Brandeis University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Encyclopedia
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) at Brandeis University
in Waltham, Massachusetts
, United States
was established in 1953 on a 235-acre suburban campus, located 9 miles outside of Boston
, and is one of four graduate schools on campus.
Brandeis University
, founded in 1948, is named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis and reflects the ideals of academic excellence and social justice that he personified. Soon after its founding, Brandeis University
established an international reputation through prominent early faculty members such as Eleanor Roosevelt
and composer Leonard Bernstein
, and through election to the Association of American Universities
.
In the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences' first year (1953), 42 students were enrolled in four areas of study: chemistry, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, music composition, and psychology. Today, Brandeis University
's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences enrolls more than 900 students pursuing advanced degrees in more than 40 master's and certificate degrees and 17 doctoral programs.
is a community of scholars and students united by their commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and its transmission from generation to generation. As a research university, Brandeis is dedicated to the advancement of the humanities, arts and social, natural and physical sciences. As a liberal arts college, Brandeis affirms the importance of a broad and critical education in enriching the lives of students and preparing them for full participation in a changing society, capable of promoting their own welfare, yet remaining deeply concerned about the welfare of others.
In a world of challenging social and technological transformations, Brandeis remains a center of open inquiry and teaching, cherishing its independence from any doctrine or government. It strives to reflect the heterogeneity of the United States and of the world community whose ideas and concerns it shares. In the belief that the most important learning derives from the personal encounter and joint work of teacher and students, Brandeis encourages undergraduates and postgraduates to participate with distinguished faculty in research, scholarship and artistic activities."
A postbaccalaureate certificate is also offered and can enhance one's skills in a given discipline, especially if one's undergraduate coursework did not include the prerequisites needed to pursue a graduate degree in a particular discipline. Students with a graduate certificate have often honed their skills and made themselves more qualified in the professional workplace.
's doctoral programs emphasize research, writing, and public speaking-- skills that are critical for every career path.
Resting at the core of Brandeis University
's doctoral programs is the philosophy of mentorship. Small classes give students the opportunity to work closely with a distinguished scholar and mentor. Most doctoral students are funded fully for five years.
A full listing of degree offerings (including Dual and Joint programs) are available on the Brandeis University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Website: GSAS Programs
, Boston College
, Boston University
and Tufts University
participate in a cross-registration consortium. A full-time graduate student in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may enroll in one graduate cross-registered course each term.
Science Center complex, which opened in January 2009, is a five-story teaching and research-laboratory building which contains modern teaching and research spaces for biochemistry, biology, chemistry, and genomics. The Shapiro Science Center houses the National Center of Behavioral Genomics, which is dedicated to understanding brain function and behavior. Current research focuses on degenerative neurological diseases, autism, learning, and memory.
Within the complex itself, key goals are to create research and teaching-lab/classroom spaces appropriate for the research and teaching that characterize science at Brandeis University
and to foster connections between disciplines in the sciences through physical connections and the creation of interaction spaces.
The construction of the 175000 square feet (16,258 m²), $154 million science complex, which was made possible by a generous donation from the family of Carl and Ruth Shapiro
, houses two floors of biology and chemistry teaching labs and classrooms, three floors devoted to research labs, and an atrium and café.
Although science buildings are energy-intensive, energy conservation
was a top priority in the design. A multi-story atrium connects to other buildings within the science complex, serving as a hub for the science community and facilitating collaboration across multiple disciplines.
FEATURES :
•High-efficiency glass and exterior sunshades on the south facade achieve optimized control of solar heat gain. The air systems operate at various levels of intensity to conserve energy when the building isn’t fully occupied. The lighting system includes both occupancy sensors and a daylight harvesting system that automatically dims or brightens the lights in a room based on the amount of daylight. The building also has two heat-recovery wheels that draw heat out of the air to help cool the space in the summer and warm it in the winter.
•More than 95 percent of construction and demolition waste was recycled. All salvageable furniture removed from vacant spaces either was reused at Brandeis or donated for reuse elsewhere. Recycling containers are provided in every kitchen, lab, office, and common space to support the Brandeis recycling program.
•Large amounts of glass on the exterior of the building provide ample daylight. All interior spaces have direct or borrowed daylight (except where research requires darkness). Operable windows in nonlab spaces offer occupants natural ventilation.
•Native plantings require no irrigation or maintenance, significantly reducing water consumption. Concrete sidewalks contain a white additive to help reflect sunlight and reduce solar heat gain. Permeable eco-pavers allow water to soak into the ground, and underground retention tanks store rainwater for slow release.
•The flooring tile, carpet, and exterior panels are all made with recycled and recyclable material. Furniture is GREENGUARD-certified. Wood used throughout the project is free of formaldehyde.
•Research labs are designed for maximum flexibility. Open labs along the north and south faces of the building can expand and contract, while a flexible casework system can be easily adjusted as lab requirements change.
’s commitment to the humanities and social sciences, and underscores the cultural and intellectual importance of the liberal arts education and the fields of literature, language, and philosophy.
