Politics/Philosophy/Economics (PPE) Major
Broad Based Skills for the Expansive Thinker
In this major, Politics, Philosophy, and Economics are combined in a multidisciplinary effort to study modern political science, questions of political philosophy, pursue social scientific research, and apply economic analysis in problem solving.
Why Politics/Philosophy/Economics?
The multidisciplinary trio provides a foundation in philosophy, logic, and critical thinking, political processes within the U.S. and in the international system, and the functioning of the economy with attention to economic analysis tools. Students are given preparation in the foundational materials of each of these fields, and encouraged to explore classes at the intersection of political and economic issues. Because it draws on three different research disciplines, this combined major strives to provide students with an interdisciplinary set of skills related to critical reasoning and analysis, problem solving and decision making, and social scientific research. The PPE combined major is not a triple major; rather, it strives to provide a broad exposure to these three fields.
Career Outlook
The PPE major prepares its graduates for careers in public policy and public service, consulting, journalism (reporting on political and economic issues), law and international affairs. It is an excellent pre-law major and it also offers suitable preparation for graduate study in any of the participating disciplines. PPE majors have gone on to some of the nation's most prestigious law and professional schools; to successful careers in business, public service, policy-making and journalism, and to graduate studies in the various sub-fields.
- Economics Teacher
- Economics Professor
- Government/Politics
- Law School
- MBA Program
- Nonprofit Management
- Political Scientist
- Policy & Budget Analyst
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 requirements for the two other departments, the economics department will forward their application.
For the political science requirements, students must complete any two of the following courses: PLSC 250, 261, 271, 291 or equivalent course(s) from another college or university.
For the philosophy requirements, students must complete three philosophy courses (or 9 credits) with a C- or better in each of those courses.