Skip to main content
← Back to Brown University Overview

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Brown University Β· Programs

Brown University Best Programs & Majors for International Students 2026

Brown University's strongest programs and what each is genuinely known for β€” beyond marketing copy. With BrightKey's view on which serves international students best.

Brown University's strongest programs include Program in Liberal Medical Education, Computer Science, Brown/RISD Dual Degree Program.

Notable programs

Program in Liberal Medical Education

Eight-year combined BA/BS and MD with guaranteed admission to Warren Alpert Medical School. Only Ivy BS/MD program. Admits roughly seventy-six students per year at a two percent acceptance rate. No MCAT required. Students pursue any undergraduate concentration under the Open Curriculum.

Computer Science

Median starting salary of USD 141,000 to USD 151,000 places Brown among the top fifteen nationally. Strong research in AI/ML, systems, and human-computer interaction. Ranked thirteenth by CodeSignal in 2024, climbing twenty-three positions year over year. Hosts csrankings.org.

Brown/RISD Dual Degree Program

Five-year program yielding both a Brown AB or ScB and a RISD BFA. Admits approximately twenty students per year from 953 applicants. Combines Ivy League academics with education at a top-three global art and design school. Unique pipeline into UX, product design, and creative direction careers.

Applied Mathematics

One of Brown's signature interdisciplinary programs with median starting salary around USD 91,700. Serves as the primary pathway for students interested in quantitative finance, data science, and computational research. Faculty strength in dynamical systems and scientific computing.

Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs

Houses concentrations in International Relations and Development Studies (ranked twenty-fifth globally by QS). Combines political science, economics, and area studies with policy-oriented research. Strong pipeline into government, NGOs, and international organizations.

Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences

Unique interdisciplinary department combining cognitive science, linguistics, and psychology under one roof. Reflects Brown's philosophy of dissolving traditional departmental boundaries. Strong research in language processing, perception, and computational modeling of mind.

Other sections

Need guidance on Brown University?

Book a free 30-minute consultation with Priscilla.

Book a consultation