Overview

The Contemplative Studies program offered by Brown University offers students the opportunity to pursue a "third person" academic approach drawn from the humanities and sciences to analyze the cultural, historical, and scientific underpinnings of contemplative experiences in domains such as religion, art, music, literature, and health.

This is developed in combination with a "critical first-person" approach based in practical experience of contemplative techniques and methods to provide an integrated understanding of the role of contemplative thought and experience in societies and on the individuals who constitute them.

Graduates with B.A. in Contemplative Studies from Brown University will be able to:

Identify the wide variety of contemplative experiences across cultures and across time

Examine scientific and philosophical explanations for contemplative experiences

Cultivate direct first-person knowledge of contemplative experiences

Assess the meaning and significance of contemplative experiences both within the traditions from which they emerged and on a personal level for our students

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Foundation of Living Systems

Meditation and the Brain

Human CognitionCognitive Neuroscience of Meditation

Perception and Mind

Karma, Rebirth and Liberation: Life and Death in South Asian Religions

The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience

Religion and Culture

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-03 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Duolingo English Test

130

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Psychology Philosophy View 1131 other Bachelors in Philosophy in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Brown University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Online application

Personal statement regarding their interests and/or intended areas of study.

We strongly encourage applicants to submit a scanned image of the transcript at the time of application, which can speed processing; however, a final, official transcript will be required of all admitted students who matriculate. Applicants who have attended international institutions must submit transcripts or certified attestations of study, with certified English translations.

Three letters of recommendation by persons well qualified to speak from first-hand knowledge about the applicant's potential for graduate study. All letters should comment on an applicant’s ability to do research and perform in the program’s required coursework.

TOEFL/IELTS - not required if you have earned a degree from a non-U.S. university where the primary language of instruction is English

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

68612 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 68612 USD per year during 48 months.
National

68612 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 68612 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

68612 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 68612 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Providence

1030 - 1900 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Contemplative Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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