Incoming student portal
Helpful Information for Incoming Ph.D. and Master's Students
This information was compiled by past and present graduate students to provide incoming students with information they believe will be helpful.
Academic Decisions and Success
There are many ways to succeed in the Stony Brook physics graduate program, and what you make of your degree really depends on your own background, your interests, and the kinds of research opportunities you are searching for. Collaboration, building a network of peers, and taking advantage of the opportunities that abound in the grad student community, broader department, and university can improve your likelihood of success, however you may define it.
Here, we have compiled suggested paths towards success based on our collective prior experience:
- Advice for students who did not take graduate courses during their undergrad (especially important for those who intend to do theory).
- Advice for students who did take graduate courses during their undergrad or already have Master’s degrees.
- Advice for students whose previous degrees are not in physics.
- Advice for students who want a terminal Master’s degree.
More General Resources
Additionally, there are a few resources to help you find your step at Stony Brook.
- Self-diagnostic Test: Evaluate your preparation for the core courses.
Note: Master’s students are not required to take these courses, and Ph.D. students are not required to take these courses immediately (these can be taken after remedial courses if necessary).
- Guide to Living on Long Island: Recommendations for living a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life on Long Island and in New York.
- Students to Contact: Current graduate students whom you can contact for additional information and general advice.