Graduate Programs at Brown University

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Top graduate programs offered by Brown University

Brown University offers a wide range of graduate programs across various disciplines. Here are some of the graduate programs available at Brown University:

  • Alpert Medical School: The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Alpert Medical School is a four-year program that prepares students for a career in medicine. It emphasizes a patient-centered approach, interdisciplinary education, and clinical experiences.
  • School of Engineering: The School of Engineering offers Master's programs in various engineering disciplines, including biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering. These programs typically require 1-2 years of full-time study. Brown's School of Engineering also offers Ph.D. programs in engineering and applied sciences. These programs focus on advanced research in specialized areas and usually take around 4-6 years to complete.
  • School of Public Health: The School of Public Health offers Master's programs in fields such as epidemiology, biostatistics, global health, health services research, environmental health, and behavioral and social sciences. These programs provide training in public health theory, research methods, and practical applications. The Ph.D. program in public health at Brown prepares students for careers in research and academia. Students can specialize in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, behavioral and social sciences, or environmental health.
  • Graduate School: The Graduate School at Brown offers a wide range of Master's programs across disciplines including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The specific programs and requirements vary by department. The Graduate School offers Ph.D. programs in numerous fields, providing opportunities for advanced research and scholarly inquiry. These programs typically involve coursework, comprehensive exams, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
  • School of Professional Studies: The School of Professional Studies offers part-time and executive Master's programs designed for working professionals. Programs include Master of Science (MS) degrees in cybersecurity, data science, healthcare leadership, and technology leadership, among others. The duration and requirements of these programs vary.
  • School of Public Affairs: The School of Public Affairs offers Master's programs in public affairs, public policy, and urban education policy. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles in public service, policy analysis, and advocacy.
  • Dual Degree Programs: The Brown-RISD Dual Degree Program allows students to pursue a combination of Master's degrees from Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Students can choose from a range of interdisciplinary combinations, such as architecture and urban studies, design and engineering, or fine arts and public health.


Are there any one-year master's or accelerated master's programs available at Brown University?

Brown University offers several one-year master's and accelerated master's programs designed to provide an expedited pathway to obtaining a master's degree. These programs typically involve an intensive curriculum that allows students to complete their degree requirements in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional two-year master's programs. Here are a few examples of such programs at Brown University:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): The MAT program at the Brown University Graduate School of Education is a 12-month program that prepares students for careers in teaching. It offers various pathways for aspiring educators, including elementary education, secondary education, and world language education.
  • Master of Public Affairs (MPA): The MPA program at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs is a 12-month program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to address complex public policy challenges. It offers an accelerated curriculum focused on policy analysis, leadership, and management.
  • Master of Science (ScM) Programs: Brown University offers several one-year ScM programs in fields such as computer science, data science, and cybersecurity. These programs provide advanced training in specialized areas and are designed for students who wish to gain specialized knowledge and skills in a shorter timeframe.
  • Executive Master's Programs: The School of Professional Studies at Brown University offers executive master's programs that cater to working professionals seeking to advance their careers. These programs are designed to be completed in a shorter duration than traditional master's programs, usually through a combination of online coursework and intensive on-campus sessions.


What is the likelihood of acceptance into the Master's programs at Brown University?

The Brown Graduate School, which is part of the Ivy League, receives thousands of applications each year, but it only admits a small percentage of those students. Even fewer students are accepted into the institution's graduate programs. Out of 3,156 students enrolled, these percentage of students were admitted to the respective program types:

  • Masters students: 33%
  • Doctoral students: 61%
  • Executive Masters: 5%


Do Brown University's graduate programs offer early decision or early action application processes?

Students who are ready to make a commitment to Brown and who would prefer to receive early notification of their admission status have the chance to participate in Early Decision. If you choose to apply to Brown under the Early Decision program, you will be asked to refrain from submitting applications to any other schools that use the early decision, single-choice early action, or restriction early action application processes.

If you are accepted through our Early Decision plan, you will be asked to withdraw any and all applications that are still pending. This includes any and all applications that you may have already sent into regular, rolling, or (open) early action programs.

Early Decision is reserved for prospective students who rank Brown as their number one school of choice. Through this program, first-year students have the opportunity to submit their application for admission to Brown University in the fall of their senior year and will be notified of the admission decision in the middle of December. Whether does Brown have early action or not, it is important for prospective students and their families to understand that acceptance into Brown University through our Early Decision program is a legally enforceable commitment to do so.


Is it possible to transfer credits from another graduate school to Brown University?

