Key takeaways
Choosing between the AB and BSE degrees at Princeton is an important decision that will surely impact your academic journey. Each program covers different interests, field of study and career prospects, so it is good to understand their distinctions.
- The AB degree focuses on a liberal arts education with around 31-34 courses, while the BSE degree requires approximately 36-40 courses focused on STEM subjects, including engineering programs, humanities and social sciences.
- AB students have greater flexibility in course selection with double majors or minors, while BSE students follow a more structured path with fewer electives.
- BSE students must complete a minimum of four semesters of math courses and two semesters of lab sciences, compared to AB students who typically take only one year of math and one lab science course.
- For those uncertain about their choice, starting with the AB degree is advisable, as it is easier to later transfer to BSE if needed.
Contents
- 1 What Is the Main Difference Between an AB and a BSE ( Bachelor of Science in Engineering ) Degree at Princeton?
- 2 Which Major Should I Choose: Computer Science Under AB or BSE?
- 3 How Does Academic Advising Work for AB and BSE Students?
- 4 What Are the Graduation Requirements for AB and BSE Degrees?
- 5 How to Prepare for Admission to Princeton’s AB or BSE Programs?
It’s totally understandable that you are exploring your options at the start of your senior year. In this guide we will discuss the key differences of these two so you will make your choice based on the correct information about the complex systems and consideration.
Students who are also weighing the financial side of attending Princeton alongside their degree choice can find a detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and financial aid options in our Princeton Tuition guide.
What Is the Main Difference Between an AB and a BSE ( Bachelor of Science in Engineering ) Degree at Princeton?
The A.B. degree follows a liberal arts approach. It gives students more freedom to explore subjects like humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The B.S.E. degree, on the other hand, is more focused on engineering principles and applied sciences, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and technical courses.
| Degree | Full Name | Focus | Degree Type |
| A.B. | Bachelor of Arts | Liberal arts, flexible curriculum | Non-technical |
| B.S.E. | Bachelor of Science in Engineering | Math, science, engineering rigor | STEM/technical |
Comparison of Curriculum and Course Requirements
The biggest structural difference lies in the number of course of study in math and science in engineering program, the language requirement, and thesis expectations.
| Requirement | A.B. | B.S.E. |
| Writing Seminar | Required | Required |
| Language Requirement | Yes | No |
| Number of Courses in Major | Typically fewer | Typically more |
| Independent Work / Thesis | Junior Paper + Senior Thesis | Senior Thesis (often project-based) |
| General Education Breadth | Broad | Moderate, more focused on quantitative reasoning |
| Number of Electives | More flexibility | Fewer electives, more prerequisites |
A.B. students have greater room for exploration and often double major or add certificates (minors). B.S.E. students follow a tighter path with structured prerequisites.
Which Major Should I Choose: Computer Science Under AB or BSE?
Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide:
| Factor | AB in Computer Science | BSE in Computer Science |
| Focus | Broader, more flexible curriculum | Technical depth and complex engineering |
| Math and Science Load | Fewer required courses in calculus and physics | Heavy emphasis on math, physics, and principles of engineering |
| Elective Freedom | More room for double majors or minors in humanities | Tighter structure, fewer electives outside CS |
| Capstone Requirements | Varies by school; sometimes optional or lighter | Often includes senior thesis, design, or research |
| Best For | Students interested in CS + other fields (e.g. econ, linguistics, art) | Students aiming for software systems engineering, AI, or grad school in CS |
| Career Paths | Product management, UX, data analysis, tech policy | Computer engineering, professional engineering, R&D, machine learning, startups |
AB students in Computer Science who want to manage a broader course load across disciplines may find valuable to read our Easiest College Classes guide. Here we identify the course types that offer more flexibility and can help students balance demanding technical or humanities requirements without sacrificing their GPA for college credit.
How Does Academic Advising Work for AB and BSE Students?
Advising at Princeton is based on the degree path.
- A.B. students are initially advised by their residential college and later by departmental advisors. Mostly intellectual exploration and writing are emphasized.
- B.S.E. students are matched with civil engineering faculty from the start. Advising focuses on course sequencing and meeting engineering accreditation early on.
In both paths, students work closely with faculty mentors, especially when pursuing independent work.
What Are the Graduation Requirements for AB and BSE Degrees?
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the key graduation components:
| Requirement | AB Degree | BSE Degree |
| Total Number of Courses | ~31-34 courses (depends on department) | ~36-40 courses (heavier in STEM) |
| General Education | Strong emphasis on liberal arts, language, and writing | Fewer humanities, more engineering science and technical coursework |
| Math & Science | One year of math (usually Calculus), plus one semester of lab science course | 4+ semesters of math, 2+ lab sciences, and computing foundations |
| Engineering Core | Not required | Required (intro to general engineering, computing, physics, etc.) |
| Departmental Major | 8-12 courses depending on the major | 10-14 core CS/engineering courses + departmental electives |
| Foreign Language | Yes–usually through intermediate level (e.g. Spanish 108) | No |
| Thesis / Independent Work | Often optional (varies by department) | Often required: senior thesis, design project, or independent research |
| Breadth Requirements | Distribution across arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences | Fewer distribution courses; must fulfill ethics, writing, and cross-discipline |
At schools like Princeton, BSE students have general education requirements to keep their accredit standing in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). This includes engineering-specific advising and additional approval for changes in course plans. AB students, by contrast, have more flexibility to explore non-STEM disciplines and may double major more easily.
Both degrees are respected and rigorous, so the right choice depends on your interests, career goals, and how you want to structure your college experience.
Students who are comparing Princeton’s degree options against similarly prestigious scholarship and degree programs at nearby institutions may also find our guide on the Robertson Scholarship Duke useful. It covers one of the most competitive merit scholarships available at Duke and UNC and what sets those programs apart.
How to Prepare for Admission to Princeton’s AB or BSE Programs?
We advise students to tailor their application materials accordingly. If you’re applying AB, your essays and recommendations should highlight intellectual exploration and writing skills. If you’re going to BSE, they should emphasize technical ability, analytical thinking, and your passion for solving complex problems.
The AB (Bachelor of Arts) is more flexible. It focuses on liberal arts, so you can study subjects like literature, history, and science. The BSE (Bachelor of Science in Engineering) is more structured and focused on math, physics, and technical skills from the beginning. Which one you choose affects how you apply as well as whether you want to study abroad or not.
If you want the AB, admissions officers look for students who think deeply, have good problem-solving skills and write well. Good grades in English, history, and languages help with advanced classes like AP Literature or IB Theory of Knowledge. Your essays should show how you think, not just what you’ve done.
If you apply to BSE, the focus is on STEM. You’ll need fundamental knowledge of math and science skills, especially in calculus and physics. Taking AP or IB courses helps, and so does doing activities like robotics, coding, science projects, electrical and computer. Princeton wants BSE students to be ready for tough technical work from the beginning.
No matter which program you choose, both tracks expect a high level of academic performance and engagement outside the classroom. But it’s not just about being well-rounded, it’s about showing a strong academic identity and a clear fit with the program.
Students who want to build the academic foundation Princeton expects, whether for AB or BSE, can explore the structured, expert-led courses available through Our Curriculum at Legacy Online School. Our program provides both the analytical depth and writing skills that Princeton demands.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: Princeton University, Reddit