Opened in fall 2010, the Mandel Center's mission is to foster original, interdisciplinary courses and offer increased opportunities for students to participate in research that incorporates multifaceted subject matter. The center also organizes special local, national, and international conferences and events.
Brandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
in Waltham, Massachusetts
Waltham, Massachusetts
Waltham is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, was an early center for the labor movement, and major contributor to the American Industrial Revolution. The original home of the Boston Manufacturing Company, the city was a prototype for 19th century industrial city planning,...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
was established in 1953 on a 235-acre suburban campus, located 9 miles outside of Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, and is one of four graduate schools on campus.
Brandeis University
Brandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
, founded in 1948, is named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis and reflects the ideals of academic excellence and social justice that he personified. Soon after its founding, Brandeis University
Brandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
established an international reputation through prominent early faculty members such as Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She supported the New Deal policies of her husband, distant cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and became an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, Roosevelt continued to be an international...
and composer Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein August 25, 1918 – October 14, 1990) was an American conductor, composer, author, music lecturer and pianist. He was among the first conductors born and educated in the United States of America to receive worldwide acclaim...
, and through election to the Association of American Universities
Association of American Universities
The Association of American Universities is an organization of leading research universities devoted to maintaining a strong system of academic research and education...
.
In the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences' first year (1953), 42 students were enrolled in four areas of study: chemistry, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, music composition, and psychology. Today, Brandeis University
Brandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences enrolls more than 900 students pursuing advanced degrees in more than 40 master's and certificate degrees and 17 doctoral programs.
Mission
According to its mission statement, "Brandeis UniversityBrandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
is a community of scholars and students united by their commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and its transmission from generation to generation. As a research university, Brandeis is dedicated to the advancement of the humanities, arts and social, natural and physical sciences. As a liberal arts college, Brandeis affirms the importance of a broad and critical education in enriching the lives of students and preparing them for full participation in a changing society, capable of promoting their own welfare, yet remaining deeply concerned about the welfare of others.
In a world of challenging social and technological transformations, Brandeis remains a center of open inquiry and teaching, cherishing its independence from any doctrine or government. It strives to reflect the heterogeneity of the United States and of the world community whose ideas and concerns it shares. In the belief that the most important learning derives from the personal encounter and joint work of teacher and students, Brandeis encourages undergraduates and postgraduates to participate with distinguished faculty in research, scholarship and artistic activities."
Master's and Certificate Programs
On average, master's students attend four semesters, but many programs may be completed in one year. Support to students, both inside and outside the classroom, is available through the following: merit and need based scholarships; a one year master's colloquium to develop basic graduate skills; master's research funding to sponsor research for master's theses; travel funds to attend scholarly conferences; and career services for professional development. Professional and predoctoral programs are also offered to enhance one's skills in the social sciences, humanities, arts, education, natural sciences, and physical sciences. The emphases on small classes and faculty mentorship allow students to work closely with senior scholars.A postbaccalaureate certificate is also offered and can enhance one's skills in a given discipline, especially if one's undergraduate coursework did not include the prerequisites needed to pursue a graduate degree in a particular discipline. Students with a graduate certificate have often honed their skills and made themselves more qualified in the professional workplace.
Doctoral Programs
The doctoral degree is often a requirement for most academic positions in higher education, but it also enhances one's qualifications for nonacademic careers in public and private organizations-- from service in the federal government to the private sector. Brandeis UniversityBrandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
's doctoral programs emphasize research, writing, and public speaking-- skills that are critical for every career path.
Resting at the core of Brandeis University
Brandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
's doctoral programs is the philosophy of mentorship. Small classes give students the opportunity to work closely with a distinguished scholar and mentor. Most doctoral students are funded fully for five years.
Graduate programs
Areas of Study- Ancient Greek and Roman Studies/Classics (M.A., Certificate)
- Anthropology (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Biochemistry (Ph.D.)
- Biophysics and Structural Biology (Ph.D.)
- Biotechnology (M.S.)
- Chemistry (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
- Computational Linguistics (M.A.)
- Computer Science (M.A., Ph.D., Certificate)
- Computer Science and IT Entrepreneurship (M.A.)
- Education/Teaching: Elementary; Secondary; Jewish Days Schools (M.A.T.)
- English (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Genetic Counseling (M.S.)
- Global Studies (M.A.)
- History (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Mathematics (M.A., Ph.D., Certificate)
- Molecular and Cell Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)
- Music Composition and Theory (M.A., M.F.A., Ph.D.)
- Musicology (M.A., M.F.A., Ph.D.)
- Near Eastern and Judaic Studies (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Neuroscience (M.S., Ph.D.)
- Philosophy (M.A.)
- Physics (M.S., Ph.D.)
- Politics (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Premedical Studies (Certificate)
- Psychology (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Sociology (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Studio Art (Certificate)
- Theater Arts: Acting (M.F.A.)
- Women's and Gender Studies (M.A. and Joint Master's Programs)
A full listing of degree offerings (including Dual and Joint programs) are available on the Brandeis University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Website: GSAS Programs
Boston Consortium
Brandeis UniversityBrandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
, Boston College
Boston College
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early...
, Boston University
Boston University
Boston University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With more than 4,000 faculty members and more than 31,000 students, Boston University is one of the largest private universities in the United States and one of Boston's largest employers...
and Tufts University
Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts. It is organized into ten schools, including two undergraduate programs and eight graduate divisions, on four campuses in Massachusetts and on the eastern border of France...
participate in a cross-registration consortium. A full-time graduate student in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may enroll in one graduate cross-registered course each term.
Carl J. Shapiro Science Center
The Carl J. ShapiroCarl J. Shapiro
Carl J. Shapiro is a Boston philanthropist and entrepreneur. He and his wife, Ruth live in Boston and Palm Beach. In 1939, he founded Kay Windsor, Inc., in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and built it into one of the largest women's apparel companies in the country...
Science Center complex, which opened in January 2009, is a five-story teaching and research-laboratory building which contains modern teaching and research spaces for biochemistry, biology, chemistry, and genomics. The Shapiro Science Center houses the National Center of Behavioral Genomics, which is dedicated to understanding brain function and behavior. Current research focuses on degenerative neurological diseases, autism, learning, and memory.
Within the complex itself, key goals are to create research and teaching-lab/classroom spaces appropriate for the research and teaching that characterize science at Brandeis University
Brandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
and to foster connections between disciplines in the sciences through physical connections and the creation of interaction spaces.
The construction of the 175000 square feet (16,258 m²), $154 million science complex, which was made possible by a generous donation from the family of Carl and Ruth Shapiro
Carl J. Shapiro
Carl J. Shapiro is a Boston philanthropist and entrepreneur. He and his wife, Ruth live in Boston and Palm Beach. In 1939, he founded Kay Windsor, Inc., in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and built it into one of the largest women's apparel companies in the country...
, houses two floors of biology and chemistry teaching labs and classrooms, three floors devoted to research labs, and an atrium and café.
Although science buildings are energy-intensive, energy conservation
Energy conservation
Energy conservation refers to efforts made to reduce energy consumption. Energy conservation can be achieved through increased efficient energy use, in conjunction with decreased energy consumption and/or reduced consumption from conventional energy sources...
was a top priority in the design. A multi-story atrium connects to other buildings within the science complex, serving as a hub for the science community and facilitating collaboration across multiple disciplines.
FEATURES :
•High-efficiency glass and exterior sunshades on the south facade achieve optimized control of solar heat gain. The air systems operate at various levels of intensity to conserve energy when the building isn’t fully occupied. The lighting system includes both occupancy sensors and a daylight harvesting system that automatically dims or brightens the lights in a room based on the amount of daylight. The building also has two heat-recovery wheels that draw heat out of the air to help cool the space in the summer and warm it in the winter.
•More than 95 percent of construction and demolition waste was recycled. All salvageable furniture removed from vacant spaces either was reused at Brandeis or donated for reuse elsewhere. Recycling containers are provided in every kitchen, lab, office, and common space to support the Brandeis recycling program.
•Large amounts of glass on the exterior of the building provide ample daylight. All interior spaces have direct or borrowed daylight (except where research requires darkness). Operable windows in nonlab spaces offer occupants natural ventilation.
•Native plantings require no irrigation or maintenance, significantly reducing water consumption. Concrete sidewalks contain a white additive to help reflect sunlight and reduce solar heat gain. Permeable eco-pavers allow water to soak into the ground, and underground retention tanks store rainwater for slow release.
•The flooring tile, carpet, and exterior panels are all made with recycled and recyclable material. Furniture is GREENGUARD-certified. Wood used throughout the project is free of formaldehyde.
•Research labs are designed for maximum flexibility. Open labs along the north and south faces of the building can expand and contract, while a flexible casework system can be easily adjusted as lab requirements change.
Mandel Center for Humanities
Made possible by a $22.5 million gift from the Cleveland-based Mandel Foundation, the Mandel Center for Humanities bolsters Brandeis UniversityBrandeis University
Brandeis University is an American private research university with a liberal arts focus. It is located in the southwestern corner of Waltham, Massachusetts, nine miles west of Boston. The University has an enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. In 2011, it...
’s commitment to the humanities and social sciences, and underscores the cultural and intellectual importance of the liberal arts education and the fields of literature, language, and philosophy.
Opened in fall 2010, the Mandel Center's mission is to foster original, interdisciplinary courses and offer increased opportunities for students to participate in research that incorporates multifaceted subject matter. The center also organizes special local, national, and international conferences and events.
Other Research Facilities
Brandeis faculty have also secured external funding for an array of other research facilities. These include :- An 800 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer
- An electron microscopy (EM) facility, including a 300kV field emission cryo EM
- A Fourier transform mass spectrometry facility, equipped for both electrospray and MALDI ionization
- X-ray crystallography facilities
- Microfluidics fabrication facility
- The Ashton Graybiel Spatial Orientation Laboratory
- The Mandel Center for the Humanities
- The Irving Schneider and Family Building
- CLEM-Facility for Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy