Public Humanities – Master’s in Integrative Studies (A.M.)
The Master’s in Integrative Studies, focused in public humanities, provides students with an interdisciplinary exploration of issues surrounding race, decolonial practices and social justice with specific references to cultural work in museums and other cultural organizations. Students will gain the knowledge and tools to lead institutional change within their organizations.
Public Humanities – Master’s in Integrative Studies (A.M.)
The Master’s in Integrative Studies, focused in public humanities, provides students with an interdisciplinary exploration of issues surrounding race, decolonial practices and social justice with specific references to cultural work in museums and other cultural organizations. Students will gain the knowledge and tools to lead institutional change within their organizations.
About
The Master’s in Integrative Studies explores the humanities and contemporary human experience through the lens of race, social justice, democracy and decolonial curatorial and knowledge practices. The program is designed to collapse the dichotomy between the languages of practice and scholarship through the creation of an integrated interdisciplinary curriculum incorporating both theory and practice, linking current academic debates to conversations taking place in museums and other cultural institutions.
An expansive set of courses led by Brown faculty prepare students for successful careers in areas such as museums, cultural heritage sectors, and nonprofits.
Students will be guided by a track-based curriculum that provides structure and direction. Tracks include:
- Museums/Public History
- Art/Curation
- Nonprofit Management
- Digital Humanities
Curriculum
Starting with the class entering in Fall 2025, completion of the A.M. program requires ten courses, six of which are required, as outlined below, and completion of a required uncredited summer practicum. Full-time A.M. students will complete the degree in two years, taking two to three courses per semester. This track-based curriculum will provide structure and direction for students, focusing their elective course selections.
All students must take the following required courses:
Application Information
Application Requirements
- GRE Subject: Not required
- GRE General: Not required
- TOEFL/IELTS: TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international applicants; however, the Graduate School at Brown does offer a list of exceptions. Applicants should submit official TOEFL scores to code 3094 (Brown University). IELTS scores are also accepted.
- Transcripts: Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before classes start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE or SpanTran) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.
- Letters of recommendation: 3 letters
- Resume/CV: Required
- Personal Statement: Required
Application Process & Deadlines
Tuition & Funding
Partial tuition funding may be available for students who demonstrate need. Students must complete the FAFSA by February 1, 2026 to be considered. International students must complete CSS profile by February 1, 2026 to be considered. Please note, funding may not meet full demonstrated need.
Additional funding may be available in the form of fellowships on the Public History of Slavery and in other departments at Brown.
Leadership & Faculty
Leadership
-
Anthony Bogues
Inaugural Director, Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice (on leave July–December 2025); Director, MA in Public Humanities (on leave July–December 2025); Asa Messer Professor of Humanities and Africana Studies -
Brian Meeks
Acting Director of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice (July–December 2025); Acting Director, MA in Public Humanities (July–December 2025); Professor of Africana Studies -
Elena Shih
Associate Professor of American Studies; Director of Graduate Studies, MA in Public Humanities (2025–2028); Associate Director of Academics, Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice
Faculty
-
Anthony Bogues
Inaugural Director, Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice (on leave July–December 2025); Director, MA in Public Humanities (on leave July–December 2025); Asa Messer Professor of Humanities and Africana Studies -
Akeia de Barros Gomes
Adjunct Lecturer in Slavery and Justice; Director, Edward W. Kane and Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History at the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House -
Marisa Mazria Katz
Adjunct Lecturer in Slavery and Justice -
Elena Shih
Associate Professor of American Studies; Director of Graduate Studies, MA in Public Humanities (2025–2028); Associate Director of Academics, Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice
Faculty Associates
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Joshua Babcock
Assistant Professor of Anthropology -
Katharina Galor
Hirschfeld Senior Lecturer in Judaic Studies -
Yannis Hamilakis
Joukowsky Family Professor of Archaeology; Professor of Modern Greek Studies -
Steven Lubar
Public Humanities Faculty Member (2004–2025); Founding Director of the John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage (2004–2014); George L. Littlefield Professor of American History Emeritus, Department of American Studies -
madison moore
John Atwater and Diana Nelson Assistant Professor of the Arts -
Shanti Morell-Hart
Associate Professor of Anthropology -
Itohan Osayimwese
Chair and Professor, History of Art & Architecture -
Robert W. Preucel
Professor of Anthropology; Director of the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology -
Thea Quiray Tagle
Associate Curator of The Bell, Brown Arts Institute -
Jordi Rivera Prince
Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow in Anthropology -
Andrew Scherer
Director of the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World (JIAAW); Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology -
Holly Shaffer
Associate Professor of History of Art and Architecture -
Susan Smulyan
Professor Emerita, American Studies -
Parker VanValkenburgh
Associate Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology