Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, consistently ranks among the top five academic institutions in the United States and worldwide. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1746, Princeton is dedicated to academic excellence and a commitment to intellectual pursuits. Naturally, many aspiring students will wonder, what Princeton majors are the best to take?
Given the competitive nature of higher education and the significant impact a chosen major can have on career prospects and personal growth, selecting the right field of study at Princeton is important for any student.
In this blog, we’ll be exploring the different Princeton majors that have earned Princeton its reputation in the US and worldwide. We’ll be sharing insights and tips for aspiring students of this Ivy League school.
- What Are the Top Princeton Majors?
- A Quick Overview of Princeton
- What Makes Princeton Stand Out?
- Famous Princeton Alumni
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Are the Top Princeton Majors?
Princeton is renowned for its academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines, making it a benchmark institution in both the humanities and the sciences. Here are some of the most recognized programs at Princeton:
1. Economics
The 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report places its graduate department as No. 4 nationwide in the field of Economics, tied there with the University of Chicago, Yale University, and the University of California, Berkeley.
The undergraduate program in economics at Princeton is one of the most prestigious in the country and the world. Economics is the most popular Princeton major among undergraduates. Since the university does not have a business school, the economics concentration attracts many students interested in careers in:
- investment banking
- management consulting
- finance
- technology
The curriculum is theoretical in nature, requiring students to complete quantitative courses up to multivariate calculus. In collaboration with the Bendheim Center for Finance, the department also offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Finance.
The graduate program in economics prepares Ph.D. students for careers in academia, government, and industry. With approximately 800 applications for a class of just 20 to 25 students, the program attracts candidates from over 30 different countries. It offers numerous fields of specialization and is particularly strong in areas such as:
- macroeconomics
- industrial relations
- international finance
Graduate students pursuing academic careers have a strong placement record at some of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Cornell.
The department also oversees several centers and initiatives, including:
- Bendheim Center for Finance
- The Benjamin H. Griswold III, Class of 1933, Center for Economic Policy Studies
- The Gregory C. Chow Econometric Research Program
- Julis-Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy and Finance
- Center for Health and Wellbeing
- William S. Dietrich II Economic Theory Center
Princeton’s Economics Department is home to several Nobel laureates, including Paul Krugman and Angus Deaton, whose work has influenced macroeconomic policies, international trade, and our understanding of global poverty and inequality.
2. Public and International Affairs
One of Princeton’s most renowned schools is the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, widely regarded as one of the best institutions for studying international relations and public affairs in the country, if not the world.
The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers a distinctive curriculum that thoughtfully balances theory and practice. Graduate students develop strong analytical skills while gaining deep knowledge of critical domestic and international issues.
SPIA’s diverse faculty, representing a wide range of disciplines and expertise, is supported by 20 affiliated research centers and programs. The School’s resources allow students to earn graduate degrees without incurring debt, making it more feasible to pursue careers in public service within the public and nonprofit sectors—and making it one of the most sought-after Princeton majors.
SPIA’s primary graduate program is a two-year curriculum leading to a Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.). Students can also pursue a dual degree in public affairs and law (M.P.A./J.D.) over four years, in collaboration with a partner law school. SPIA also offers a dual degree in business (M.P.A./M.B.A) in partnership with Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
The School also provides a Ph.D. program in public and international affairs, as well as a one-year Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.) designed for mid-career professionals.
Notable alumni from this program include influential figures such as former U.S. Secretaries of State James Baker and George Shultz, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, among many others.
Princeton’s Public Policy graduates have had a profound impact on both domestic and international policy, playing key roles in shaping legislation, implementing policies, and advocating for social and political change.
Formerly known as the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs—named after Woodrow Wilson, the 13th president of Princeton, governor of New Jersey, and 28th president of the United States—the school was renamed in 2020 when the Princeton Board of Trustees determined that Wilson’s racist views and policies made him an unsuitable namesake.
3. Computer Science
Computer Science is one of the most popular Princeton majors because through the rise of technology, knowledge of computers has become an excellent launching pad for almost any career.
