public Research and Contribution to SUNY

  • Stony Brook is a flagship institution of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, and is a major contributor to public higher education in New York State.
  • It is one of four university centers in the SUNY system, playing a key role in education, research, and public service.

7. Diversity and Inclusion

  • Stony Brook is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university has a diverse student body with students from over 100 countries, providing a global learning experience.

8. STEM Excellence

  • Stony Brook is particularly famous for its programs in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The university has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to excel in technology, engineering, medicine, and academia.
  • It ranks highly in computer science, engineering, and biology programs, attracting students who seek rigorous and high-quality education.

9. National Recognition and Rankings

  • Stony Brook frequently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. It is consistently ranked for its value, research output, and high-quality education, especially in fields like physics, computer science, and medicine.
  • It is also recognized for its focus on affordability and accessibility for students.

10. Cultural and Artistic Contributions

  • Stony Brook has a vibrant arts and humanities program, with contributions to literature, fine arts, and music. The Staller Center for the Arts hosts concerts, film screenings, and art exhibitions, making the university a cultural hub.