Brown University undergraduates have the opportunity to spend an additional year at Brown to earn a Master of Science in Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship degree. The 5th Year ScM is an efficient way of learning the process of creating value from technology, learning how to develop embryonic ideas and bringing them to the market. You will learn core business skills in finance, strategy, marketing, decision making, globalization and management. 

Courses Required: 6 core classes and an internship are required to complete the program. 5th Years are not required to take the 2 electives, providing a 25% reduction in tuition. Undergraduate courses are required to be entered in the online application and must be approved by the director.

Click here for admission requirements.

All applications for PRIME must be completed online.  Please click here for the online application.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Unofficial transcripts from all Post-Secondary Education  (official transcripts will be requested upon acceptance)
   
• 3 letters of recommendation
   
• CV / resume
   
• Personal statement: (500-1000 words stating your reason to pursue graduate work) Opportunity to express your interest pertaining to the development of the business and technical foundations for successful careers in areas related to innovation and entrepreneurship. The statement should include examples of your past work in your chosen field, your plans for study at Brown, and your professional goals.
   
• 2 video essays
   
• GRE scores: Not required, but submission is encouraged
  Brown reporting code: 3094. There is no departmental / major code.
   
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores: Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction.

Brown University is now accepting the at-home version of the TOEFL and GRE. 

• Application fee of $100. Waiver may be requested in the online application

Yes, the degree issued is a Masters of Science in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (PRIME), under the School of Engineering and is a STEM program. After completing the program, international students may utilize OPT, Optional Practical Training.

PRIME's fully online modality enables students to complete a one year masters program remotely. Students will build the network and skills vital for advancement — without interrupting your career. Being able to continue to work, enables students the opportunity to  assist their company to reimagine and redefine itself for the future or apply your expertise to help launch your own startup. If interested, on campus engagement is welcomed throughout the duration of the program.

Online Learning:

• Online classes are typically 2.5 to 3 hour duration Zoom video conferences.  Synchronous Zoom video conference sessions will be conducted in the evening to assure maximum convenience. Some class discussions/simulations may also be done asynchronously using our Canvas learning management system.  Sessions will be recorded to offer flexibility when needed. 

PLEASE NOTE: For international students studying on an F-1 visa and looking to utilize OPT, Optional Practical Training, all PRIME required courses must be taken in person/on campus. International students will not be eligible for OPT if the course is completed fully online.

The application for PRIME's Class of 2028, summer 2025 start, is now open:

Thank you for submitting your application! The admission decisions are as follows
 – Priority Deadline: December 1, 2026
 – Regular Deadline: February 1, 2027
 – Brown 5th Year Deadline: May 1, 2027

For domestic or international students, the PRIME program has limited financial aid and scholarships based on a combination of merit and financial need. To be considered for the fullest possible aid award, applicants must complete either the FAFSA or the CSS Profile (international students without a SSN). Designate Brown University Graduate School as a recipient by our school code (FAFSA #E00058 / CSS #3189).

In addition to need and overall cohort composition, decisions are informed by an applicant's undergraduate major and prior technology innovation or entrepreneurial activities. Please note that scholarship award amounts and types may change year to year.

Students are encouraged to explore work opportunities on the Brown campus. Research and Teaching Assistant positions are available for students to apply to for the fall and spring terms.

For information regarding financial aid, please visit the Office of Financial Aid: https://www.brown.edu/academics/gradschool/financing-support

All students must begin the program in the summer (month of June) due to the sequential and accelerated nature of the program; there is no fall or spring start. Students begin with the 2 required summer courses fully online; ENGN 2110 and ENGN 2120.

PRIME students earn a ScM degree in one academic year. Please note this is a non-thesis degree.

If you earned a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction the TOEFL will be waived. It is done automatically within the online application. The university does not allow TOEFL waivers. Please contact prime@brown.edu with any questions. 

1) The Application Fee is automatically waived for:

• Active duty U.S. Military personnel, as well as U.S. Military veterans. Please be sure to list your status within the application.
• Domestic or international applicants who are members/alumni of certain programs listed within the application.
• Current Brown undergraduates applying as a 5th year applicant.

2) If you would like to request an Application Fee Waiver based on high-financial need:

Please complete the Application Fee Waiver Form found within the online application. The Application Fee Waiver Form is located under the section entitled Financial Information. You will see a link that says Application Fee Waiver Form. Please note this form is only accessible once you have started an application and selected your program of study.

The Application Fee Waiver Form must be submitted no later than three days before the application deadline. Applicants will be notified by email regarding the outcome of their request and should not submit their application until receiving notification about their waiver. In addition, you will need to upload documentation that substantiates your financial hardship.

The average score for admission consideration is 105+ on the Internet-based test. 

Each application is assessed holistically. The program generally requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, with a holistic review of applications. While 3.0 is the benchmark, successful applicants often possess strong academic records and relevant experience, as the committee reviews all components, including letters of recommendation, a CV, and a personal statement. Applicants with GPAs below 3.0 are strongly advised to submit additional evidence demonstrating academic potential.

You can find additional information about the STEM extension on the site of our International Student Services department (OISSS).

PRIME graduates have secured positions in consulting, investment banking, health/medical companies, information technology, traditional engineering companies, small technology firms and as founders of new ventures.

PRIME is primarily designed for a student who has an engineering, computer science, applied math, or physical/biological science undergraduate degree (STEM). Students with undergraduate degrees in economics, business and industrial design who have an interest in innovation management and entrepreneurship have also successfully completed the program.

Resources are available to PRIME students through the School of Professional Studies: https://masterscareers.brown.edu/

PRIME provides networking opportunities through the Nelson Center, PRIME@Work internships, the immersion trip as well as PRIME and Brown alumni. 

PRIME students are required to complete 8 courses. The program structure is: 2 (summer) + 3 (fall)  + 3 (spring). Master students are billed per course. 

For additional information please visit the Graduate - Master's Tuition and Fees.

Whether virtually or in person, getting to know Brown’s campus through the eyes of a current student is a great way to learn more about life as a Brunonian. More detail regarding both types of tour can be found on the pages below, along with registration information.

LEARN MORE

If you have additional questions regarding the PRIME program, please contact our team at prime@brown.edu.

The Brown University diploma is produced entirely in Latin (except for name of graduate) and bears the Seal of the Corporation of Brown University in the lower center as well as the signatures of the University President and the Secretary of the Corporation. The diploma is only conferred once per year in May at commencement for students enrolled in The College. For students in the college, there is only one diploma awarded whether AB, ScB, or the Five Year combined Ab-ScB. Terminal advanced degrees are Conferred three times a year (October, February, and at Commencement in May.) Click for additional information.

PRIME Diploma: degree name on the diploma is the same for both modailities.

Typically, students complete the program with a 2+3+3 program structure (2 summer, 3 fall, 3 spring). 

Please be advised that international students on an F-1 visa are required to attend in person courses and must adhere strictly to the 2+3+3 program structure (2 summer, 3 fall, 3 spring) in order to be in compliance with visa regulations.

Students may transfer in one course only, but it must be from a masters degree or MBA and it has to be director approved.