Princeton University is an Ivy League school that ranks number 1 among national universities. Because of that, it wouldn’t surprise you that it has many high-ranking subject areas as well. However, among all of those programs, what are the best majors at Princeton?
In this article, we’ll talk about ten of the university’s best majors and what makes them excellent.
- History at Princeton
- Computer Science at Princeton
- Political Science at Princeton
- Public and International Affairs at Princeton
- English at Princeton
- Engineering at Princeton
- Economics at Princeton
- Psychology at Princeton
- Molecular Biology at Princeton
- Physics at Princeton
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
History at Princeton
Princeton’s history program is one of the best majors in the school, ranking number 2 in the country. It has a commitment to encouraging original historical research.
Flexible curriculum
History is one of the best majors at Princeton because of its very flexible curriculum. The department offers several guidelines and opportunities to ensure you go deep and wide in your history education.
For instance, they have distribution requirements where you must take at least one course in four thematic areas and at least two courses in the history of a certain geographic location. So, if you’re a history buff who’s especially interested in Latin American history, you can take classes like Modern Caribbean History, Cuba: History and Revolution, and Colonial Latin America to 1810.
There are even junior seminars with equally-intriguing titles like:
- How to Do History Like a Marxist
- Truth, Lies, and Secrets
- Capitalism
You’ll also be highly encouraged to try study abroad programs and learn a foreign language. A quick warning though: if you do choose to study abroad for a semester, you’ll still be expected to write a junior paper and take a full course load. You’re also encouraged to take seminars that have a research component.
Want a deeper understanding of the history of science, technology, and medicine at different times and places? You can go down the Special Track for History of Science, Technology, and Medicine. You’ll need to take additional courses on top of the normal load for history majors, but examination requirements are the same.
With the many paths you can take at one of the best majors at Princeton, you’ll be able to cultivate important skills like critical thinking, analysis, and the ability to synthesize complex information. These skills are transferable and applicable to a wide range of professions, such as in the fields of:
- Academia
- Law
- Journalism
- Public policy
- Business
- Education
Emphasis on independent research
As one of the best majors at Princeton, history puts a strong emphasis on independent research where you’ll be actively engaged in the creation and analysis of history rather than being just passive recipients of historical knowledge. This is seen in the department’s requirements of two papers in the junior year and one year-long independent research that culminates in the senior thesis.
The department lists resources for history majors—from independent work guidelines to funding opportunities. The library also has course guides and resources for you!
The history department is also interconnected with centers. The Center for Collaborative History Events might be the most notable since it hosts conferences and workshops.
Computer Science at Princeton
Princeton University’s Department of Computer Science is a leader in computer science education and research. In fact, it ranks 10th in the country.
Emphasis on theoretical foundations
Princeton’s computer science program teaches you core concepts in areas such as algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and computer systems.
As one of the best majors at Princeton, computer science also helps you build a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. The program is especially known for its strong emphasis on the theoretical underpinnings of computer science.
This focus gives you a deep understanding of the fundamental principles that drive technological innovation. It will also help you adapt to the ever-evolving technological landscape after graduation.
But why wait until graduation to poke around computer science? The department offers students opportunities to work with experts on projects. You’ll also be required to start your own independent work and research.
Interdisciplinary opportunities
Princeton encourages interdisciplinary studies. This means you can combine your computer science studies with other fields such as:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology
- Economics
This interdisciplinary approach prepares you to address complex problems that require knowledge from multiple disciplines. Because of that, you can start a career in software development, data science, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity. You’ll be able to find employment in technology companies, research institutions, or financial firms.
Political Science at Princeton
Political science is another one of the best majors at Princeton, ranking 2nd among political science programs in the US.
Comprehensive curriculum
Political science has a broad and deep curriculum, giving you a well-rounded understanding of political phenomena. As one of the best majors at Princeton, the program has what it calls the “3-2-1 field distributions” where you should take three courses in your primary field, two in a secondary field, and one in a tertiary field.
When you sign into the politics department, you’ll be asked to also choose a primary field from four options:
- American Politics. This focuses on the development of America’s system of governance and political institutions, how they relate to the citizens, and the citizens’ attitudes and behaviors.
- Comparative Politics. This looks at the similarities and differences in the politics of different countries. It answers questions like “Why do some countries choose democracy while others don’t?” and “What causes partisan polarization?”
