Top 10 Brown University Best Majors

Brown University is known for its Open Curriculum, academic freedom, and strong interdisciplinary programs. Here, you can explore different fields without core requirements, making it ideal for those who value flexibility and intellectual curiosity.

But what are Brown University’s best majors, and why do they stand out? In this blog, we’ll cover top programs like computer science, economics, and biology. Whether you’re just starting out or narrowing down your interests, keep reading to learn how to find your path at Brown.

• What Are the Best Majors at Brown University?
• Mathematics at Brown
• Neuroscience at Brown
• Psychiatry/Psychology at Brown
• Geosciences at Brown
• Social Sciences & Public Health at Brown
• Arts & Humanities at Brown
• Physics at Brown
• Infectious Diseases at Brown
• Cell Biology at Brown
• Computer Science at Brown
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Majors at Brown University?

Brown offers more than 80 concentrations, commonly known as majors. Several programs stand out for their academic reputation, research opportunities, and career outcomes. Many of these majors consistently rank among the top programs globally, supported by strong faculty, interdisciplinary learning, and the flexibility of Brown’s Open Curriculum.

According to U.S. News & World Report subject rankings, these 10 fields are among Brown’s strongest academic areas and continue to shape leaders across research, technology, healthcare, public policy, and beyond.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss what makes these Brown majors stand out.

1. Mathematics at Brown

Mathematics at Brown is ranked #15 among the Best Mathematics Programs in the U.S. It’s rigorous and flexible, allowing you to study everything from abstract theory to real-world applications. You’ll build a strong foundation in logical reasoning, proof-writing, and problem-solving while exploring areas like number theory, geometry, and statistics.

The concentration leads to either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. The BS is recommended if you’re considering graduate school in math or a related field. You can also complete a senior thesis if you’re interested in independent research.

Math majors at Brown often combine their studies with fields like computer science, physics, or economics. Many participate in research or competitions and have successful careers in tech, finance, or academia.

The top employers of mathematicians and statisticians include the federal government and scientific research companies, with average starting salaries of around $122,000.

2. Neuroscience at Brown

Neuroscience at Brown is one of the oldest undergraduate neuroscience programs in the U.S. The concentration explores how the nervous system works, from memory and perception to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Students build a strong scientific foundation through coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and core neuroscience classes.

A major strength of Brown’s program is its connection to the Carney Institute for Brain Science, where faculty and students work on research related to cognition, neurotechnology, and neurological disease.

The program is also a strong pathway for students interested in healthcare and medicine. Around 70–80% of Brown neuroscience concentrators go on to attend medical school after graduation, while others pursue careers in research, biotechnology, and healthcare.

Besides Neuroscience, Brown also offers a multidisciplinary Computational Neuroscience concentration that combines neuroscience with computer science, cognitive science, applied mathematics, and data science.

3. Psychiatry/Psychology at Brown

Psychology is one of the best majors at Brown University for students interested in human behavior, cognition, and mental health. The concentration gives students a broad foundation in psychological science while allowing them to explore areas such as cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, behavioral decision-making, and clinical research.

Brown’s location in Providence, Rhode Island also creates opportunities for students interested in healthcare and mental health research. Many students work with affiliated hospitals and research institutions connected to Brown, such as Bradley Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Providence VA Medical Center, and STAR COBRE for Stress, Trauma, and Resilience.

Students pursuing the concentration can choose between an A.B. or Sc.B. degree, depending on their academic interests and career goals. The Sc.B. option is designed for students seeking more intensive scientific and quantitative training, particularly those interested in research, medicine, or graduate study.

4. Geosciences at Brown

Although Brown doesn’t offer a standalone Geosciences major, its Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences (DEEPS) is globally recognized and ranked #98 in Geosciences. The department combines geology, climate science, chemistry, physics, biology, and planetary science to study Earth and environmental systems.

DEEPS students can pursue either an A.B. or Sc.B. degree through four concentration options:

• Earth and Planetary Sciences
• Earth, Climate, and Biology
• Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry
• Geophysics and Climate Physics

The department typically has more than 60 concentrators, with around 20 graduates each year. About 80% complete a capstone senior thesis, reflecting the program’s strong emphasis on undergraduate research.

Students also have many opportunities to participate in fieldwork, laboratory research, and other hands-on learning experiences in research areas, such as Geochemistry, Geophysics, and Planetary Geosciences throughout their time at Brown.

5. Social Sciences & Public Health at Brown

Brown’s Open Curriculum makes it easier for students to combine public health with fields such as sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, and psychology, creating a more interdisciplinary approach to studying healthcare and society. This flexibility is one reason Social Sciences and Public Health remain among the strongest academic areas at Brown University.

Much of this work is connected to the Brown University School of Public Health, which receives over $55 million in annual external funding and is among the top 20 schools of public health for NIH funding. Students can take courses specifically through the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS), which focuses on how social environments, behavior, and policy affect health outcomes and communities.

Brown also offers a two-year Master of Public Health (MPH) program that includes an internship, thesis, and opportunities to specialize through different concentration options. Across both undergraduate and graduate study, students gain experience in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, global health, biostatistics, and health equity.

