Exploring Undergraduate Majors at Princeton University
Princeton University, a distinguished Ivy League research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, offers a wide array of undergraduate majors across various disciplines. Founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, it is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Princeton provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. This article delves into the undergraduate majors available at Princeton University, providing a structured overview of the academic opportunities for prospective students.
Academic Structure and Degree Programs
Princeton University offers two primary undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.). Students apply to Princeton University itself, rather than specific departments or schools. Once enrolled, they can choose from 37 concentrations and over 50 minors and interdepartmental certificate programs. A single faculty of approximately 1,300 teaches both graduate and undergraduate students, ensuring a rich and diverse academic experience. Nearly all undergraduates are in residence on the campus, and housing is guaranteed for all four years.
Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) Degree
The A.B. degree is offered in the humanities, social sciences, and natural science departments. This program is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in fundamental knowledge, including texts, general principles, analytical methods, and theories. Students pursuing an A.B. degree select a major from a diverse range of academic departments.
Here’s a list of the academic departments offering A.B. degrees:
- African American Studies
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Art and Archaeology
- Astrophysical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Classics
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Science
- East Asian Studies
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Economics
- English
- French and Italian
- Geosciences
- German
- History
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Near Eastern Studies
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Politics
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
- Psychology
- Religion
- Slavic Languages and Literatures
- Sociology
- Spanish and Portuguese
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) Degree
The B.S.E. degree is awarded by the six departments within the School of Engineering and Applied Science. This program focuses on providing students with specialized knowledge and skills in engineering disciplines. All B.S.E. students are required to take a first-year writing seminar to enhance their communication skills.
Read also: Decoding Princeton Admissions
The academic departments offering B.S.E. degrees are:
- Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Operations Research and Financial Engineering
It's worth noting that Computer Science offers both the A.B. and B.S.E. degrees, providing students with flexibility based on their academic and career interests.
Minors and Certificate Programs
In addition to their chosen major, undergraduates can supplement their studies with a variety of minor programs. These minors allow students to explore different fields of interest and gain interdisciplinary knowledge. Princeton offers a comprehensive list of minor programs.
Here’s a list of the minor programs:
- African American Studies
- African Studies
- American Studies
- Applied and Computational Mathematics
- Arabic Language
- Archaeology
- Architecture and Engineering
- Asian American Studies
- Bioengineering
- Chinese Language
- Classics
- Climate Science
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- Computing, Society and Policy
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- East Asian Studies
- Engineering Physics
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Finance
- French and Italian
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- German Language and Culture
- Global Health and Health Policy
- Hebrew Language
- Hellenic Studies
- History
- History and the Practice of Diplomacy
- History of Art
- History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
- Humanistic Studies
- Japanese Language
- Journalism
- Judaic Studies
- Korean Language
- Latin American Studies
- Latino Studies
- Linguistics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medieval Studies
- Music
- Music Performance
- Near Eastern Studies
- Neuroscience
- Optimization and Quantitative Decision Science
- Persian Language
- Philosophy
- Quantitative and Computational Biology
- Quantitative Economics
- Religion
- Robotics
- Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
- Slavic Languages and Cultures
- South Asian Studies
- Spanish and Portuguese
- Statistics and Machine Learning
- Sustainable Energy
- Technology and Society
- Theater and Music Theater
- Translation and Intercultural Communications
- Turkish Language
- Urban Studies
- Values and Public Life
- Visual Arts
Princeton University also offers certificate programs, allowing students to gain specialized knowledge in a particular area. One such program is Planets and Life, which is discontinuing with the Class of 2027.
Read also: Affording Princeton: A Cost Breakdown
Campus Environment and Resources
Princeton University's main campus is situated on 600 acres (2.4 km2) in Princeton, New Jersey, featuring over 200 buildings. The first building on campus was Nassau Hall, completed in 1756. The campus has evolved architecturally over the years, with significant contributions from firms like Cope and Stewardson, who implemented the Collegiate Gothic style that characterizes much of Princeton's aesthetic.
The university is also home to the Princeton University Art Museum, established in 1882, which houses over 112,000 objects ranging from ancient to contemporary art. The museum's collections span various cultures and historical periods, providing students with direct access to diverse works of art.
Princeton utilizes a residential college system, fostering a close-knit community among undergraduates. The university also has over 500 student organizations and is known for its eating clubs for juniors and seniors.
Emphasis on Individual Responsibility and Intellectual Exchange
Princeton's curriculum places a strong emphasis on individual responsibility and the free exchange of ideas. This is evident in the use of preceptorials and seminars, independent study opportunities for upper-class students, and a variety of special programs designed to meet individual interests.
Historical Context and Evolution
Founded as the College of New Jersey, Princeton University has a rich history marked by significant transformations. In its early years, the institution was shaped by the "Log College," a seminary founded by the Reverend William Tennent. The university faced numerous challenges, including periods of financial instability and social unrest. Key figures such as James Carnahan, John Maclean Jr., James McCosh, and Woodrow Wilson played pivotal roles in shaping Princeton's academic and institutional development.
Read also: Princeton Transfer Guide
During the 20th century, Princeton navigated significant historical events, including World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. The university's commitment to research and academic excellence attracted prominent scholars, including Albert Einstein, and contributed to projects like the Manhattan Project.
Princeton also underwent significant social changes, including the admission of women and increased diversity among the student body. These changes reflect the university's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and progress.
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