What are the Best Majors at Brown?

October 11, 2022
By AdmissionSight

What are the Best Majors at Brown?

What are the best majors at Brown? Brown University is a prestigious private institution that belongs to the Ivy League and is located in Providence, Rhode Island. Brown University is a preeminent academic institution as well as the seventh-oldest college in the United States.

Brown was established in 1764 through the issuance of the Charter by the Rhode Island General Assembly, but it wasn’t until 1804 that it was formally given the name Brown University. Nicholas Brown Jr., the son of a merchant and a co-founder of the college, was honored with the naming. It is renowned for its forward-thinking educational philosophy and its Open Curriculum for undergraduate students.

Though we’re trying to know “What are the best majors at Brown?”,  a commitment to academic quality, intellectual freedom, and creating an impact to better serve people, communities, and society is at the core of the University’s teaching, research, and scholarship. This commitment is at the heart of everything the University does.

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Brown University makes a significant and long-lasting contribution to the expansion of knowledge in all subfields of academic inquiry as a result of its ground-breaking research and cutting-edge pedagogical practices. The following are some of Brown University’s most popular areas of study:

Computer Science

The field of computer science has become an indispensable resource for researching an ever-expanding variety of subjects, from the workings of the human mind to the depths of space.

The use of computational methods is becoming increasingly important in cutting-edge work across the board in the sciences as well as in many areas of the liberal arts. The computer science curriculum for first-year students at Brown is intended to provide a foundation in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the field while also providing an in-depth study of selected subfields. Traditional topics like analysis of algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, distributed systems, graphics, mobile computing, networks, operating systems, programming languages, robotics, and security are included here, while novel areas like games and scientific visualization are also present.

Economics

Students gain a better understanding of markets, corporations, and financial institutions, as well as the public discussion about economic policy, which includes taxation, government expenditure, trade, globalization, health, and welfare, through the study of economics.

The study of economics focuses on how individuals, businesses, and governments decide how to utilize their available resources in order to achieve their goals. The concentration in economics prepares students for graduate study in fields such as business and law, as well as for graduate study leading to teaching and research in economics.

Young woman studying in a library.

Additionally, the concentration in economics can serve as a stepping stone to employment in business, and finance, as well as non-profit and government organizations. Students have the choice of pursuing either business economics or the standard concentration, both of which also provide a professional track as an additional option.

Biology

Students are encouraged to study the science of life and living matter in both a comprehensive and in-depth manner as part of the Biology specialization. Students who intend to earn a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) or Bachelor of Science (Sc.B.) degree in biology can anticipate receiving a well-rounded education in the field by taking a variety of classes in one or more of the following three subfields: cell and molecular biology, structure and function, and organismal biology.

In addition, students who are working toward a Bachelor of Science degree are required to finish a thematic track. This allows them to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of a specific subfield, such as immunopathology, ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology/biotechnology, cell, and molecular biology, or physical sciences. The concentration places an additional emphasis on both practical skills and the design of experiments. At least three of the concentrator’s compulsory classes must include some kind of hands-on experience in the lab or in the field.

History

The study of history focuses on how societies and cultures from different parts of the world evolved throughout the course of time. Students who major in history develop skills in writing and critical thinking, as well as in understanding issues from a range of points of view.

Two students talking in a room full of glass.

The history department provides students with the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations to the histories of Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia, amongst others, all of which are concerned with the development of human experience over the course of time. Some classes focus on the history of a specific nation (like China or Brazil), while others emphasize a specific era in that nation’s or country’s history (e.g. Antiquity or the 20th century). Students are able to engage in a variety of activities and gain a wide range of perspectives on both the past and the present if they take advantage of our extensive course offerings.

Mathematics

Quantity, structure, space, and change are the topics that are investigated by mathematics, which is a grouping of scientific disciplines that includes geometry, algebra, and calculus.

Brown students who want to concentrate on mathematics have the opportunity to investigate these ideas because of the department’s extensive course offerings and adaptable concentration requirements. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees are both possible upon completion of the focus (the latter is strongly recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate study in mathematics or related fields).

International Relations

The International Relations (IR) focus is structured with a multidisciplinary core at its center and two sub-themes: political economy and society, and security and society. There is a language requirement that must be fulfilled over the course of three years, and it must be connected to the student’s chosen area of the world. A capstone project that incorporates research in a second language is required of all students who choose to concentrate in that area.

How do I Decide on my Major?

How do I decide on my Major? Though we’re trying to know “What are the best majors at Brown?”, one of the most important choices that a high school or college student is required to make is selecting a concentration of study. And it is one that many people wish they could retake; according to one survey, 61% of college graduates would switch their major if they could go back to school.

Group of students studying in a library.

However, not everyone suffers from a case of buyer’s remorse when they receive their diploma. The following is a list of the most significant considerations to make when selecting a major, as well as advice on how to select the appropriate college once you have made your selection.

Consider Your Skills

Create a list of your accomplishments and areas of interest to get started. After you’ve finished, inquire with your closest loved ones and friends about the things they would say about you. There are times when we need a third party to point out to us our qualities and abilities that we sometimes take for granted.

Include any subjects that have always piqued your curiosity but that you’ve never committed yourself to study in depth. You should also mention things you used to be good at but haven’t done in a while, especially if you haven’t done them in a while.

Investigate Possible Professions

When you have a list of your interests and passions, the next step is to investigate what kinds of professions meet those interests. For instance, if you have a passion for music, you could pursue a career as a music instructor, or a club promoter, or look for work at a charity organization that is dedicated to music.

After compiling a list of possible lines of employment, you should think about observing those currently employed in those positions in order to get a feel for what it’s like to do the job. Observing the processes that are actually carried out by people will help you determine whether or not you are engaged in the endeavor. If seeing someone on the job isn’t possible, you can reach out to folks via email or LinkedIn and set up a phone call with them to ask them questions face-to-face.

