Computer Science Degrees Available Through Princeton University
Princeton University appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.
Princeton University offers computer science degrees as a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. Undergraduate students take courses that strongly focus on computer science. Unlike most programs, the Princeton University computer science program allows students to customize their degree to fit their interests and future plans.
Undergraduate computer science majors start with classes like “Computers in Our World,” which provides an overview of the importance of computers, programming and security. Other courses students can expect to take might include “Symbolic Music Computing,” “Advanced Programming Techniques” and “Theoretical Machine Learning.”
Students will also attend independent work seminars where they will conduct research, complete projects and develop a thesis. Computer science majors are encouraged to study abroad as well. Universities in places like China, Australia, Hungary, England, and Argentina have exchange programs with Princeton.
Princeton University students who wish to study computer science but want to major in another field can enroll in the Applications of Computing certificate program. Students in all disciplines are welcome to apply. To receive this certificate, undergraduate students must complete a computer science introductory course as well as two intermediate level courses and at least two upper-level courses.
Those seeking a Master of Science in Engineering or a Ph.D. can pursue computer science at Princeton. The master’s program is a two-year, full-time course of study. Students must take all required coursework and complete a master’s thesis. Princeton undergraduate students who wish to pursue a post-graduate degree may count up to two of their undergraduate courses toward their master-level degree program.
A Ph.D. in Computer Science is only available as a full-time program. Ph.D. students will take all required coursework, assist with undergraduate courses, complete a general examination and complete a final public oral exam.
Princeton University offers online courses that are free and open to the public. These classes do not provide any college credits and cannot be applied toward future degrees. Classes available in the computer science field include “Networks Illustrated: Principles Without Calculus,” “Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies,” “Computer Architecture” and “Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory and Machines.”
About Princeton University
Princeton University is the fourth oldest higher education institute in the United States. It was founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey. Princeton is known as one of the best universities in the world, regularly ranking at or near the top of lists comparing universities to one another.
Princeton has provided education to a number of world leaders, Nobel laureates, Fields medalists and Turing Award winners. Among the notable alumni from Princeton are U.S. presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson. Former First Lady Michelle Obama graduated from Princeton in 1984. Other alums include Queen Noor of Jordan, former Vice President Aaron Burr, General David Petraeus, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, and computer scientist Alan Turing. F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thornton Wilder, Jeff Bezos, James Stewart, David Duchovny, and Toni Morrison are all famous alums as well. Albert Einstein neither graduated nor served on the Princeton faculty but frequently gave lectures on the campus while he was a faculty member at the Institute for Advanced Study.
U.S. News and World Report currently ranks Princeton University in the first place among national universities. Princeton has held that title 17 times in the last 19 years.
Princeton University Accreditation Details
Princeton University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This accreditation covers the computer science undergraduate and graduate programs.
Princeton University Application Requirements
Admission to Princeton at the undergraduate and graduate levels is very competitive. Undergraduate students must complete an online common application as well as the Princeton supplement. Students must also provide a previously graded, written paper. The paper must be a research project or essay. It cannot be a creative writing project.
Along with the application, students must submit high school transcripts, grades, a letter from the school’s guidance counselor, two recommendation letters from teachers and college entrance exam scores.
The highest percentage of students accepted into Princeton University have a high school GPA of 4.0, SAT scores between 1500 and 1600 and ACT scores of at least 32.
Those applying to the graduate program must complete an online application for the fall semester of the year they wish to begin. Students should contact the computer science department to learn about any supplemental materials that may be required along with the application and transcripts. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation and graduate record examination scores. In addition, graduate school applicants must provide a writing sample and a statement of financial resources.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Princeton University estimates that the cost of attending the school is $73,450. This cost includes $51,870 for tuition as well as additional charges for room and board, residential fees and miscellaneous expenses. Students who live on campus must also have a health insurance policy or purchase a Student Health Plan for $1,800. Students may choose to pay the entire cost in a lump sum, pay half each semester or take part in a monthly payment plan.
Princeton offers a number of options to help offset the cost of tuition. Parents can take out a loan from the university called the Princeton Parent Loan. Parents may also take out a Direct Plus Loan from the federal government.
All students applying to Princeton are encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The FAFSA helps both the university and the federal government to determine the amount of assistance a student will need. Many students qualify for need-based financial aid. Others may work on the Princeton campus to offset some of the costs. Campus work usually earns students approximately $2,000 to $3,000.
Princeton University does not offer merit-based scholarships. However, the school does accept merit-based scholarships from other, private entities. All students are encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as they can from third parties.
Graduate tuition and fees amount to about $51,000. This does not include the cost of housing, food, personal expenses or books. Students who need help with covering the costs of the graduate program can seek fellowships, assistantships, grants or student loans.
Visit the Princeton University website to learn more about computer science degrees, tuition and life on the Princeton campus.
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