Brandeis Magazine

In a reorganization of its academic structure, the university has introduced four new schools: Arts, Humanities and Culture, led by Dean Harleen Singh; Business and Economics, led by Dean Linda Bui; Science, Engineering and Technology, led by Dean Susan Birren; and Social Sciences and Social Policy, led by Dean Sara Shostak.

“We are creating a structure that reflects how the world is changing,” says President Arthur Levine ’70. “Brandeis students need both deep academic knowledge and the ability to apply it. What’s unique about this effort is that our highly successful and recognized professional programs will now be incorporated into the undergraduate experience.”

Designed in close collaboration with faculty, the new model brings related fields together, and encourages fresh approaches to teaching and research. Encompassing both undergraduate and graduate education, the four schools offer a flexible academic experience that can prepare students for a wide range of careers and advanced study.

“This realignment reflects the creativity and commitment of our faculty to shape a Brandeis education that’s both intellectually rigorous and deeply relevant,” says Carol Fierke, GSAS PhD’84, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “These new schools create a structure that makes it easier to collaborate across fields and ensure every student can connect their learning to the world around them.”

As part of the Brandeis Plan to Reinvent the Liberal Arts, the university is also piloting five new course-based, hard-skill microcredentials, drawn from more than 20 faculty proposals. The microcredentials will verify a student’s competency in a specialized, career-focused skill, linking intellectual inquiry with real-world application, to help students thrive in a rapidly changing, AI-driven global economy. The pilot program focuses on five in-demand skill areas: applied data science, data analytics, person-centered research and analysis, policy analysis and implementation, and sound and video media.

To support students across this new academic landscape, Brandeis has created two leadership roles. Jeffrey Shoulson now serves as vice provost for undergraduate affairs, and Charles Golden, P’28, is vice provost for graduate affairs. Their offices will coordinate advising, program development and academic policy to ensure students benefit from a forward-looking education across disciplines and degree levels.