Program Description

The Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) major is an interdisciplinary program that combines studies in political science, philosophy, and economics. When you seek a bachelor’s degree in PPE, you will take a core of classes from each of these three disciplines. You will also choose from one of seven concentrations.

The Applied Economics concentration is designed for students interested in studying the allocation of resources and its effects on human welfare.

New Majors Onboarding

All newly admitted majors must attend this onboarding as an introduction to the School of Business, Government, and Economics. Please make note that there are no substitutions for this degree requirement. 

Entering and Completing the Major

In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.

Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) as soon as you have determined it and are eligible to join it, especially by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.

• If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major, follow these instructions.
• If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major in this department.
• The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
• To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
• You must complete the major requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major.

Politics, Philosophy & Economics: Applied Economics (BA)

89 Credits Minimum, Including 52 Upper Division (UD)

Additional Requirements and Information

• New Majors Onboarding

Suggested Course Sequence

This is a sample schedule of sequencing for the Politics, Philosophy, & Economics (PPE) major. The first two years of PPE curriculum lay a foundation of theories, concepts, and competencies, which support upper division and track courses later in your academic career. Be sure to regularly review your degree status check in Banner to make sure you are on track with all of your degree requirements. The minimum credits required is significant and requires careful course planning.

¹

Or PHI 1002 Ethics and the Good Life in the winter, or PHI 2700 Philosophy of Law in the spring.

Freshman Notes

• If you have not satisfied the Foreign Language Requirement, complete this year for your Exploratory coursework.
• 15 credits of PPE core courses double-count as exploratory “WK” coursework.
• Spreadsheets competency is required for courses early on. Take BUS 1700 Spreadsheets winter or spring quarter.

Sophomore Notes

• If you have not yet applied to the major, apply now! Applications are accepted year round and require good academic standing (2.0 or higher SPU cumulative GPA). 
• Attend the New Majors Onboarding. 
• PHI 3770 Political Philosophy alternative to PHI 1004 The Examined Life (but move to junior or senior year).
• Begin looking for an internship over the summer after your sophomore year. Recruiting often begins 6 to 12 months prior to an internship start date. 

Junior Notes

• Concentration courses should be taken when they best fit your schedule.
• Some concentration courses are offered once per year, or in rare instances, once every other year. Plan accordingly.
• Complete an SBGE approved internship.

Senior Notes

• Concentration courses should be taken when they best fit your schedule.
• Some concentration courses are offered once per year, or in rare instances, once every other year. Plan accordingly.