Open Curriculum versus Core Curriculum

By Daniel Ein Alshaeba, 2025

Published 3/12/2024

Brown and Columbia are both Ivy-league schools known for their unique curricula, with Brown being famous for its flexible open curriculum, and Columbia for its diverse core curriculum.  While acceptance to either school is a dream come true for most individuals, myself included, understanding the merits of each system can shape where one may apply or opt for Early Decision.

Brown University first established its open curriculum system in 1969, inspired by a desire for students to pursue new trains of thought and challenge themselves.  Under this system, students have the flexibility to choose classes without the constraints of graduation requirements, other than those dictated by their concentration, Brown’s equivalent of a major.  This allows students to explore diverse subjects and trains of thought, or gain an incredibly comprehensive understanding of a few subjects.  Hence, students can mold their course load to suit their interests, contributing to the passion for exploration that embodies Brown.  To encourage students, Brown University has a “shopping period” near the beginning of each semester, where students can sample a variety of classes before committing.  Additionally, students at Brown have the option to take courses for satisfactory/no credit, in which case they would gain credit without GPA impact.  However, this system is by no means designed to give an effortless undergraduate experience.  86% of Brown University seniors believed that the open curriculum provided a challenging course of study, according to Brown’s Office of Institutional Research.

Columbia University, on the other hand, took a different approach to creating a diverse undergraduate education.  Starting in 1919, with the addition of Contemporary Civilization, Columbia progressively added more required courses as years passed, delving into music, literature, global culture, and science.  To date, this core curriculum is still evolving, with classes being periodically reviewed in response to changes in the modern world.  These core curriculum classes generally take the form of discussion-style seminars consisting of no more than 24 students.  This fosters a strong sense of community among students, while also encouraging critical inquiry and deeper understanding of material.  Through the Core Curriculum, graduates leave not only with diplomas but also a powerful array of intellectual tools, such as critical thinking skills, which Columbia hopes will allow them to solve complex problems encountered in the world.  Among alumni, the Core Curriculum is often noted as the most important part of their experience at Columbia.

Evidently, both curricula provide immense benefits to students.  The Core and Open Curricula both can foster well-rounded students through challenging classes.  Ultimately, flexibility is the distinguishing factor.  If students are content with free reign over their courses or hope to fixate on a specific subject, the Open Curriculum is a clear winner.  Conversely, a student prefers structure over the labyrinth of complete course freedom, and discussion-based learning is enticing, the Core Curriculum is ideal.