Admission to the Engineering Graduate Program Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in the School of Engineering at Brown University. We are pleased that you chose to learn more about our Graduate Program. Your questions are very important to us and we hope they will be answered by the Frequently Asked Questions listed below. If your question is not answered after reading the FAQs carefully, please contact us at engingrad@brown.edu and we will ensure that you receive a response via email from the appropriate party.
Note: The School of Engineering and its faculty can only evaluate your eligibility for admission based on your entire record, which must be formally submitted through the online application for consideration. We highly encourage you to apply.
Apply
How do I apply?
Applications to the School of Engineering must be completed on-line. You can upload supporting documents, i.e. letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and a copy of your transcript/s for evaluation purposes only. Before a final decision can be made on your application, the original transcript/s must be sent to:
Graduate School
Brown University
47 George Street
Providence, RI 02912.
Contact
Who should I contact with questions?
Individual faculty should be contacted for specific questions regarding their research. Administrative questions about application materials should be directed to the Graduate School. Technical questions should be addressed to the faculty representative for each research area.
Courses Required
How many courses do I need to take?
ScM Program requires eight (8) courses and can be completed in a single year.
PhD Program has different course requirements, depending on the research group.
Deadline for applications
What is the deadline for applications?
• PhD - January 5
• PRIME - January 16
• ScM (includes all engineering programs except BME and the five-year integrated ScM) - February 1
• Five-year Integrated ScM - May 1
• ScM in BME - May 15
Decisions
How will I know when I have been admitted?
Once your application is complete and all supporting documents are received, the School of Engineering will review your application and will make the decision to admit applicants. The admission decision will be posted on Embark so we encourage you to check it. The official notification will be sent through the Graduate School.
Fees
Can I apply without paying the admission fee?
Unfortunately, we cannot process applications without an application fee. Application-fee waivers are available under certain circumstances. Applicants to Brown's graduate programs who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and can demonstrate either financial need or participation in certain specialized programs listed on the fee-waiver application may apply for an application-fee waiver. Please note: application-fee waivers are not available for international applicants.
Financial Aid
Does Brown University offer financial support for incoming students?
Students who are admitted to any of Brown's doctoral programs are guaranteed five years
of support, including a stipend, tuition remission, health-services fee, and health-insurance subsidy.
• Fellowships: Awarded either by the Graduate School or the School of Engineering. It covers tuition and a monthly stipend. Recipient can take a maximum of 8 courses and conduct research with any member of the faculty. Some fellowships are “named” and are awarded to exceptional students. Such awards may carry additional benefits, such as travel support, etc.
• Research Assistantships (RA): Most of our PhD students are supported with RA appointments which pay tuition and a monthly stipend. In return, the student works with a faculty member, an average of 20 hours a week. The RA appointment is usually renewed each semester, and during summer, assuming good progress is being made towards a thesis. RAs are restricted to a maximum of three courses per semester.
• Teaching Assistantships (TA): A few full TA positions are available, which pay for tuition and a stipend. These positions are not common and are usually given to senior graduate students. Students should not plan to support themselves through TA appointments.
• Some students are admitted without financial aid, but they are usually admitted to the Masters Degree Program only. The U.S. Government will not issue a visa to a foreign student who does not have proof that they can support themselves financially.
• More financial aid information is available here: PhD - Masters
Graduate School
To find additional helpful information visit Brown University Graduate School.
GRE
Are GRE scores required?
Yes. The Graduate School requires all applicants to submit GRE scores except for 5th Year Masters.
What is Brown University’s reporting code?
3094
PRIME
What is the PRIME Program? Is an engineering background required for applicants?
The Program in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (PRIME) is primarily designed for students who have an engineering or science undergraduate background (this includes applied mathematics and computer science). Students from an industrial design background may qualify.
For additional questions regarding this highly selective program please visit PRIME Frequently Asked Questions or contact prime@brown.edu.
Programs: ScM and PhD
What Programs are available?
Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering program (CBE)
Electrical Sciences
Entrepreneurship
(PRIME)
Computer Engineering
Fluids and Thermal Sciences
Materials Science
Mechanics of Solids
Should I apply to the PhD or ScM Program?
If your ultimate objective is to receive a PhD, you should apply to the PhD Program. A Master’s degree on the way to PhD is possible but it requires advisor approval.
Timeline
How long does it take to get a degree?
PhD - It varies and depends on the student’s preparation and his particular research project. (Typical PhD programs last 4-6 years.)
Non-thesis ScM - can be completed in one academic year.
ScM-with-thesis- typically takes 18-24 months.
TOEFL / IELTS
Are TOEFL/IELTS scores required and what are the recommended levels?
All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score. These exams should be taken early enough to allow the scores to reach the Graduate school by your department’s deadline. To be considered for admission in any department, TOEFL score must be:
• 577 Paper-based test
• 233 Computer-based test
• 90 Internet-based test
• IELTS Minimum overall band score of 7
• Must be taken two years or less prior to filling out application form on line.
For additional information on the TOEFL/IELTS requirements please see TOEFL/IELTS guidelines