Everything You Need to Know About Brown’s Open Curriculum

If you’re the kind of student who dreads the idea of mandatory classes that have nothing to do with your interests, Brown’s Open Curriculum might sound like a dream come true. Unlike most colleges, where you’re required to take a set list of general education courses, Brown lets you design your own academic journey—no strict core requirements, no forced prerequisites, just pure intellectual freedom.

But how does it actually work? And is it the right fit for you? In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Brown’s Open Curriculum, from its key benefits to how it shapes student life. Let’s dive in!

• What Is Brown’s Open Curriculum?
• A Quick History of the Open Curriculum
• How to Enter Brown University
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Brown’s Open Curriculum?

Think about the typical college experience: you pick a major, get handed a list of required courses, and meet with an advisor who maps out exactly what you need to take and when. Sure, you might get to choose a few electives along the way, but for the most part, your academic journey is pre-planned for you.

Brown University does things differently.

For over 50 years, Brown has given students the freedom to chart their own academic paths. Instead of a rigid set of requirements, you get to explore what truly excites you, designing a curriculum based on your passions and interests.

At its core, Brown’s approach is all about individuality, experimentation, and integration. The university believes that learning is a deeply personal journey that should be shaped by you, not dictated to you.

How does Brown’s Open Curriculum work?

Brown University doesn’t have majors.

Sounds wild, right? Most colleges expect you to pick a major before you even set foot on campus, locking you into a set course path from day one. But at Brown, things work a little differently.

Instead of majors, Brown offers over 80 “concentrations”—which, in many ways, function like traditional majors but come with way more flexibility. Each concentration is focused on a particular area of study and leads to either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. But here’s the best part: while you’ll take courses within your chosen concentration, you’re also free to explore subjects outside of it, no strings attached.

Want to dive into neuroscience but also take a poetry workshop? Go for it. Thinking about computer science but curious about philosophy? No problem. At Brown, your academic journey is truly yours to design.

Brown’s undergraduate concentration list

Under the Open Curriculum, you can choose among the following concentrations:

• Africana Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics-Biology
• Applied Mathematics-Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics-Economics
• Archaeology and the Ancient World
• Architecture
• Astronomy
• Behavioral Decision Sciences
• Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biophysics
• Business, Entrepreneurship and Organizations
• Chemical Physics
• Chemistry
• Classics
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Comparative Literature
• Computational Biology
• Computer Science
• Computer Science-Economics
• Contemplative Studies
• Development Studies
• East Asian Studies
• Economics
• Education Studies
• Egyptology and Assyriology
• Engineering
• Engineering and Physics
• English
• Environmental Studies
• Ethnic Studies
• French and Francophone Studies
• Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Geology-Physics/Mathematics
• German Studies
• Health & Human Biology
• Hispanic Literatures and Culture
• History
• History of Art and Architecture
• Independent Concentration
• International Relations
• Italian Studies
• Judaic Studies
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies
• Linguistics
• Literary Arts
• Mathematics
• Mathematics-Computer Science
• Mathematics-Economics
• Medieval Cultures
• Middle East Studies
• Modern Culture and Media
• Music
• Modern Studies
• Physics
• Physics and Philosophy
• Political Science
• Portuguese and Brazilian Studies
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Religious Studies
• Renaissance and Early
• Society
• Science, Technology
• Slavic Studies
• Social Analysis and Research
• Sociology
• South Asian Studies
• Statistics
• Theatre Arts and Performance Studies
• Urban Studies
• Visual Art

Based on the list, it’s clear that Brown offers a wide range of educational focus for students. At most schools, you’d have to choose something broad like “history” or “art” as your major. But at Brown, you can go way deeper. Want to study medieval cultures, anthropology, visual art, or architecture? You can tailor your coursework to focus on exactly what excites you.

One thing Brown students quickly learn? Asking around for course recommendations is key. With so much freedom, it helps to hear which classes are the most interesting and which professors bring their subjects to life.

Some of the coolest classes at Brown include: ARCH 0310 – Interactions with the Dead, BIOL 1920D – Race, Difference and Biomedical Research, and CHEM 0090 – Kitchen Chemistry.

But Brown isn’t just about undergrad programs. It also has a graduate school with 51 doctoral programs and 33 master’s programs, plus some pretty unique opportunities for students looking to take their education even further.

For example, there’s the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), which gives you a direct path to medical school, and the Brown-RISD Dual Degree Program, where you can earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in just five years.

Beyond classes, Brown offers plenty of ways to get hands-on experience—whether it’s through research projects, internships, or international fellowships.

A Quick History of the Open Curriculum

Brown’s Open Curriculum didn’t just happen overnight. It was the result of years of student activism, bold ideas, and forward-thinking professors who believed that education should be shaped by curiosity, not rigid requirements.

According to a Brown Daily Herald article, back in the late 1950s, two professors—George Morgan (applied mathematics) and Bruce Lindsay (physics)—helped lay the groundwork. Morgan proposed a course called “Modes of Experience: Science, History, Philosophy, and the Arts,” which explored how different disciplines connect.

Lindsay was already teaching “The Role of Science in Civilization,” a similar interdisciplinary course. Brown’s president at the time, Barnaby Keeney, saw the potential in these ideas and encouraged them to push forward. These courses became Brown’s first University Courses in Interdisciplinary Studies—and students loved them.

Morgan believed students shouldn’t just absorb information from different fields; they should be able to integrate their learning in meaningful ways. His passion for educational freedom sparked something bigger. Students were paying attention, and they wanted more.

