Programs offered
- Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (major and concentrations)
As a student majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics studying in our location on the Pacific Rim, you will be well positioned for employment in business, industry, government, agencies, and non-governmental organizations. You will also be positioned for further study in academic or professional graduate programs in the U.S. or around the world.
Find out more about this program’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
The Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) major is an interdisciplinary program that combines studies in political science, philosophy, and economics, and requires a minimum 89–90 credits, including 42–47 upper-division credits. 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 the following concentrations:
- Applied Economics concentration: Designed for students interested in studying the allocation of resources and its effects on human welfare.
- Financial Economics concentration: Prepares students for careers in the world of finance and investments.
- International Affairs concentration: Best for students interested in international politics.
- Law concentration: For students interested in attending law school or working in a policy-making career.
- Philosophy concentration: Designed for students interested in more closely studying “great ideas” and the presuppositions behind many arguments.
- Public Administration concentration: Designed for those interested in pursuing careers in public or voluntary sector administration.
- Social Enterprise concentration: Designed for students interested in focusing on how business can directly address social problems such as poverty and/or environmental sustainability.
Additional competencies and requirements
New Majors Dessert attendance
Newly admitted students of majors in Business; Accounting; Economics; International Sustainable Development; and Politics, Philosophy, and Economics are required to attend an orientation event typically held in February each year. Admission to the major is conditional upon attendance.
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 minor, 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) and minor(s) 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 the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major.
- To change to or add a major or minor in this department, follow these instructions.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; 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 or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.
Time Schedule
Course planning: Suggested course sequences