Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice

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: 

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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

Application Deadline: January 15, 2026

Inquire  Apply

 

Tuition & Funding

Brown University Master's students are billed per enrollment unit (per course). Graduate student tuition and fees are posted annually on the Brown University Graduate School website. Students in Master's in Integrative Studies (Public Humanities) program are enrolled in 5 courses per academic year.

The Simmons Center offers a variety of financial support and funding options to the students in the Master's in Integrative Studies (Public Humanities) program.

Tuition Scholarships

All students who are admitted to the program will receive 40% tuition scholarship from the Simmons Center for the duration of the program.

Academic Year Stipend (Financial Need-based support)

Students who demonstrate financial need will be eligible to receive an academic year stipend for two years. Students must complete the FAFSA or CSS Profile (for international students) by January 15, 2026 to be considered. The awarded amount is based on a student's demonstrated level of financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (based on FAFSA/CSS Profile information).  Please note that academic stipend funding may not meet full demonstrated need. As a component of receiving academic year stipend, the recipients are expected to work between 10-15 hours a week during fall and spring semesters at the Simmons Center or with one of our partner departments/organizations.

Conference and Professional Development Fund

All students in the program receive up to $2,000 each year to offset participation expenses in professional conferences and for other professional development opportunities. 

Summer Practicum Funding

All students in the program receive up to $3,000 summer stipend funding to partially defray cost of living expenses during the summer practicum.

 

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
    Barrymore_Bogues@brown.edu

  • 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
    brian_meeks@brown.edu

  • 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
    elena_shih@brown.edu

Faculty

Faculty Associates