Princeton University is a prestigious and world-renowned research university in the tranquil town of Princeton, New Jersey. It was initially known as the College of New Jersey since its charter in 1746 in Elizabeth before moving to Newark. Ten years later, the college moved to Princeton and began offering university-level programs, renaming it Princeton University in 1896.
Today, this top university attracts brilliant students from all over the world for the opportunity to study in a high-ranking institution. Although its student body is just a bit under 10,000, about 1,000 of them are international students. On average, 13.5% of international students who enroll at Princeton are undergraduate students, with the rest going to graduate school.
Princeton University is an Ivy League institution that guarantees academic excellence and recognition. If you’re an international student planning to study at Princeton, you might want to start your research with the best programs they offer. Knowing these courses will help you maximize your education.
Recommended Study Programs at Princeton University
1. Computer Science
The computer science undergraduate program is open to Bachelor of Computer Science and Engineering (BSE) majors for four years of study. However, those interested in other majors can take a few courses to incorporate computing into their studies. The applicants for the Master’s in Computer Science and Ph.D. programs aim to find careers in research and teaching opportunities.
Most students choose to study computer science at Princeton as they have access to leading-edge research opportunities. Every student gets to perfect a design or individual research project with advice from faculty members. Designing a program means students have an in-depth understanding of computer science’s theoretical and practical algorithms, applications, and designs. These skills give graduates an upper hand as most employers recognize the comprehensive coursework the institution provides.
2. Public Affairs
Offered by the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, there are various graduate programs available for international students. These include a Master’s in Public Affairs, a Master’s in Public Policy, and a Ph.D. in Public Affairs. Students who enroll in these programs have access to distinguished faculty members who are strategic professionals. Most international Public Policy graduates from Princeton University become exceptional and well-versed leaders in their home countries. Others pursue a successful career in public affairs, either in the USA or anywhere in the world.
3. Economics
The Economics Department at Princeton University ranks among the exclusive faculties worldwide. Its popularity makes it among the sought-after programs in the USA and international undergraduate and Ph.D. students. Economics degree graduates can pursue any career they desire as they have the analytical and technical skills to solve problems and provide ingenious and practical solutions. Economics seniors get job offers from renowned companies while still studying, with 90% accepting after graduation. Other students who excel also proceed to the Ph.D. program to learn in a top-tier research environment led by notable faculty members.
4. Politics
Princeton University’s Politics Department focuses on American politics, international relations, political theory, and comparative politics in its undergraduate programs. These programs are ideal for students pursuing a career in political strategy or economy and quantitative analysis fields. A Ph.D. in Politics is the only graduate course in the department, and all graduates get job placements within and outside academics every year. In recent years, graduates have found faculty jobs in leading U.S. academic institutions and consultancy positions in renowned international firms.
5. Electrical and Computer Engineering
Princeton’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department offers an undergraduate degree accredited by ABET. The distinctive coursework is unlike other institutions, combining materials and computer science, physics, economics, biology, neuroscience, and other critical fields. The intensive study gives students exceptional electrical and computer engineering expertise even as they graduate and seek employment.
Current graduates work in leading tech companies such as Google and Microsoft, while others have startups that are market leaders. Many also pursue successful careers in government, business, law, medicine, and finance. The department also offers a doctoral program for bachelor’s undergraduates in mathematics, engineering, or science. Besides developing new and impactful world-class technologies, the top two outstanding Ph.D. program graduates get two acclaimed awards from the university.
FAQs: Studying at Princeton University
What is the Most Popular Program for International Students at Princeton?
The most popular program for international students at Princeton University is Computer Science. As one of the forefront study areas, the Computer Science Department at Princeton has the highest number of applicants among international undergraduates and graduates. Computing is the core of the current world, and most computer science majors acquire a broad knowledge of various topics and applications.
After graduation, students have employment opportunities in various fields, majoring in information technology and computing. Today, most computer science graduates are entrepreneurs, while others work in tech start-ups.
Princeton University is one of the few institutions that appraises both U.S. and international students equally during application and for financial aid. Although students must contribute towards their education, the repayable grant students receive is open to all students on a need basis. Above all, besides acquiring an outstanding education, you will find an inclusive community at Princeton University since many international students at the university come from across the globe, where you can create lifelong networks and relationships.
We hope you like our article about the Best Programs to Study at Princeton University! Feel free to visit our Study in the USA and Open Courses sections for more information about the country’s different university programs, scholarship opportunities, and more!