Program Overview

Program Overview

The School of Engineering at Brown University focuses on unique and innovative clustering of faculty, where engineers of all types team together with non-engineers to tackle some of the biggest problems facing engineering and science today. Prospective Ph.D. students are strongly encouraged to explore individual research activities, as the range of topics is broad.

Program Structure

Students usually identify an advisor during the early stages of graduate study and are often involved in independent research from the start of the program. Each student, in collaboration with their advisor, develops a unique program of study that includes both coursework and independent research, preparing students for careers in academia and industry.

Research Areas

The School of Engineering includes the following research areas:

• The Chemical and Environmental Engineering (ChEE) applies chemical and engineering sciences to emerging technologies and their impacts on human health and the environment. Specific research thrusts include:
  • Environmental remediation
  • Biotechnology
  • Biotransport processes
  • Chemical nanoscience
  • Carbon-based materials
  • Thermal and electrochemical energy conversion
• The Electrical and Computer Engineering group is divided into solid state and quantum electronics (SSQE) and computer engineering. Research topics include:
  • Experimental laser sciences
  • Semiconductors
  • Optoelectronics
  • Condensed matter physics
  • Nanoscience and technology
  • Biophotonics
  • Bioengineering
  • Multimedia signal processing
  • Medical imaging
  • Computer vision
  • 3D photography
  • Speech processing
  • Image understanding
  • Design and test of digital integrated circuits
  • Computer architecture
  • Physical integrated circuit design
  • Nanoscale system design
• Research in the Fluids and Thermal Sciences group focuses on a broad range of disciplines and applications, including:
  • Fundamental fluid dynamics and heat transfer
  • Micro- and nanoscale fluids
  • Complex fluids
  • Biotechnology
  • Acoustics
  • Thermodynamics and energy sciences
• The Materials Science focuses on a fundamental understanding of the different types of materials and the interrelationship between processing, structure, and materials properties.
• The Mechanics of Solids group fosters a balanced program that integrates the perspectives of continuum mechanics, structure of matter, and materials science.

Application Information

Application Requirements

• GRE Subject: Not required
• GRE General: Recommended

Dates/Deadlines

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

Completion Requirements

The program requires three years of full-time residence, satisfactory completion of a progress review and preliminary exam, and completion and defense of a dissertation.

Leadership

• Dean of Engineering: Tejal Desai
• Director of Graduate Studies: Robert Hurt
• Graduate Advisor (Chemical and Environmental Engineering): Franklin Goldsmith
• Graduate Advisor (Electrical and Computer Engineering): Daniel Mittleman
• Graduate Advisor (Fluids): Daniel Harris
• Graduate Advisor (Materials): Lucas Caretta
• Graduate Advisor (Mechanics of Solids): William Curtin

Additional Resources

The School of Engineering also offers distinct master's degree programs in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (PRIME) and Biomedical Engineering. Additional resources include:

• Program Faculty
• Program Handbook
• Graduate School Handbook