Department and program descriptions

The following essays were written by faculty members about their own departments and interdepartmental programs. While the Undergraduate Announcement gives specific details about courses and programs of study, these accounts address some of the more general and common concerns raised by sophomores when reviewing their options for a major.

We have asked faculty members to address five issues in their essays:

• 1. the special character and appeal of their discipline
• 2. the particular strengths of Princeton’s department
• 3. special opportunities within the program of study
• 4. the type of student who should consider the major
• 5. possible career paths open to majors

These essays should alert you to opportunities within certain fields that you might have overlooked and should reveal some of the richness, scope, and excitement of particular disciplines. Ideally, they will convey a sense of each department’s character as well. Additional information is available from departmental representatives and program directors (see list on pages 95–101).