Estimate Future Earnings

The majority of careers have their progression tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Visit the site and choose the professional fields that are of most interest to you. You will be able to discover what employment is available in each sector from that location.

After compiling a list of occupations that pique your interest, you can use the site to determine which of those occupations have a positive growth rate and incomes that are commensurate with the lifestyle you intend to lead. Even if the amount of money you will make in the future is not the only thing you should think about while choosing a career path, it is still an essential consideration. Having this knowledge can assist you in determining how much of an investment it is prudent to make in your secondary schooling.

Consider what you want your life to be like once you graduate from college as well. For example, if you want to establish a family, reside in a major city, or do substantial traveling, you’re going to need a career that pays well enough so that you can afford those things.

Consider how much of your time you are able to invest in your studies.

It’s not true that all majors are created equal. There is a significant difference in the amount of effort that is required for various programs. Think about how much time you are able to devote to your training and how committed you want to be as a student.

Research any advanced degrees that may be required of you after you graduate college if you want to work in the field that interests you. Before you make a final decision on what you want to study for your bachelor’s degree, it is important to consider whether or not you will need to move on to earn a professional or master’s degree in order to achieve the professional goals you have set for yourself.

What kind of Students does Brown look for?

What kind of students does Brown look for? Though we’re trying to know “What are the best majors at Brown?”, one should be aware that the perfect candidate for admission to Brown University is someone who is extremely well-qualified academically and has a strong desire to do well in their chosen field.

The admissions process at Brown University is extremely selective, and every year there are a growing number of outstanding candidates, which makes the process even tougher. Students who are interested in attending Brown University should strive to achieve strong academic marks and test scores in order to increase their chances of being accepted there.

Group of Ivy league students standing near a building.

Brown University, just like many other highly regarded educational institutions, does not publish a required minimum for either standardized test results or grade point average. However, despite the fact that having scored at or above the averages would boost your chances of admittance, you should not let your results prevent you from applying to Brown. Brown University requires applicants to submit a comprehensive application, which includes a number of different components that can assist boost their chances of admission. These components include extra essays and either a video profile or an alumni interview.

The campus of Brown University is renowned for its rich diversity, and the university makes a concerted effort to involve students in all aspects of their education, from the arts to the sciences. Students who have demonstrated excellence in their academic pursuits and have a passion for the arts, humanities, or both may discover that Brown University is the ideal setting for them to pursue their educational goals.

Individualism

Brown takes great satisfaction in cultivating an atmosphere on campus in which students are given the opportunity to flourish as unique individuals. Because of the university’s adaptable curriculum, students are encouraged to develop their own unique academic interests and exercise their individuality. One of the most accurate ways to characterize the majority of Brown’s student body is as independent and driven individuals.

Collaboration within the Community

Brown University places a significant emphasis on the concept of students banding together to establish communities that are both creative and driven by a shared sense of purpose.

Brown University teaches its students the importance of community by exposing them to a variety of viewpoints and bringing them together to work toward common goals. This commitment to fostering a feeling of community on campus is evidenced by the robust Greek life, tight-knit resident halls, and interaction with Brown’s hometown of Providence, which is located in Rhode Island.

Creativity

Brown University is well-known for its dedication to the study of humanities and liberal arts. Students are encouraged to cultivate their talents outside of the classroom, and there are tools and groups all throughout campus that assist students to fulfill their full creative potential. Brown University has a strong academic basis, yet students still feel free to explore their creative aspirations there. Brown is a member of the Ivy League.

Self-Discovery

Brown University gives its students the freedom to chart their own academic careers by letting them choose their own course loads (with a few core requirements). This forward-thinking Open Curriculum encourages the spirit of self-discovery and curiosity, both of which are essential components of Brown University’s ideal student.

What are my Chances of Getting into Brown?

What are my chances of getting into Brown? Though we’re trying to know “What are the best majors at Brown?”, the admissions process at Brown University is notoriously competitive. Brown University, much like the other universities in the Ivy League, is inundated with an unprecedented number of applicants but maintains an unprecedentedly low acceptance rate.

Only five percent of those who applied were chosen to join the Class of 2026 at the university. Therefore, in order for students to give themselves the best possible opportunity of getting into Brown University, they need to schedule time in their schedules to prepare and refine their applications.

Although we’re trying to know “What are the best majors at Brown?”, Brown University is an excellent choice for students who have high standardized test scores and solid academic backgrounds; yet, the college also places a significant emphasis on the liberal arts and humanities. Not only should your application appropriately reflect your academic achievements, but it should also clearly express your enthusiasm for the arts and humanities. Make it a point to connect the dots between the things you’ve achieved academically, the things you’ve done for your community, and the things you’ve enjoyed doing outside of school to paint a complete picture of who you are.

The admissions committee at Brown takes into consideration each applicant’s past accomplishments in relation to the opportunities that are open to them. They are evaluated with regard to the achievements of each individual student as well as the latter’s potential for future achievement. The admissions office is not seeking for a student who is “perfect.”

If you do not support the Open Curriculum or the concept of forging your own educational path, you should not submit an application to Brown University. The students at Brown think that this activity is enjoyable, and they take pleasure in attending classes on topics that they are enthusiastic about and adore. If you are looking for a school that will provide you with a structured curriculum and a defined path to graduation, you might think about applying to one of the more traditional Ivy League institutions.

Though we’re trying to know “What are the best majors at Brown?”, if you need help putting the finishing touches on your college applications,  at AdmissionSight, we have over 10 years of experience guiding students through the competitive admissions process

AdmissionSight can help you put your best foot forward when applying to college this fall. Contact us today for more information on our services.

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