6. Arts & Humanities at Brown

Ranked #109 globally in Arts and Humanities, Brown University is especially known for its strengths in literature, philosophy, history, and visual art. Brown’s Open Curriculum gives students unusual flexibility within the humanities, making it easier to combine creative and analytical fields across departments.

Students can explore 29 concentrations in the humanities category, including English, Modern Culture and Media, Classics, and Comparative Literature. Many humanities programs at Brown’s Cogut Institute for the Humanities also emphasize discussion-based learning, independent research, writing, and interdisciplinary coursework.

Brown is also known for its strong literary and creative culture. The Literary Arts program is one of the few Ivy League undergraduate creative writing programs, while student organizations such as the Brown Daily Herald and Brown Motion Pictures play a major role in campus life. Notable Brown alumni in the humanities include Emma Watson, who graduated with a degree in English literature.

7. Physics at Brown

Physics is a rigorous major at Brown, aimed at students interested in understanding matter, energy, space, and the fundamental laws of the universe. The program covers both classical and modern physics, with coursework in areas such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, astrophysics, and condensed matter physics.

Students can pursue either an A.B. or Sc.B. degree depending on their academic interests and career goals, with the Sc.B. requiring additional advanced coursework and a senior thesis project.

The department includes 31 physics faculty members and only 15–20 new physics concentrators each year. This high faculty-to-student ratio gives undergraduates significant opportunities for research, faculty mentorship, and small-group learning.

Brown Physics graduates commonly pursue graduate study and careers in physics, engineering, data science, finance, technology, and scientific research.

8. Infectious Diseases at Brown

Brown doesn’t offer a standalone Infectious Diseases major, but the university is well known for its infectious disease research, clinical training, and public health partnerships through the Division of Infectious Diseases under the Warren Alpert Medical School.

Established in 1966, the division works closely with affiliated hospitals including The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital. Its areas of focus include sexually transmitted infections, antimicrobial stewardship, substance use-related infections, HIV/AIDS, and global health.

Brown’s affiliated programs also include specialized clinical centers such as the University Medicine Travel Clinic at The Miriam Hospital, which provides vaccinations and preventive care for international travelers, and the Lyme Disease Clinic, which specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.

The Division of Infectious Diseases is also heavily research-focused, with more than $18 million in annual external funding. In addition to undergraduate and medical education connections, Brown hosts advanced fellowship programs in infectious diseases, HIV medicine, and clinical research related to substance use and infection.

9. Cell Biology at Brown

While Brown doesn’t have a standalone Cell Biology major, the university is recognized globally in Cell Biology through its broader Biology and biomedical science programs. Students interested in cell biology typically study through concentrations such as Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or related life sciences fields.

Brown is also home to the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Graduate Program (MCBGP), an interdisciplinary research program focused on molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and biomedical science.

Brown’s Biology curriculum gives students a strong foundation in cellular and molecular processes, genetics, physiology, and organismal biology. Students can pursue either an A.B. or Sc.B. degree, with students completing hands-on lab or field-based coursework to learn how to design experiments, collect data, and analyze results. Biology classes like Viral Epidemics and The Biology of Aging also allow students to explore timely topics and build practical skills.

Brown also offers plenty of research opportunities for biology majors. You can join a faculty-led lab, take part in summer programs, or even work on independent projects. Most students go on to medical school, biotech careers, or research in health and environmental sciences.

10. Computer Science at Brown

Computer Science at Brown gives you a strong mix of theory and hands-on learning. You’ll study topics like algorithms, artificial intelligence, and databases while exploring areas like scientific visualization and game development.

Computer science courses like Machine Learning and Algorithmic Game Theory help you build practical skills you can use in real-world tech careers. Many students intern or get hired at companies like Google and Microsoft, with average starting salaries around $145,000.

You’ll work with supportive faculty, use cutting-edge lab resources, and explore research opportunities. Notable graduates include Jai Das, a leader in venture capital, and Vadim Slavin, who studied math-physics and computer science before heading the startup community, Startup Monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What major is Brown University known for?

Brown is especially known for its top-ranked programs in mathematics, neuroscience, psychology, humanities, and public health. These majors attract many students and open doors to research, internships, and strong career paths.

2. What is Brown known for academically?

Brown is renowned for being one of the top open curriculum colleges in the U.S. It allows you to design your own academic path and explore subjects across disciplines. The university also has a strong reputation in the liberal arts, sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.

3. Which school is better, Harvard or Brown?

Both are competitive Ivy League schools, but they offer different experiences. Harvard has a more traditional core curriculum, while Brown values freedom and self-directed learning. Brown looks for students who are curious, independent, and ready to take charge of their education.

Takeaways

• Some of the best majors at Brown University include mathematics, neuroscience, psychology, humanities, and public health.
• Brown’s Open Curriculum lets you design your education around your own interests, with over 80 concentrations or majors to choose from.
• Choosing the right major means knowing your strengths, exploring possible future careers, and taking advantage of Brown’s flexibility.
• Interested in one of these top programs? A private admissions consultant can help you strengthen your application and boost your chances of getting in.