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Princeton University’s Department of Computer Science offers two distinct undergraduate degrees to suit different academic interests and career goals:
Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) in Computer Science
Offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, this degree emphasizes a liberal arts approach and requires the completion of 31 courses over four years.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) in Computer Science
Delivered through the School of Engineering and Applied Science, this program has a stronger focus on engineering and technical coursework, requiring 36 courses over four years.
Both degrees offer a strong foundation in key areas of computer science, including algorithms, systems, programming languages, and real-world applications. The choice between the two depends on the student's academic preferences and career ambitions.
Key Differences Between A.B. and B.S.E. Degrees
Course Load
A.B. students complete 31 courses, while B.S.E. students take on a slightly heavier load of 36 courses.
Independent Work
A.B. students engage in four semesters of independent work, including a junior research workshop, an independent project, and a senior thesis.
B.S.E. students are required to complete at least one semester of independent work, which typically takes the form of a design project or thesis.
Timing of Major Declaration
B.S.E. students declare their major in the spring of their first year.
A.B. students declare a year later, in the spring of their sophomore year.
Both pathways offer rich academic experiences and open doors to diverse opportunities in computing and beyond. Whether students are drawn to engineering or a broader liberal arts education, Princeton’s Computer Science department provides the resources and mentorship to help them thrive.
Princeton emphasizes hands-on learning and offers various opportunities for students to apply their knowledge:
Independent Work: Both A.B. and B.S.E. students undertake independent projects, allowing them to explore areas of interest under faculty supervision. A.B. students participate in a junior research workshop, an independent project, and a senior thesis, while B.S.E. students complete at least one semester of independent work.
Research Opportunities: Students can collaborate with faculty on research projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computational biology. The department's research initiatives are detailed on their website.
Student Organizations: Various student-led organizations provide platforms for networking, skill development, and community engagement within the field of computer science.
Princeton supports students in their transition from academic life to professional careers through various services:
Career Services: The university's career services offer resources such as counseling, workshops, and job fairs to connect students with potential employers.
Graduate Studies: The rigorous academic training prepares students for advanced studies in computer science and related fields.
By integrating a strong academic foundation with practical experiences and comprehensive support services, Princeton's Computer Science programs equip students for success in various career paths within the technology sector and beyond.
SAT/ACT Update: Applicants must send SAT/ACT scores directly from testing agencies. Princeton accepts SAT Score Choice and the highest ACT composite score but encourages submitting all scores. Superscoring is not allowed between paper and digital SAT formats. Use codes SAT: 2672 and ACT: 2588 when registering.English Language Proficiency Requirement: If English is not your native language and your school does not teach in English, you must take the TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or PTE Academic. This requirement is waived if English is your native language or if you have studied for at least three years at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction.Graded Written Paper- The graded written paper must be submitted in English and can come from O- or A-level coursework, so long as this student-written essay meets all of the other requirements listed. The graded written paper and teacher comments should not be translated from another language into English, they must be written in English. If you are also submitting a rubric, that must also be in English.Applications are sent through the Common AppRecommendations: School Report- Required, Counselor Recommendation- Required, Mid Year Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): 2 Required, 0 Optional Other Evaluation(s): 0 Required, 2 Optional.Writing Requirements: Common App personal essay- Required, College questions- 5 Required Questions (This college does not use a writing supplement for any additional writing requirements). Career Pathway for BA in Computer Science
Software Engineering:
Software Developer
Full-Stack Engineer
Front-End or Mobile App Developer
Graduates pursue roles in building web applicationsmobile appsand software productsoften combining technical skills with creative design or user-centered development
AI & Data Science:
Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
AI Product Specialist
With strong programming and analytical backgroundsBA graduates work in applied data science and machine learningespecially roles involving model implementationdata pipelinesand AI-driven applications
Cybersecurity & Cloud:
Cybersecurity Analyst
Security Consultant
Cloud Solutions Specialist
Graduates apply security principles in risk analysiscomplianceand cloud environment support rolesoften blending technical understanding with communication and strategy
Finance & Business Technology:
Technology Analyst in Finance or Consulting Firms
Fintech Developer
Blockchain Technology Associate
The BA program’s flexibility enables students to enter tech-driven financial industriesusing coding and computational skills to support financial product innovation and blockchain applications
Product & Management:
Product Manager
Technical Program Manager
With interdisciplinary exposureBA graduates often excel in cross-functional leadership roles managing software projectscoordinating teamsand bringing tech products to market
Entrepreneurship:
Startup Founder
Innovation Consultant
Many graduates leverage their coding and problem-solving expertise to launch tech startupswork at early-stage companiesor join incubators focusing on technology solutions for real-world challenges
Long-Term Growth:
Engineering Track: Software Developer → Senior Engineer → Tech Lead → CTO
Data & AI Track: Data Scientist → Senior Data Engineer → Head of AI
Management Track: Product Manager → Senior Product Lead → VP of Engineering/Innovation
The BA in Computer Science provides strong foundational and transferable skills that enable career mobility across sectors like technologybusinessfinanceeducationand policy
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Princeton University
