Stony Brook University upgraded its intercollegiate athletic program from the NCAA Division II level to NCAA Division I status, effective in the 1999-2000 academic year. Stony Brook had upgraded its 19 varsity athletic programs in compliance with NCAA Division I regulations, at this time.

The 2000-2001 Seawolves competed as Independents, for both Men's and Women's Basketball - i.e., they had no Conference affiliation. However, as of July 1, 2001, Stony Brook proudly became a member of the America East Conference in 17 of 19 sports, including men's and women's basketball (only Men's Football remains with the Northeast Conference and Men's Lacrosse remains with the ECAC).

The 9 members of the America East Conference are:

• Stony Brook University
• Binghamton University
• University at Albany
• Boston University
• University of Hartford
• University of Maine
• University of New Hampshire
• Northeastern University
• University of Vermont

Stony Brook University offers 10 men's varsity sports:

• Basketball
• Football
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Cross Country
• Indoor Track
• Outdoor Track
• Tennis
• Lacrosse

Stony Brook University currently offers 9 women's varsity sports:

• Basketball
• Softball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Swimming
• Indoor Track
• Outdoor Track
• Cross Country
• Lacrosse (starting in 2003)

Of the 19 varsity programs, the Women's Soccer and Men's Lacrosse teams have competed at the NCAA Division I level since the 1988-89 academic year. Effective in the 1999-2000 campaign, the football program started competing at the NCAA Division I-AA (non-scholarship) level.

The State University of New York at Stony Brook was founded in 1956 to produce teachers of science and mathematics.

Today, the early vision of Stony Brook has been realized. Classified by the Carnegie Foundation as one of the nation's 70 leading research institutions, Stony Brook has exceptional strength in the sciences, mathematics, humanities, fine arts, social sciences, engineering, and health professions.