Enrollment
All graduate study at Princeton is conducted on a full-time basis. Initial enrollment begins in the fall term of each year, with formal enrollment occurring in the fall and spring terms.
Transfer Credit
Program of Study
Residence Requirement
Nonimmigrant Students
Summer Study
Continuing Education
Statement on Disabilities
Annual Evaluation of Academic Progress
Transfer Credit
Since the University does not use a system of semester-hour credits, no mechanism exists for satisfying any portion of degree requirements by transferring units of credit for work completed at other institutions. Students who have completed work elsewhere, however, may be able to present themselves for the general examination in a correspondingly shorter time.Program of Study
Students are expected to follow a program of study, designed in consultation with the director of graduate studies or other departmental adviser, suitable to their individual needs. The Graduate School does not require any specific courses or any specific number of courses to satisfy advanced degree requirements. Each department, however, may set its own requirements, and can provide more detailed information about them.The Ph.D. program usually consists of two or three years of course work and research in preparation for the required general examination, plus two or three years of dissertation research and writing.
The general examination tests the student’s general knowledge of the subject, acquaintance with scholarly methods of research, and ability to organize and present material and moves the student toward the dissertation topic. It is comprehensive in character, and not restricted to the content of graduate courses. Those whose performance on the examination indicates readiness will be readmitted to continue work toward the Ph.D. degree. The Ph.D. is awarded after the student submits an acceptable dissertation and passes the final public oral examination. A Ph.D. student will normally be enrolled for five years. The program of study for the professional master’s degrees depends on the requirements of the particular school, but, in general, consists of one or two years of course work and research. A thesis is required in some programs.
Residence Requirement
The Graduate School is a community of scholars engaged in ongoing research, discussion, and scholarly exchange. Accordingly, except as approved by their departments, candidates for advanced degrees are expected to be present on campus in Princeton during the period of regular enrollment to devote themselves to full-time graduate study excluding other occupation or employment. Ph.D. candidates must be in residence at least one academic year before standing for the general examination.
Nonimmigrant Students
Nonimmigrant students must be lawfully present in the United States as a condition of registration.Summer Study
Princeton does not offer a formal summer session, although many graduate students and faculty members remain on campus to pursue ongoing research. Selected intensive foreign language courses are offered by the Graduate School to provide proficiency necessary to meet degree requirements or research needs of enrolled graduate students.
Continuing Education
This program enables nonmatriculated students to take a limited number of regular graduate or undergraduate courses. Continuing education students are not admitted to a Princeton University degree program, but they participate fully in classes and receive a transcript of grades for completed courses. Admission is selective.For information, contact the Office of Continuing Education, Princeton University, 22 Chambers Street, Suite 101, Princeton, NJ 08542; (609) 258-5226.
Statement on Disabilities
Students with disabilities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may contact Associate Dean David Redman to discuss their disability and the accommodations that might be needed for them in order to have full access to their academic programs.
Annual Evaluation of Academic Progress
All students, including those writing dissertations, must apply in March for reenrollment and be recommended by their departments for continued enrollment for each year of enrollment. Students may be recommended for continued enrollment with in absentia status if they need to use educational resources that are not available in Princeton.