- International Relations. This studies the relationships and events between countries. It answers questions like “Why do countries go to war?” and “What explains trade openness?”
- Political Theory. This aims to look at alternative ideas of justice, legitimacy, and the common good in the context of different institutions and circumstances of domestic and global life.
Political science is also one of the best majors at Princeton thanks to its emphasis on research. In this program, you’ll be expected to undergo multiple independent work in your junior and senior years.
As a junior, you’ll have to write an independent research paper that’s roughly 20 to 35 pages and a 12 to 15-page Research Prospectus. As a senior, you’ll need to finish a senior thesis and present a professional poster describing it.
Centers and programs for research
Princeton has multiple related centers and programs that help make political science one of its best majors. Some examples include:
- Program on Race, Ethnicity, Identity and Politics. This program organizes initiatives related to the study of race, ethnicity, and identity.
- Center for International Security Studies. This center supports education and research related to national and international security.
- Center for the Study of Democratic Politics. This center aims to encourage rigorous social scientific analysis to better improve our understanding of public policy processes, elections, and policy decisions.
- Niehaus Center for Globalization and Governance. This center aims to foster greater collaboration and promote engagement among the other social sciences programs at Princeton University.
- Program in Law and Public Policy. This program engages legal scholars and practitioners to collaborate on solving modern complex policy problems.
Public and International Affairs at Princeton
Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is an excellent institution for those aspiring to shape global and domestic policy. In fact, the university ranks 9th among public affairs programs in the US.
Interdisciplinary curriculum
SPIA’s curriculum is extremely interdisciplinary to give you a holistic understanding of policy challenges. Regarding program requirements, SPIA says:
“Students take courses in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Geosciences, History, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, and Princeton’s School of Public And International Affairs. An introductory public policy course is required along with an ethics course and a course on power & identity. . . Majors are required to take statistics and must be able to use the basics of single-variable calculus in order to take economics courses and some advanced elective options.”
This helps you engage with diverse perspectives, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills that are important for effective policy-making. SPIA especially prioritizes practical policy analysis, teaching you to evaluate policy options and propose solutions.
Facilities and resources
SPIA encourages student research. You can work with faculty on policy projects so you know what you can expect when you need to engage in your own independent research through junior papers and senior theses.
To help you with that, the school is affiliated with many research centers and institutes that focus on specific policy areas, such as:
- Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment. This center provides a space for interdisciplinary research and policy analysis concerned with environmental problems.
- Research Program in Development Economics. This program researches the causes and consequences of global poverty through the lens of economics.
- Kahneman-Treisman Center for Behavioral Science and Public Policy. This center aims to solve how to better design and execute policy for improved outcomes.
The extensive library resources and online databases on campus also further support research and learning.
SPIA also highly encourages you to study abroad to widen your horizons and see how international policy affects everyone.
English at Princeton
Another of the best majors at Princeton University is English. This major is ranked 3rd among the best English programs in the country.
Comprehensive curriculum
As one of the best majors at Princeton, English creates an environment that encourages deep engagement with literature and language. In this program, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of genres, from classic works to contemporary texts in different regions, and explore different critical and theoretical approaches. Some sample courses include:
- Environmental Justice Through Literature and Film
- Modern Irish Literature, Culture, and Law
- Capitalism, Character, and Community in Four Victorian Novels
- African Mythology, Creation Narratives, & Origin Stories
- What is Socialism? Literature and Politics
- Forms of Literature: From Page to Screen: Film Adaptation
As you can see, English is one of the best majors at Princeton also because it expands its curriculum to include courses that study film, photography, and other forms of media. You can also take tracks in Creative Writing and Theater.
Of course, as a reading-and-writing-intensive major, being in the English program requires you to take an oral exam and submit a reflection paper, a junior paper, and a senior thesis.
The English department highly encourages you to study abroad. Perhaps the most notable study abroad program among English majors is the Bread Loaf Summer at the University of Oxford. This is a six-week program at Lincoln College, Oxford for rising seniors.
Development of transferrable skills
You’re probably thinking about what you can do with an English degree. The beauty of one of the best majors at Princeton is that you can pursue a wide range of careers in fields such as:
- Publishing and editing
- Journalism and media
- Law
- Education
- Business and marketing
This is thanks to its comprehensive curriculum that equips you with a range of highly transferable skills. These include:
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- The ability to synthesize complex information
- Research and information literacy
Because of that, any field that will require strong communication and analytical skills is a field you can enter as an English graduate.
