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Admission to the Engineering Graduate Program

Main Link: Brown Graduate School
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for applications?. 1
What is the mailing address for applications?. 1
Are GREs required?. 2
What is the GRE Code?. 2
How do I know if I will be admitted?. 2
What is the average GRE score required for admission?. 2
How do I apply on-line?. 2
Whom should I contact with questions?. 2
Can I apply without paying the admission fee?. 2
Should I apply for the PhD or ScM program?. 3
Does Brown offer financial support for incoming students?. 3
Does Brown offer Teaching Assistantships?. 3
What are Supplementary Teaching Assistantships?. 3
What is a Research Assistantship?. 3
What is a Fellowship?. 3
How many courses do I need to take?. 4
How long does it take to get a ScM?. 4
How long does it take to get a PhD?.


Does an applicant for the PRIME program need to have an Engineering background?
Is the TOEFL required and what are the recommended levels?

4 What is the deadline for applications? : February 15 for fellowship consideration. Contact the Division directly if you wish to make an application after this date.

What is the mailing address for applications? All application materials, transcripts, recommendations, etc should be sent to: Graduate School, Brown University, Box 1867, Providence, RI 02912

Are GREs required? Yes – GREs are required. Official copies are necessary in all circumstances.

What is the GRE Code? The GRE Code for Brown Engineering is the university code 3094.

How do I know if I will be admitted? Without a full and complete application, it is impossible to determine if a student will be admitted and offered financial aid.  The application should be sent with official transcripts, letters of recommendation and statement of purpose to the graduate school, at which time we can review it and decide.  

What is the average GRE score required for admission? We do not currently keep records of the GRE scores of our students.  

How do I apply on-line? Applications to Brown can be completed on-line by going to the Graduate School Web Site

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: See this page for more contact information.

Can I apply without paying the admission fee? Unfortunately, we cannot process applications without an application fee. 

Should I apply for the PhD or ScM program? If your ultimate objective is to receive a PhD, you should apply to the PhD program.  You can receive a Master’s degree along the way, if you choose.  

Does Brown offer financial support for incoming students? Almost all of our students admitted to the PhD program are offered financial support, either in the form of a fellowship or a research assistantship. Some students are admitted without financial aid, but they are usually admitted to the Masters Degree Program only.  In addition, the US Government will usually not issue a visa to a foreign student who does not have proof that they can support themselves financially.  

Does Brown offer Teaching Assistantships? We do have a few Full TA positions (which pay tuition and a stipend), but these are not common, and are usually given to senior graduate students.  Students should not plan to support themselves through TA appointments.  

What are Supplementary Teaching Assistantships? STAs are one-semester teaching appointments which enable graduate students to participate in undergraduate teaching (running labs, recitation sections, etc).  They usually require a commitment of six hours a week and pay roughly $2000 per semester.  They do not include any tuition support.  

 What is a Research Assistantship? Most of our students are supported with RA appointments which pay tuition and a monthly stipend.  In return, the student works with a faculty member, a minimum of 20 hours a week (usually more).  The RA appointment is usually renewed each semester, and during the summer, assuming good progress is being made towards a thesis.  RAs are restricted to a maximum of three courses per semester.  

What is a Fellowship? Fellowships are awarded either by the Graduate School or the Division and pay tuition and a monthly stipend. A student receiving a fellowship is free to take as many courses a they wish and can 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.

How many courses do I need to take? The ScM program requires eight courses and can be completed in a single year if the student is not supported by an RA. The PhD program has different course requirements, depending on the research group.  

How long does it take to get a ScM? The non-thesis ScM can be completed in one year assuming the student does not hold an RA appointment.  The ScM-with-thesis typically takes 18-24 months.  

How long does it take to get a PhD? The time to receive a PhD varies and depends on the student’s preparation as well as the particular research project.  Typical PhD programs last 4-6 years.

Does an applicant for the PRIME program need to have an Engineering background? Students admitted to the PRIME program need to have an undergraduate background in engineering or a science-related field. They will need to work in a technology area as part of this program.

Is the TOEFL required and what are the recommended levels? In order to be considered for admission in any department, an applicant's TOEFL score must be 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the Internet-based test. Those taking the IELTS must achieve a minimum overall band score of 6.5. These exams should be taken early enough to allow the scores to reach the Graduate School by your department's deadline. You can learn more here.