Certificate in Contemporary European Politics and Society at Princeton University

Princeton University

United States of America, Princeton

University Rank:#25

Princeton University offers the Certificate of Contemporary European Politics and Society as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Princeton , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 1 year, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for contemporary european politics and society and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on September 5, 2026.

About Certificate in Contemporary European Politics and Society

The Program in Contemporary European Politics and Society(link is external), an affiliate of the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, encourages the interdisciplinary study of modern Europe, with a particular focus on politics, economics, and society in western and central Europe since World War I. The program sponsors a core course (EPS 301, 302, or HIS 212/EPS 212). In addition, it sponsors lectures, seminars, and other programs for the entire University community. The program offers a certificate in Contemporary European Politics and Society.

Program of Study

In order to receive a certificate in contemporary European politics and society, students must meet the following requirements:

Take one of the following gateway courses: EPS 301, EPS 302, or HIS 212/EPS 212.
Take at least four other courses from the list of core courses(link is external) that have an emphasis on European politics and society. Other courses may be approved by the director.
Of the four courses, at least one must be chosen from among offerings in history and at least one must be chosen from among offerings in the other social sciences.
Fulfill a language requirement by doing one of the following:
- Take a 200- or 300-level course in a European language.
- Demonstrate fluency in a European language by taking a test administered by the program. Any national language spoken in a European country may be used to satisfy the requirement. The expectation is that students will have sufficient linguistic competence to use research materials in the language for their senior thesis research.
Write a senior thesis on a subject related to contemporary European politics and society. Students majoring in departments where a senior thesis on modern Europe is not possible may petition the director to have another piece of independent research meet this requirement.

Certificate of Proficiency

A student who has met the requirements of the program and of the home department and has maintained satisfactory standing will receive a certificate of proficiency in contemporary European politics and society upon graduation.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Contemporary European Politics and Society at Princeton University

Entry Requirements

Transcript. An official transcript must be sent by a school counselor or school official.
School Report (SR). The SR form is available from the Common Application website. Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit the SR form.
Counselor Recommendation. If you are using the Common Application online, please note that the SR and the Counselor Recommendation are separate items. Be sure to “invite” your school counselor or academic adviser to complete both items.
Two (2) Teacher Recommendations. Please ask two of your teachers who have taught you in higher level courses (e.g., AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-Levels, etc.) in different academic areas of study to complete and send the teacher recommendation forms, available on the Common Application website. The subjects should be in core academic areas, such as English, language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or math.
Midyear School Report. Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit this form when your midyear grades are available.

Fee Information

Application Fee 75

How to Apply

A Completed Application. You must submit your application online through the Common Application. Princeton's CEEB Code: 2672
Princeton's Supplement. In addition to the application provided by the Common Application, all applicants must submit the Princeton Supplement. You should submit the Princeton Supplement online through the Common Application website.
Application Fee or Fee Waiver. You may submit a fee waiver one of two ways: 1) Select the fee waiver option on the Common Application. Your school counselor must approve your fee waiver request online or submit your fee waiver form by mail or fax. 2) Select one of the following fee waiver options on the Princeton Supplement: Princeton-specific, ACT, College Board or NACAC. All low-income students are eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. In addition, all applicants who are serving or have served in the U.S. military are eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. If you use the Princeton-specific fee waiver, you do not need to get approval from your college counselor or academic adviser.
Graded Written Paper. A graded written paper is required, preferably in the subjects of English or history.

Certificate in Contemporary European Politics and Society at Princeton University

Princeton University

United States of America, Princeton