Find your academic home within a department that aligns with your interests, talents, values, and goals. Your major is a significant part of your intellectual experience at Princeton. Thoughtfully explore departments before deciding which one is best for you. Even if you feel certain about one major—especially if you feel certain—it’s wise to “parallel plan” or have alternatives in case you have second thoughts, encounter unexpected obstacles, or simply discover you enjoy another field even more! That’s an exciting and transformative part of your journey as a student. Bear in mind that what you learn in your major will be complemented by your other coursework, minors, internships, study abroad experiences, and extracurriculars. Moreover, every Princeton department teaches you to think critically and creatively, perform research, and communicate your ideas—skills that will serve you well whatever your path after graduation. One of the simplest and best ways to explore potential majors is to take courses in a range of departments. Think through Your Options As you consider majors, make use of the abundance of advising resources available to guide you. Explore Major Choices Departmental directors of undergraduate studies are experts on each major’s curriculum and requirements, and they approve you to enter the major. Visit the ODOC Majors & Minors page to access department websites and contacts. Meet with Faculty Advisers Your faculty adviser may not be in the department(s) you are considering, but all faculty advisers are experienced mentors who know about a range of disciplines and prerequisites. They also know you, so they can help you figure out the right fit for you. Attend Open Houses A.B. departments and some certificate programs hold open houses in March and April. The six B.S.E. departments open houses at the beginning of April to which all first-year students are welcome. Meet with Residential College Advisers Your residential college dean and assistant dean are always available to talk to you about your choices. Sophomore class advising events early in the fall and throughout the year offer guidance on major selection and other important decisions and opportunities. Chat with Your Fellow Students For a student perspective, talk to undergraduates majoring in the department or connect with your peer academic adviser and/or B.S.E interactor. Consider Future Possibilities These sites may be helpful as you consider the connection between majors and possible careers: Center for Career Development Pre-law Guide & Advising Health Professions Advising Office Program in Teacher Preparation Pace Center for Civic Engagement Program in Community Engaged Scholarship Study Abroad Program International Internship Program Undergraduate Admission Blog Additional Resources Majors & Minors Explore majors and minors offered across 36 departments in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Undergraduate Announcement Review academic regulations, programs of study, and undergraduate course offerings in this publication released each August. Thesis Archive Explore a repository of senior theses across departments dating back to 1926. Course Offerings Find complete information about undergraduate and graduate courses by term. Your Path to Princeton Connect to a range of resources focused on learning and living at Princeton.
