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Independent Concentration
The Independent Concentration program at Brown University offers students the unique opportunity to design a fully customized undergraduate curriculum tailored to their individual academic interests and career goals. Unlike traditional majors, this program allows learners to integrate courses from multiple disciplines—ranging from the humanities and social sciences to natural sciences, mathematics, and creative arts—into a coherent and personally meaningful course of study. Students are guided to formulate a clear research focus or thematic question that will anchor their academic exploration, fostering both intellectual creativity and scholarly rigor.
Throughout the four-year program, students develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills while navigating diverse methodologies across disciplines. The program emphasizes close mentorship, requiring students to work with faculty advisors to construct a curriculum, engage in interdisciplinary research, and undertake independent projects. Opportunities for fieldwork, experiential learning, and collaboration across departments enhance students’ ability to synthesize knowledge from multiple perspectives. Graduates emerge with a unique intellectual identity, well-prepared for leadership, innovation, and continued study in graduate programs, professional schools, or unconventional career paths that value adaptability and cross-disciplinary insight.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Independent Concentration
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: Liberal Arts
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Conceptual Foundations and Exploration
• Introduction to Independent Concentration
• Interdisciplinary Research Methods
• Academic Writing and Critical Inquiry
• Exploratory Courses Across Selected Fields
Year 2 – Focused Study and Methodology
• Thematic Coursework Across Disciplines
• Seminar in Independent Scholarship
• Quantitative or Qualitative Research Methods
• Elective Courses Supporting Concentration Theme
Year 3 – Integration and Application
• Advanced Interdisciplinary Seminars
• Fieldwork or Applied Research Projects
• Workshops in Data Analysis or Creative Practice
• Electives Related to Concentration Focus
Year 4 – Capstone and Thesis
• Senior Thesis or Capstone Project
• Presentation and Defense of Independent Work
• Mentorship in Publication or Dissemination
• Elective: Advanced Study in Supporting Disciplines
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Independent Concentration program are uniquely positioned to pursue careers that require adaptability, interdisciplinary thinking, and advanced problem-solving skills. Alumni work in fields such as policy analysis, research, education, creative industries, consulting, and technology, where they can leverage a broad-based yet specialized knowledge foundation. Others enter graduate or professional programs in law, medicine, public policy, business, or the arts, using their customized undergraduate experience to stand out in competitive admissions processes. Employers value these graduates for their ability to synthesize information across disciplines, communicate complex ideas clearly, and approach challenges from multiple perspectives, making them effective in both collaborative and independent roles in diverse professional contexts.
Why Choose This Program
Brown University’s Independent Concentration program provides an unparalleled platform for students seeking a highly personalized and intellectually rigorous undergraduate experience. It encourages learners to pursue their passions while developing the analytical, creative, and research skills necessary to succeed in a complex, interdisciplinary world. The program fosters a close student-faculty partnership, offering guidance in designing coursework, conducting research, and producing a culminating thesis that demonstrates scholarly excellence. By integrating multiple disciplines into a cohesive focus, students develop a distinctive academic profile that prepares them to tackle real-world problems with original thinking, flexibility, and deep expertise, while cultivating a lifelong capacity for inquiry and innovation.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
