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The Ph.D. program equips students for advanced, creative research and teaching across media theory, history, and critical analysis, embracing diverse cultural contexts and historical periods through contemporary textual, cultural, and social theory frameworks. Each student's curriculum is tailored to their specific interests, allowing focus on a single medium or exploring interconnections between multiple media forms, while incorporating essential coursework in theoretical studies. This approach fosters both specialized expertise and interdisciplinary adaptability. For those entering with a bachelor's degree, the typical course sequence spans three years: six courses in year one, four in year two, and three in year three, alongside meeting language requirements. Following eight completed courses in the second year, students undergo a qualifying review to earn an M.A. in Modern Culture and Media. After finishing all coursework in the third year, candidates take a three-hour oral preliminary exam. Successful completion permits advancement to the dissertation phase, typically undertaken during years four and five.
Graduates of non-U.S. colleges and universities who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree may apply for admission to the Brown University Graduate School.
Regarding TOEFL, the recommended minimum score for admission consideration is 577 on the paper-based test and 90 on the Internet-based test. For IELTS, the recommended minimum overall band score is 7.