The computer science curriculum emphasizes core concepts and skills, including theoretical and quantitative analysis of computation, design and engineering principles of advanced computer systems, and the foundations and methods of AI and machine learning.
The curriculum also offers flexibility, allowing students to explore sub-disciplines such as:
- programming languages
- formal methods
- software engineering
- computer graphics
- information security
You can also venture into cross-disciplinary areas like:
- neuroscience and cognitive science
- computational biology
- information policy
- robotics
- data science
Most computer science majors enjoy programming, and many start with little to no background, enhancing their skills as they progress through the program.
4. Molecular Biology
The undergraduate program in Molecular Biology is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to address the central questions of 21st-century biology. Princeton’s distinguished faculty include Bonnie Bassler, who deciphered the chemical language bacteria cells use to communicate by studying a harmless marine bacterium called Vibrio fischeri, known to “bioluminesce,” or make light, like fireflies do; and Shirley Marie Tilghman, who was the first biologist to hold the Princeton presidency.
The faculty are deeply engaged in both teaching and cutting-edge research, covering topics from molecules to genomes. A cohesive core curriculum, complemented by a variety of elective courses, provides a strong foundation in modern experimental biology.
The capstone of a Princeton education is the senior thesis, where you will synthesize your learning through original scholarship. In the Department of Molecular Biology, the senior thesis offers a remarkable opportunity to work with world-renowned scientists, conducting independent research at the forefront of modern science.
Princeton’s collegial and interactive environment also allows Molecular Biology students to pursue interdisciplinary interests, with opportunities to take courses and collaborate with faculty in:
- chemistry
- computer science
- ecology
- evolutionary biology
- engineering
- neuroscience
- physics
- School of Public and International Affairs
Upon graduation, Molecular Biology majors are well-prepared to pursue a wide range of careers, including:
- biomedical research
- medicine
- global health and policy
- industry
- education
- science writing
5. Engineering
The School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton uniquely combines the strengths of a world-leading research institution with the qualities of an outstanding liberal arts college. The school is dedicated to preparing all students—engineers and non-engineers alike—to become leaders in a technology-driven society.
In both teaching and research, Princeton engineering pursues fundamental knowledge and creates multidisciplinary collaborations that make technology effective in solving complex societal challenges, like in their Robotics and Intelligent Systems and Sustainable Energy programs.
At Princeton, engineering students learn the fundamental principles of engineering sciences and apply that knowledge to design and practice through advanced courses and independent work. With ample opportunities to study natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, students receive a well-rounded undergraduate education that prepares them for a wide range of careers, including:
- entrepreneurship
- architecture and design
- statistics
- research
- academe
A Quick Overview of Princeton University
Founded in 1746, Princeton is one of the oldest colleges in the country and consistently ranks among the top universities in the U.S. and worldwide. It has had three U.S. Presidents attend—James Madison, Woodrow Wilson, and John F. Kennedy—with Madison and Wilson graduating, while Kennedy transferred to Harvard.
The campus spans approximately 500 acres and is within walking distance of numerous historical sites, parks, restaurants, and art exhibitions including:
- Bainbridge House
- Nassau HallQ
- Grounds for Sculpture
- American Repertory Ballet
- Passage Theatre
Princeton University is not only one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States but also one of the most prestigious, renowned for its academics, faculty, and research. As a private liberal arts university and a member of the Ivy League, Princeton is dedicated to academic excellence, research, and community service.
Princeton University consists of five colleges and schools:
- Undergraduate College
- School of Architecture
- School of Engineering and Applied Science
- Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs
- Graduate School
Princeton has no medical school, business school, or law school.
The university is known for its top-quality teaching, highly accomplished faculty, tight-knit student community, varsity sports, and groundbreaking research. Notably, Princeton is one of the few elite institutions that require all seniors to complete a senior thesis or independent project to graduate.
What Makes Princeton Stand Out?
