The program in the junior and senior years, by contrast, is more intensive, reflecting the departmental program that the student has chosen. Students are not bound to the above pattern, however, and are encouraged to rearrange it according to their needs. Upperclass students are responsible for departmental independent work in each term of the junior and senior years, culminating in a senior thesis. Independent study gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on library or laboratory research and in sustained writing projects. The independent work requirement and the emphasis given to the senior thesis make the program of study for the A.B. degree at Princeton distinctive.
Many departments encourage interdisciplinary or area studies.
There are, in addition, a number of interdepartmental programs that upperclass students may elect in conjunction with concentration in cooperating departments. Each interdepartmental program awards a certificate of proficiency to students completing the program's requirements. Those students whose combinations of interests are not adequately served by existing departmental concentrations and interdepartmental programs may, with faculty guidance, elect an independent concentration and design their own unique program. Departmental Concentration Undergraduates working toward the bachelor of arts degree must select a department and complete a program of concentration that combines independent study with a set of regular courses. Departmental concentration may begin in the sophomore year, although it usually starts in the first term of junior year.