Economics/Political Science Major

Providing Tools for Political and Economic Decisions

The combined economics/political science major provides students rigorous preparation in both economic theory and applications with in-depth analysis of political theory.

Students will gain an insight in a variety of areas including trade, monetary systems and the interplay between politics and economics.

Detailed Program of Study

Students at tables in a classroom

Why Economics/Political Science?

The study of Economics provides insights into decision-making, market outcomes and the functioning of the overall economy. Political Science is concerned with the structure and function of both domestic and international political systems, and engaging questions associated with American politics, international politics, public policy and political theory. The combined Economics / Political Science major provides students with rigorous preparation in both economic theory and applications, and political processes at the national and international levels. By combining coursework in Economics and Political Science, students gain an interdisciplinary perspective important to understanding both political and economic issues. Students are trained in research methods used in Economics and Political Science, giving them interdisciplinary tools for problem solving and policy making. Students in this program will gain insight into a variety of areas including trade, monetary systems, development, and the interplay between politics and economics within the U.S. and the international system.

Career Outlook

The combination of economics and political science is extremely beneficial to students who aspire to to work in government or legal positions. Many students majoring in economics/political science go on to law school, graduate school and into the professions.

For more information please see a video made by the American Economics Association:  "A Career in Economics...it's Much More Than You Think"

Declaring This Combined Major

Students apply for this major using the CBE Major Declaration Form. Students will first complete the economics application process. Then once the student meets the political science requirements, which is completing any two of the following courses: PLSC 250, 261, 271, 291 or equivalent course(s) from another college or university, the economics department will forward their application to the political science department for processing on that side of the major.