A student can choose to pursue an undergraduate degree, a Master of Science (MSc) or an MPhil/PhD. There are a number of programs to choose from including the South Asia Studies program, an interdisciplinary concentration. The focus of the program is to teach students about the culture, history, and politics of South Asia.
Students are encouraged to take up South Asian languages. While Hindi and Urdu are required for admission, native speakers can fulfill the language requirement by taking an additional South Asian language. All students may also take up up to two language courses to count toward their electives.
Students who wish to earn honors are required to complete a senior capstone project. They are also required to take a total of twelve courses. In addition to this, they must submit an honors thesis and demonstrate proficiency in four semesters of formal language study at Brown University.
As part of the program, students can attend a weekly South Asia Seminar. They can also participate in the South Asia Virtual Library Project. It is a Web site that will feature full-text electronic versions of the Official Publications of India. These will be searchable using the Digital South Asia Library Web site.
Additionally, students can explore the South Asian Student Association, which organizes events and activities to promote knowledge about the region. This group is committed to creating a safe, inviting environment for all students. Throughout the year, SASA plans social and educational events. Some examples include a three-week research expedition to Mount Everest.