Independent Work
Independent research is the hallmark of a Princeton Economics education, designed to afford majors the opportunity to identify and explore their research interests in depth. Students are expected to develop a carefully reasoned exposition that critically analyzes a problem using basic principles of economics. Juniors complete a year-long research project in ECO 396 and ECO 398, which consists of a research prospectus submitted in December and a final paper submitted in April. The Senior Thesis (ECO 498 and ECO 499) is expected to be more extensive, with a topic of greater scope and correspondingly broader analysis and interpretation.
Limited funding is also available to support senior thesis projects. To apply, visit our Funding Opportunities page.
Junior Independent Work
Students begin their JIW by taking ECO 396 JIW Foundations in the Fall semester. The work culminates in the writing of a Junior Paper in the Spring term.
Senior Thesis
To complete their degree, all Economics majors must write a Senior Thesis that demonstrates a command of the theoretical, empirical, and/or experimental methods needed to critically analyze a chosen topic.
Learn more about the Senior Thesis process
Senior Comprehensive Exam
The senior comprehensive examination takes the form of an oral presentation and defense of the Senior Thesis. The senior comprehensive exam grade will appear on the student’s transcript.