The university is more than just its Ivy League standing and well-known Princeton majors. Here are some aspects of the institution that make it unique:
Academics
The defining aspects of an undergraduate education at Princeton are the junior paper and senior thesis. The junior paper—also known as the junior project, or simply the “JP”—serves as a precursor to the senior thesis, allowing students to develop the research skills necessary to complete their thesis with individualized guidance from a faculty advisor.
Almost every senior at Princeton writes a senior thesis, though some engineering students opt for a project instead. This experience allows students to explore their academic interests while honing skills such as:
- creativity
- research
- discipline
- independent thought
Senior research topics span a wide range, offering students the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty. The near-universal requirement to complete a thesis creates a sense of camaraderie among the graduating class.
Princeton has also been home to prominent humanities faculty, such as the late Toni Morrison and current faculty member Joyce Carol Oates.
Another notable aspect of Princeton is the large number of students who have gone on to become Rhodes Scholars, one of the world’s most prestigious and selective scholarships. Princeton has produced 215 Rhodes Scholars, trailing only Harvard (369) and Yale (252), with the next closest school being Stanford, which has produced 102 Rhodes Scholars.
Extracurriculars
As with other universities, Princeton has academic clubs featuring most of its degree programs and other social activities. They also have Greek clubs. However, there are some clubs that are unique to Princeton, like eating clubs.
Eating clubs have been a popular dining and social option for juniors and seniors since the late 1800s. In addition to providing meals and social activities, the eating clubs serve as intellectual communities where students engage in debates, discussions, and exploration of ideas encountered in the classroom. Many clubs regularly invite professors to dine with members.
The clubs also sponsor educational initiatives, community service projects, and intramural athletic programs. Each club offers dedicated study spaces, libraries, computers, internet access, and audio-visual equipment for members to use.
The eating clubs contribute to both the campus and greater Princeton community through initiatives like tutoring underprivileged high school students for the SAT, running college application workshops for local students, and organizing clothing and food drives. The clubs work both individually and collectively as a “street-wide” group, often collaborating with local organizations and student groups.
Currently, there are 11 eating clubs—though the number has fluctuated over the years—each with its own distinct character and personality. There are two types of eating clubs at Princeton: open and selective, commonly referred to on campus as sign-in and bicker. The bicker process is a two- or three-day procedure used to determine membership.
Sports also play a significant role in campus life at Princeton. The university’s football team participated in the first-ever college football game against in-state rival Rutgers in 1869. Princeton has won 28 national championships (with 15 officially recognized by the NCAA), though the last championship was in 1922.
Despite its lack of recent championships, Princeton maintains some of the oldest football rivalries, including matches against Yale (dating back to 1873), UPenn (since 1876), and Harvard (since 1877).
Famous Princeton Alumni
Many important figures in American history have interacted with Princeton since its founding. For example, George Washington was formally thanked at the university’s Nassau Hall for his contributions to the American Revolution. Nassau Hall also served as the U.S. Capitol for six months in 1783.
In the 20th century, world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein became a life member of Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study and even had his own office on campus.
Numerous Princeton graduates have gone on to have impressive careers. Some of the university’s notable alumni include:
- Woodrow Wilson, former U.S. President
- James Madison, former U.S. President
- Michelle Obama, former First Lady
- Jeff Bezos, CEO and founder of Amazon
- Malcolm Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes
- Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How’s the housing situation at Princeton?
At Princeton, all freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, and housing is guaranteed for four years.
2. What is the class size at Princeton?
Princeton has small class sizes with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio.
3. Does Princeton give out financial aid?
Yes. As a need-blind school, Princeton does not consider applicants’ ability to pay when making admissions decisions. The university is committed to meeting 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need, covering the full amount required through grants—never loans.
Princeton does not offer merit or athletic scholarships.
Takeaways
- The top Princeton majors are the following: Economics, Public and International Affairs, Computer Science, Molecular Biology, and Engineering.
- The university is more than just its Ivy League standing and well-known Princeton majors. It is also well-known for its unique offerings like having a junior and senior paper; as well as its eating clubs.
- Excited to apply to Princeton? We got you! Here at AdmissionSight, we have more than ten years of expertise in guiding students perfect their college applications.
