Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Concentration

The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) concentration gives Government and International Politics students a strong interdisciplinary foundation for understanding public problems from multiple angles. By combining political analysis with training in economic reasoning and philosophical argument, the program helps students sharpen their critical thinking, strengthen their writing, and approach policy questions with greater depth. PPE is especially valuable for students considering careers in government, law, policy, public service, consulting, or international affairs, as well as for those planning graduate or professional study.  

Students also benefit from a distinguished faculty whose expertise includes democratic theory, public law, political economy, comparative governance, monetary and financial economics, philosophy of science, and international development. This breadth gives students the opportunity to study major public questions with guidance from scholars and practitioners working across disciplines.

PPE is a joint program between the Schar School of Policy and Government and the Philosophy and Economics departments in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS).  Learn more about the PPE program.

This 67-credit concentration is available to Government and International Politics majors.

Required Politics Foundational courses (16 credits)

These core courses fulfill both the BA GVIP and PPE Concentration requirements.

• GOVT 101: Democratic Theory and Practice
• GOVT 103: Introduction to American Government
• GOVT 132: Introduction to International Politics
• GOVT 133: Introduction to Comparative Politics
• GOVT 300: Research Methods and Analysis

Required Politics Senior Seminar (3 credits)  

This course fulfills both the BA GVIP and PPE Concentration requirement. Select one from the following:  

• GOVT 490: Synthesis Seminar
• GOVT 491: Honors Seminar (This option is for students who have been accepted to pursue honors in the major)

Politics Electives (3 credits)

Select one GOVT course from a list of approved PPE electives found here.

Required Politics Culminating Course (3 credits)

GOVT 467: How Washington Really Works 

Required Philosophy Foundational Course (3 credits)

Select one from the following:

• GOVT/PHIL 324 Modern Western Political Theory
• GOVT/PHIL 327 Topics in Contemporary Western Political Theory

Philosophy Electives (6 credits)

Select two from the following:

• PHIL 311 Philosophy of Law
• PHIL 357 Philosophy of the Social Sciences
• PHIL 358 Ethics and Economics

Required Philosophy Culminating Course (3 credits)

PHIL 353 Theories of Justice

Required Economics Foundational Courses (6 credits)

• ECON 103: Contemporary Microeconomic Principles
• ECON 104: Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles

Economics Electives

Select one ECON course from a list of approved PPE electives found here.

Required Politics Culminating Course (3 credits)

ECON 460: Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Interested in pursuing this concentration? Contact a Schar School advisor through Patriot Connect.