Dear Brown University Master’s Students,

As the Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Master's Programs, it is my privilege to welcome you to a new academic year and to our vibrant community, where academic excellence is enriched by diverse perspectives and meaningful collaboration.

Whether you are joining us on campus here in Providence or connecting online from around the world, I am thrilled to welcome you to Brown University and look forward to getting to know you through upcoming activities and events.

This year, Brown welcomes over a thousand new master’s students, both in person and online.

Among them:

• 31% are international students, bringing diverse global perspectives.
• 40% identify as historically underrepresented in higher education.
• 88 are returning Brown alumni, now embarking on graduate studies. 

To our new students: you are joining a vibrant community of world-class scholars and collaborative peers. As you navigate the year ahead, I encourage you to fully engage with our resources, starting with the Center for Master’s Student Excellence (CMX), where our team is eager to support your academic growth and well-being, while helping you build your professional network as you prepare for what’s next.

Graduate education extends beyond the classroom. It is equally about the connections made with peers, the exchange of ideas across disciplines and the communities built together. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to engage in events, workshops and cultural celebrations, offered both in-person and online. These opportunities foster belonging and create the kinds of relationships that alumni often describe as the most memorable and transformative part of their Brown experience. 

It’s also never too early to begin thinking about what comes next. Whether you’re exploring career paths, seeking an internship or preparing for your next professional opportunity, I encourage you to take advantage of the many career resources available to you throughout your time at Brown. Our teams are here to help you explore your interests, build your professional network and develop the skills and experiences that will prepare you for life after Brown. 

To remain connected to the many opportunities and resources available, students can turn to our social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube) and our master’s newsletter for upcoming events, career services and community programming. 

We also invite you to share your experiential learning experiences with us for a chance to be featured in our monthly master’s newsletter and on our website. Your stories help us celebrate the achievements of our students while giving your peers a look at unique opportunities, career pathways and strategies for success. Nominate a student or share your experience here.

Our ultimate goal is for you to find a deep sense of belonging and have a truly meaningful experience that goes beyond the classroom. I wish you a successful and inspiring year ahead. 

Warm regards,

Sandra Smith

Dean, School of Professional Studies and Master's Programs