Fast-forward to the late 1960s: two students, Elliot Maxwell ’68 and Ira Magaziner ’69, took things to the next level. They launched an independent study project to examine Brown’s teaching methods and curriculum. Their conclusion? The system needed a major overhaul. They proposed eliminating distribution requirements, allowing pass/fail grading for any class, and introducing interdisciplinary “Modes of Thought” courses.

But student activism alone wasn’t enough. Faculty members like Morgan stood with them, advocating for change. After years of debate, research, and organizing, everything came to a head in May 1969, when Brown’s faculty voted to adopt the core principles of what we now know as the Open Curriculum.

And over 50 years later, it’s still one of the biggest reasons students choose Brown today.

How to Enter Brown University

Applying to Brown University? Let’s break it down step by step so you know exactly what to expect.

Getting started with the Common App

First things first—you’ll apply to Brown through the Common Application. That means you’ll need to create an account, add Brown to your college list, and track your progress through the portal. This is where you’ll submit documents, check deadlines, and make sure everything is in order.

What Brown looks for in your application

Brown takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they want to understand who you are as a student and a person. Here’s what you’ll need to focus on:

• Your transcript & GPA. Your grades show how well you’ve handled academic challenges. Brown wants to see that you’ve pushed yourself with rigorous coursework, like AP or honors classes. Aim for a GPA of 3.9.
• Letters of recommendation. You’ll need three: two from teachers in core subjects (math, science, social studies, English, or a foreign language) and one from your counselor. If you’re applying for a Bachelor of Science degree or the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), make sure at least one letter comes from a math or science teacher.
• Essays. Besides your personal statement from the Common App, Brown requires three 250-word supplemental essays and four shorter responses. Applying for specialized programs like PLME or the Brown-RISD Dual Degree? You’ll have extra essays to write!
• Extracurricular activities. Brown wants students who bring more to the table than just academics. This is where you highlight your passions, leadership roles, and community involvement.
• Standardized test scores. While Brown was test-optional during the pandemic, they’ve brought back the SAT/ACT requirement. Strong scores can help make your application more competitive. The target SAT score for Brown is anywhere between 1510–1560 and for ACT, aim for 34–35.
• Supplementary materials (optional). If you have a standout talent in music, art, or research, you can submit additional materials through SlideRoom. You can also include extra recommendation letters or academic work here.
• Video introduction (optional). Brown doesn’t offer interviews, but you can submit a two-minute video to help them get to know you better. This is your chance to showcase your personality and why you’d be a great fit.

Brown’s academic expectations

To be ready for Brown’s rigorous coursework, your high school classes should align with these recommended subjects:

• English – 4 years
• Math – 4 years
• Science – 3 years (4 years recommended, with 2+ years of lab science)
• Foreign Language – 3 years (4 years recommended)
• History – 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Social Studies – No formal requirement, but at least 1 year is recommended
• Academic Electives – 1 year
• Visual/Performing Arts – No formal requirement, but 1 year is recommended

What else does Brown consider?

Beyond academics, Brown takes a broader look at your background, experiences, and contributions. Factors like being a first-generation college student, legacy connections, geography, and volunteer work can play a role in their decision.

However, religious affiliation and demonstrated interest (like campus visits or emails to admissions officers) are not considered in their review.

At the end of the day, Brown isn’t just looking for perfect test scores or sky-high GPAs. They want curious, independent thinkers who will contribute to their diverse and dynamic community. If you bring passion, creativity, and a drive to explore, you’ll be in a great position to craft a strong application!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is open curriculum in college?

An open curriculum is a type of curriculum in which students have the flexibility to design their own programs of study. Rather than imposing a set schedule of courses (also known as distribution requirements), an open curriculum lets you choose your classes, plan your areas of study, and even create your own major or specialization—all with the help of faculty advisors.

2. What is the required GPA to enter Brown?

Brown University hasn’t released recent GPA stats, but in past admissions cycles, the average GPA of accepted students has hovered around 3.9. This number isn’t set in stone, but it gives you an idea of the academic level they expect. If you’re aiming for Brown, shooting for a 3.9 or higher puts you in a solid position.

3. Are there other open curriculum schools in the U.S. aside from Brown?

Yes! Some of the best schools in the US that offer an open curriculum include: Amherst College, Grinnell College, and Wesleyan University.

4. What are the challenges of an open curriculum?

While an open curriculum offers freedom, it also comes with added responsibility. One of the biggest challenges is decision fatigue—with so many courses to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones best align with your interests and goals.

The lack of structure can also make it difficult for some students to stay on track, as there are no clear general education requirements. Without a set framework, students need to be highly self-motivated and proactive in planning their coursework.

Another potential drawback is the absence of safety nets. Without required general education classes, students might miss out on foundational knowledge that could be valuable later in their studies or careers.

This means that while an open curriculum provides academic flexibility, it also demands a strong sense of direction and careful course selection to ensure a well-rounded education.

5. Are open curriculum colleges more expensive than traditional ones?

Many top-ranking open curriculum colleges are small, private liberal arts schools, which can be more expensive than traditional public universities. However, the cost largely depends on the specific school, so make sure to compare costs when considering your options.

Takeaways

• Brown’s Open Curriculum is all about flexibility and exploration. It lets you dive into a wide range of interests without being boxed into a rigid set of requirements.
• If you’re someone who loves intellectual curiosity and wants to take charge of your learning, Brown’s Open Curriculum could be the perfect fit for you.
• Navigating the application process for an Ivy School like Brown can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. With our expert guidance, you will be ready to take the next steps towards Brown.