Engineering at Princeton
It’s hard to pick out just one program to talk about from the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). After all, Princeton ranks number 21 among the best engineering schools in the US. The whole of SEAS is a hub of innovation and excellence that prepares you to tackle complex global challenges.
Diverse engineering programs
SEAS offers a diverse range of engineering disciplines, letting you specialize in your area of interest while gaining a broad foundation in engineering principles. Some especially unique engineering programs in Princeton are:
- Engineering Physics. In this program, you’ll essentially combine engineering and physics to study energy, environment, materials, microelectronics, astronautics, and photonics.
- Operations Research and Financial Engineering. This program combines science, mathematics, computing, and technology. It has a relatively flexible curriculum that lets you take courses in engineering, science, mathematics, economics, public policy, and liberal arts.
- Optimization and Quantitative Decision Science. This is a certificate program that teaches you quantitative skills that can help you make optimal decisions in complex and uncertain environments.
- Sustainable Energy. This program specifically addresses creating earth-friendly systems that also support sustainable economic growth.
As some of the best majors at Princeton, engineering programs give you a strong foundation in fundamental scientific and mathematical principles. You’ll be trained to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
State-of-the-art facilities
Princeton SEAS facilities support both research and education. Whether you’re working with a professor or alone, you can utilize research centers and laboratories that focus on various areas of engineering.
Examples of these facilities include:
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. This center is dedicated to developing sustainable energy solutions and addressing environmental challenges. It houses advanced laboratories for research in areas such as solar energy, carbon capture, and energy-efficient building design.
- Princeton Materials Institute (PMI). PMI gives you access to advanced materials characterization and fabrication facilities. It supports interdisciplinary research in areas such as nanotechnology, biomaterials, and electronic materials.
- Engineering Quadrangle (EQuad). EQuad is the core of SEAS, housing laboratories and research spaces for various engineering disciplines. It’s essentially the central hub of much of the engineering activity on campus.
Economics at Princeton
When talking about the best majors at Princeton, we definitely can’t leave out economics. Princeton’s economics program ranks number 4 in the country.
Strong curriculum
Economics at Princeton emphasizes a strong theoretical base partnered with quantitative analysis. That means you’ll be trained in advanced mathematical and statistical techniques, which are important for modern economic analysis.
You’ll develop proficiency in econometrics, statistical modeling, and mathematical economics, among other things. You can find a list of resources that economics majors will find helpful.
The economics department encourages study abroad—however, economics courses should be taken in a particular order. Because of that, you’ll need to plan carefully and well ahead. The department suggests studying abroad in your sophomore spring or junior spring.
Feel like you want some additional training in finance and politics? As one of the best majors at Princeton, economics also has two minors you can consider:
- Minor in Finance. This gives you extra knowledge in finance, including anti-trust policy, the making of monetary and fiscal policy, and the determination of exchange rates and international capital flows.
- Program in Political Economy (PPE). This program teaches you how the interactions between politics and economics change the distribution of income, introduce distortions in markets, and more.
The department also offers a Minor in Quantitative Economics, which can only be taken by non-economics majors.
Preparation for diverse careers
As one of the best majors at Princeton, economics also provides excellent preparation whether you’re going to graduate school or seeking employment. Some fields that you can enter include:
- Public policy
- Government
- International organizations
- Business
- Law
This is thanks to a rigorous program that teaches students analytical and problem-solving skills. It equips you with the skills to analyze complex economic data and make informed decisions in data-driven environments.
Psychology at Princeton
Psychology is another one of the best majors at Princeton, ranking 6th in the US.
Strong foundation in core psychological principles
The program gives you a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of psychology. As one of the best majors at Princeton, it covers areas such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience.
Through a combination of theoretical coursework and empirical research, these topics will help you gain a deep understanding of human behavior and mental processes.
Speaking of research, the psychology department strongly encourages you to be involved in research as a freshman or sophomore. You can do this by reaching out to a faculty member whose work interests you. You can also enroll in Psychology Research Experience courses for a better understanding of what to expect in psychology research.
Juniors and seniors are required to engage in independent work as part of the curriculum. You can receive personalized guidance and support, especially if you’ve worked alongside professors in their research. The department also offers statistical consulting and tutoring to help you with the quantitative aspects of your psychological research.
