The Open Curriculum at Brown University means undergraduates have no general education core to complete. Students choose their own courses, pick a concentration (Brown’s word for a major) and meet a few degree requirements: at least 30 courses, one concentration, demonstrated writing competence and the equivalent of eight full-time semesters. The freedom is real, but students must design their own path.
What the Open Curriculum Actually Is
Brown describes the contrast this way: at most universities, students complete a set of core courses, while Brown students build a personalized course of study. The College’s website lists four defining components:
- Flexibility to take coursework across many fields, without general core requirements
- A grading system without grade point averages or class rankings
- The option to take any course for a letter grade or satisfactory/no credit
- An invitation to “concentrate” rather than “major” in broad, interdisciplinary fields
| Quick Facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original name | New Curriculum |
| Adopted | 1969 |
| Minimum courses to graduate | 30 |
| Concentrations | Nearly 80 (per the College website) |
| GPA / class rank | None |
| Time enrolled | Equivalent of eight full-time semesters |
How the Open Curriculum Began
The framework has roots in the 1960s. Brown’s own history says students arrived in record numbers and from more diverse backgrounds, and they wanted a more active role in shaping their education.
A student-led Group Independent Study Project examined education at Brown. Its report was written by undergraduates Elliot Maxwell (Class of 1968) and Ira Magaziner (Class of 1969). In 1969, Brown adopted what was then called the New Curriculum. It eliminated distribution requirements and introduced a credit/no credit grading option.
The idea had older roots. Brown notes that President Francis Wayland argued in 1850 that students should have greater freedom in choosing what to study. The university marked the curriculum’s 50th anniversary with a yearlong celebration beginning in May 2019.
What Students Still Have to Complete
“Open” does not mean requirement-free. To earn a Brown degree, students must:
- Complete at least 30 courses
- Fulfill the requirements of at least one concentration
- Demonstrate writing competence
- Be enrolled for the equivalent of eight full-time semesters
Concentrations
Brown’s College website lists nearly 80 concentrations across academic departments and interdisciplinary areas. Other Brown pages say “80-plus,” so check the current official list before quoting a number. Students may also design an independent concentration or an independent study for academic credit.
Grading
Students can take any course for a grade or for satisfactory/no credit, except courses an instructor designates as mandatory satisfactory/no credit. Students may also request narrative evaluations from instructors.
How Students Choose Courses Without a Core
With no required core, Brown points students to its learning goals. The College site encourages students to sample courses across the curriculum while also choosing a focus. The goals include:
- Strengthening speaking and writing
- Experiencing scientific inquiry
- Understanding differences among cultures
- Learning what it means to study the past
Brown also tells students to look for courses with special designations, such as those focused on writing.
Advising is central to the system. The College describes its Advising Partnership as a necessary complement to the curriculum and encourages students to use office hours, work with faculty on research or independent study, and seek guidance early.
Who Might Thrive, and What to Weigh
Brown acknowledges that the approach asks a lot. Students are responsible for their own intellectual and creative development, and Brown says many find building a self-directed course of study demanding. The university also credits the approach with preparing graduates for careers across fields such as medicine, business, law and the arts. That is Brown’s own view, not an independent measure.
These are practical points to consider, not claims from Brown:
- Do you want to make many course decisions yourself?
- Will you actively seek out advisors and faculty?
- If you plan to apply to graduate or professional programs, check their course and grading expectations before choosing satisfactory/no credit often.
Conclusion
Brown University’s Open Curriculum removes general core requirements, but it keeps a clear degree framework. Students need 30 courses, a concentration, writing competence and eight full-time semesters of study. It rewards students who plan deliberately and use advising well. Requirements can change, so confirm current policies on Brown’s official College pages.
Applicants weighing the cost of an Ivy League education can also explore scholarship opportunities while planning their applications.
FAQs
What is the Open Curriculum at Brown?
It is Brown’s undergraduate framework. Students build their own course of study without general core requirements, choose a concentration and meet a short list of degree requirements.
Does Brown have a GPA or class rank?
According to Brown’s College website, its grading system has no grade point averages or class rankings.
How many courses are needed to graduate?
At least 30, along with fulfilling a concentration, demonstrating writing competence and completing the equivalent of eight full-time semesters.
Can students take courses without letter grades?
Yes. Any course can be taken for a grade or satisfactory/no credit, except courses an instructor designates as mandatory satisfactory/no credit.
Can students design their own concentration?
Yes. Brown says students may design an independent concentration or an independent study for academic credit.
