Brown University’s Open Curriculum: A Complete Student Guide

Brown University is often mentioned for one defining feature that sets it apart from nearly every other highly selective college: the Open Curriculum. For some students, this is the reason Brown sits at the top of their list. For others, it can feel confusing or even intimidating. 

Understanding how the Open Curriculum works and who it actually benefits can help you decide whether Brown is the right academic environment for you. 

What is the Open Curriculum 

Brown’s Open Curriculum is built on the idea that students learn best when they are trusted to shape their own education. Unlike most universities, Brown does not require a core curriculum or general education requirements. There are no distribution requirements forcing students to take classes in specific categories. 

Instead, students are encouraged to explore broadly, follow their interests, and design an academic path that reflects how they think and learn. 

This does not mean there is no structure. Students still choose a concentration, which is Brown’s version of a major. What makes it different is how much freedom students have in defining that concentration and how they reach it. 

Learning without a core 

At most colleges, students are required to complete a set of general education courses regardless of their interests. At Brown, students are not required to take any specific classes outside of their concentration. 

This freedom allows students to: 

• Explore multiple disciplines without worrying about requirements 

• Combine interests like science and art or philosophy and computer science 

• Dive deeply into a subject early on rather than waiting until junior year 

For students who are intellectually curious and self directed, this can be incredibly motivating. For students who prefer clear academic guardrails, it may feel overwhelming. 

Concentrations instead of majors 

Brown offers over 80 concentrations, but they are intentionally flexible. Many students work with faculty advisors to shape a concentration that reflects their evolving interests. 

Some concentrations are clearly defined, while others are more interdisciplinary. Students can also propose independent concentrations that blend multiple fields if they can articulate a coherent academic plan. 

The emphasis is not on checking boxes, but on building depth and meaning in what you study. 

The shopping period 

One of the most distinctive features of Brown’s academic calendar is the shopping period. For the first two weeks of each semester, students can attend classes without officially enrolling. 

This gives students time to: 

• Experience different teaching styles 

• Assess workload and expectations 

•  Explore subjects without pressure 

The shopping period encourages intellectual risk taking. Students are expected to try classes that genuinely interest them, even if they are unsure how everything fits together yet. 

Grading flexibility 

Brown also offers a unique grading option called Satisfactory or No Credit. Students can choose to take some courses without receiving a traditional letter grade. 

This option exists to encourage exploration, especially outside a student’s primary area of study. It allows students to challenge themselves academically without fear of harming their GPA. 

Importantly, this does not mean standards are lower. Courses are still rigorous. The difference is that students are given more autonomy in how they approach their learning. However, it should be noted that many students do take courses for a grade, especially if they plan to apply for graduate programs such as medicine or law school. 

Learning how to learn 

At its core, the Open Curriculum is not about freedom for freedom’s sake. It is about teaching students how to think critically, ask good questions, and connect ideas across disciplines. 

Brown students are expected to take ownership of their education. That means reflecting on why they are choosing certain classes and how those choices align with their goals. 

This model works best for students who: 

• Enjoy asking questions without clear answers 

• Are comfortable making decisions independently 

• Value intellectual exploration over external validation 

Who thrives in the Open Curriculum 

The Open Curriculum is not for everyone, and Brown is very clear about that. Students who thrive at Brown tend to be curious, reflective, and comfortable navigating ambiguity. 

If you are someone who likes structure, clear requirements, and predefined paths, you may find another university a better fit. If you enjoy shaping your own direction and learning through exploration, Brown’s model can be incredibly empowering. 

Writing about the Open Curriculum in your application 

If you are applying to Brown, understanding the Open Curriculum is essential. Admissions officers want to know not just that you like the idea of freedom, but how you would use it. 

Strong application essays often explain: 

• How a student’s interests connect across disciplines 

•  Why flexibility matters to their learning style 

• How they see themselves engaging with Brown’s academic culture 

Specificity matters. Generic praise of the Open Curriculum without personal reflection does not go far. 

Final thoughts 

Brown’s Open Curriculum challenges students to take responsibility for their education in a way few other colleges do. It rewards curiosity, initiative, and thoughtful decision making. For the right student, it can be transformative. The key is understanding whether this model aligns with how you learn best and how you want to grow academically. 

At PathIvy, we help students evaluate fit honestly and articulate why unique academic models like Brown’s Open Curriculum truly work for them.