Preparation for diverse career paths
As one of the best majors at Princeton, psychology has strong interdisciplinary connections with other departments, such as neuroscience, computer science, and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach lets you explore the complex interactions between psychological, biological, and social factors.
Partner that with strong analytical and critical thinking skills developed in the program and you’ll graduate with a chance to work in various fields, such as:
- Clinical psychology
- Research
- Education
- Business
- Law
- Public policy
Molecular Biology at Princeton
Princeton University’s Department of Molecular Biology is a powerhouse of scientific discovery and education. Because of that, it’s not a surprise that molecular biology is also one of the best majors at Princeton. In fact, it ranks 8th in the country.
Interdisciplinary connections
Molecular biology is one of Princeton’s best majors thanks to its interdisciplinary connections. This interdisciplinary approach lets you explore the connections between molecular biology and other scientific fields, giving you a broader understanding of biological systems. In fact, molecular biology collaborates closely with other departments, such as:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Neuroscience
In classes, you’ll see how you can use science in research and medical advancements. Then, when you do your junior and senior independent work, you’ll perform original research and apply the skills you learned in class.
As one of the best interdisciplinary majors at Princeton, you can partner that with certificate and minor programs. Some popular minors/certificate programs among molecular biology majors include:
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- Global Health and Health Policy
- Neuroscience
- Program in Engineering Biology
- Quantitative & Computational Biology
- Quantitative Economics
- Statistics and Machine Learning
Emphasis on research and discovery
Princeton’s molecular biology program is deeply rooted in research, which is also part of why it’s one of the best majors in the institution.
You’re encouraged to have independent research-related projects—such as in your junior year where you’ll be required to critique research literature and create a detailed research plan. Then, in your senior year, you may choose to have hands-on laboratory experience or a non-laboratory project for your senior thesis research.
Even before that, the department encourages students to be somehow involved in research early in their undergraduate years. This can be through working closely with faculty members and other researchers. If you’ve done your own independent project, you can present your findings at conferences, and publish your work in scientific journals.
To support one of its best majors, Princeton has many core facilities available to its students and faculty. These include imaging facilities for visualizing biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels and computational resources for analyzing large datasets.
Physics at Princeton
Physics is one of the best majors at Princeton, offering a rigorous and intellectually stimulating curriculum for aspiring physicists. It ranks number three among the best physics programs in the US.
Strong foundation in physics and mathematics
Physics majors will get a solid foundation in classical and modern physics, which covers areas such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. You’ll gain a strong theoretical understanding of the fundamental laws of nature.
As one of the best majors at Princeton, the program also gives you a strong theoretical and mathematical foundation. You’ll develop strong skills in mathematical analysis, computational modeling, and scientific programming. This prepares you for advanced research and problem-solving.
The physics department also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration with other fields, such as mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
Cutting-edge facilities
The physics department is a hub of research, focusing on areas like biological physics, cosmology & gravity theory, and particle phenomenology, among many others.
Whether you’re working on your own original research project or assisting a professor in their own experiments, Princeton houses several world-class research centers and laboratories you can use. These include:
- Princeton Center for Theoretical Science (PCTS). This is a hub for research in the theoretical sciences, bringing together scientists from various disciplines.
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). This is technically a US Department of Energy national laboratory located on Princeton’s Forrestal Campus. It houses advanced experimental devices, such as the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U), used to study plasma behavior and develop fusion energy technologies.
- Princeton Quantum Initiative. This works on quantum science and engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Princeton University known for?
Princeton University is known for its rigorous academic programs (particularly in the humanities and sciences) and its strong focus on independent research. It’s also known for its unique eating clubs.
2. What major is Princeton best known for?
Some of the majors that Princeton is best known for are history, computer science, political science, public and international affairs, English, engineering, economics, psychology, molecular biology, and physics.
3. What is the least popular major at Princeton?
Based on data from Princeton’s Office of the Registrar, French and Italian was the least popular major for AY 2023-2024 since it awarded only three degrees that year.
Takeaways
- Princeton University has many high-ranking programs. But ten of its best majors include history, computer science, political science, public and international affairs, English, engineering, economics, psychology, molecular biology, and physics.
- Princeton emphasizes undergraduate research and critical thinking skills in all of its majors. This is evident in the opportunities provided and curriculum requirements, such as junior papers and the senior thesis.
- Want to experience Princeton’s best majors? Consult a private admissions expert to guide you through classes and extracurriculars you can take to improve your college application.
