Ph.D. in Genetics

USA

What will I learn?

The Graduate Program in Genetics was founded in 1980 as an inter-institutional program, combining the strengths in genetics at Stony Brook University, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. With nearly 100 faculty, the Genetics Program encompasses expertise that ranges from fundamental studies on classical animal, plant, and microbial model systems to cutting-edge research on behaviour, cancer, and other human diseases. Students enjoy superb opportunities for training that reflect the ever-expanding role of genetics in modern biological and biomedical research. For instance, alongside traditional mutagenic screens with model organisms, the rapidly growing discipline of genomics is producing an explosion of information, which in turn is revealing the genetic circuitry of and relationships among all forms of life. Data gathered by both traditional and new methodologies underscore the central importance of genetics in delineating the connection among genes, their biological functions, and the evolutionary processes that shape life on earth. Genetics also gives practical insights into how defects in genes contribute to disease, as well as how gene products and genetic engineering can be used to improve the human condition.

The first-year student experience includes three core courses that establish a foundation for further study. In addition, each student rotates through three laboratories; these rotations furnish a basis for selecting a dissertation research advisor in May of the first year. All Genetics students further deepen their knowledge and experience by participating in a student seminar series, thematic journal clubs, and elective courses chosen from a wide array of offerings. The breadth of the Graduate Program in Genetics draws trainees from throughout the world with varied backgrounds and research interests, and the Program provides the options and flexibility to meet each student’s particular needs.

Which department am I in?

Graduate School

Study options

Full Time (6 Semesters)

Tuition fees
$24,490.00 (20,66,318) per year
Housing - 10630

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

August 2025

Venue

Stony Brook University

100 Nicolls Road,

STONY BROOK,

New York,

11794, Northeast, United States

Full Time (2 Semesters)

Tuition fees
$28,788.00 (24,28,957) per year

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

January 2025

Venue

Graduate School

2308 Old Computer Science Building,

Stony Brook University,

STONY BROOK,

New York,

11794, United States

Entry requirements

For international students

The Graduate Program in Genetics requires the following in addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements:

A. Superior undergraduate performance, which should include some formal training in genetics.

B. Three letters of recommendation, ideally from previous research mentors and faculty.

The program does not require, but prefers to see, evidence of research activity as an undergraduate. Whenever possible, prospective students are invited to visit for interviews with program faculty.

C. Acceptance by the Graduate Program in Genetics and by the Graduate School.

English Proficiency

IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no subsection recommended to be below 6; and TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90 for doctoral applicants and 80 for master’s applicants.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About SUNY Stony Brook University

Nearly 95 per cent of Stony Brook University’s recent graduates are either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

  • Ranked the top public university in New York State
  • Rated 12th nationally for social mobility
  • Campus offers both coastal and city experience
  • Student-alumni mentorship initiatives available