Brown University has policies in place for accepting transfer credits from other graduate schools, but the acceptance and transfer of credits are subject to evaluation and approval by the respective graduate program or department. Here are some key points to consider regarding the transfer credit process at Brown University:

  • Transfer Credit Evaluation: When you apply to a graduate program at Brown University and indicate that you have completed graduate coursework at another institution, the program's admissions committee or department will review your transcript and assess the courses for potential transfer credit.
  • Individual Program Policies: Each graduate program at Brown has its own policies and criteria for accepting transfer credits. Some programs may have specific limitations on the number of credits that can be transferred, while others may have specific course requirements that must be met at Brown.
  • Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation of transfer credits typically considers factors such as the equivalency of the coursework, the content and rigor of the courses taken, the accreditation status of the previous institution, and the fit with the program's curriculum and learning objectives.
  • Transfer Credit Limitations: It's important to note that there may be limitations on the acceptance of transfer credits. For example, some programs may only accept transfer credits from institutions with a similar level of accreditation or from specific accredited institutions. Additionally, certain courses, such as thesis or research-based projects, may not be eligible for transfer.
  • Process and Documentation: If you are admitted to a graduate program at Brown and your transfer credits are approved, you will typically need to provide official transcripts and detailed course descriptions from your previous institution to facilitate the transfer credit evaluation process.
  • Graduate School Policies: The policies regarding transfer credits for graduate programs at Brown University are determined by the individual graduate programs and departments. It is advisable to consult the specific program's website or contact the admissions or program office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on their transfer credit policies and procedures.


Discover the professional trajectories of Brown University graduate students by examining their post-master's degree employment locations and salaries.

  • Academic Careers: Some master's degree graduates from Brown University may choose to pursue careers in academia as researchers, lecturers, or professors. Salaries in academia can vary significantly based on the discipline, academic rank, institution, and location. Entry-level academic positions may range from approximately $40,000 to $70,000 per year, while more senior faculty members may earn six-figure salaries.
  • Industry and Corporate Careers: Many master's degree graduates from Brown go on to work in the private sector, taking up roles in industries such as technology, finance, consulting, healthcare, and more. Salaries in these industries can vary widely depending on the field, position, company size, and location. Entry-level positions may offer salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to $80,000 per year, while mid-career professionals can earn anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000 or more annually.
  • Nonprofit and Public Sector Careers: Some master's degree graduates may pursue careers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or public service. Salaries in these sectors can vary depending on the role, level of responsibility, and location. Entry-level positions may offer salaries ranging from approximately $35,000 to $60,000 per year, while senior positions or leadership roles can command salaries of $80,000 or higher.

It's important to note that these salary ranges are estimates and can vary significantly based on individual factors and the specific field of study. It is advisable to research salary data for your specific field of interest and consult resources such as professional associations, industry reports, and salary surveys to get a more accurate understanding of salary expectations within your chosen career path.



Graduate Programs Offered

112 Graduate Programs Offered
87 Master’s Programs Offered
92 PHD Programs Offered

Graduate Students Enrollment Count

10807 Students enrolled (Undergraduate & Graduate)
3254 Students Enrolled (Only Graduate Programs)
1150 Students Enrolled in Online Programs
414 International Students Enrolled

Graduate Tuition

$60,363 In-state tuition & fees
$60,363 Out-state tuition & fees

Brown University offers the following Graduate Programs:

Brown University Graduate Program - Landscape Design and Architecture
Brown University Graduate Program - Communication And Journalism
Brown University Graduate Program - Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology
Brown University Graduate Program - Education and Teaching
Brown University Graduate Program - Engineering Technologies
Brown University Graduate Program - Foreign Languages, Cultures, Literature and Linguistics
Brown University Graduate Program - English Language, Literature and Cultural Studies
Brown University Graduate Program - Liberal Arts And Sciences And Humanities
Brown University Graduate Program - Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Brown University Graduate Program - Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Brown University Graduate Program - Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies
Brown University Graduate Program - Atmospheric and Physical Sciences
Brown University Graduate Program - Counseling and Behavioral Psychology
Brown University Graduate Program - Social Sciences and Studies
Brown University Graduate Program - History Studies

Graduate Programs with highest enrollment

Brown University most popular Master's Degree programs with respect to the students enrolled in the top 5 most popular graduate programs

  • Medicine : 137
  • Engineering Management : 56
  • Public Policy Analysis : 55
  • Business Administration and Management -MBA : 38
  • Physics : 32