Major Choices
Selecting your major is a significant step in your undergraduate career, but you will have time to consider your options thoroughly and, as always, we offer plenty of guidance.
AB
In April of your sophomore year, you will select a major, having had four semesters to explore a wide range of subjects and discover which one best suits your interests and abilities. Along this path of discovery, you will probably have become aware of new subjects that captivate you.
While your choice of major is a significant moment in your undergraduate career, it is important to realize that it will not lock you into any career or life path. Far from it. Every major at Princeton opens doors because they all teach you how to analyze the world, solve problems, and communicate your ideas, and those are skills valued in every field of employment and every aspect of life. With a Princeton degree, art and archaeology majors become doctors, chemistry majors become artists, and religion and philosophy majors move on to Wall Street. So, study what you love! You’ll have the rest of your life to dedicate to the career(s) you enjoy.
There are numerous sources of guidance to help you select your major. The residential colleges collaborate with departments to organize a wide range of events throughout the year to introduce you to each major, and the Major Choices website offers great advice on how to choose a major and information on each department, including entertaining and insightful descriptions of each major by students in the department. As always, your advisers are also there to help you make your decision. In particular you will find it helpful to talk to the departmental representatives, your faculty advisers, Dean Stirk and Dr. Lazen, and current majors, especially peer advisers.
BSE
BSE students select a major in April of freshman year. All SEAS departments offer open houses at that time to provide you with information to make your decision, and you can also learn about departments that interest you during the year by attending colloquia or becoming involved with the departmental undergraduate organizations that sponsor events. Dean Bogucki, your faculty adviser, and upperclass peers are also valuable sources of advice.
