Junior Independent Work

Junior Independent Work (JIW) gives students the opportunity to explore their individual research interests in-depth and trains them in the craft of conducting academic research in economics.

In the fall semester of their junior year, students must enroll in the mandatory Foundations of Economic Research course, which meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:55 – 4:15pm. This course includes weekly lectures and hands-on workshops designed to introduce students to the principles of economics writing, as well as data collection, management, and econometric analysis, and serves as necessary preparation for the Spring Junior Independent Work.

Enrolled students will be grouped by research interest into advising groups led by a faculty adviser. Faculty advisers will meet with students both individually and in groups throughout the year to discuss research topics and provide students with feedback on the progress of their projects.

Junior Independent Work Coordinator
Professor Kelly Noonan
knoonan@princeton.edu

Resources for juniors

JIW Handbook
Canvas JIW Page
JIW at-a-glance for Students
How to write a first-rate Junior Paper

Junior Prizes

Each fall, the Economics Department awards a first, second, and third place Junior Prize to three rising seniors. Prizes are awarded based on GPA average through the end of junior year and the student’s JIW grade. Read about past Junior Prize winners here.

Junior Independent Work Forum

Each fall, the Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies organizes a Junior Independent Work (JIW) Forum where students are selected to present public policy-relevant Junior Papers. Learn more about the forum here.