Program Overview

Politics/Philosophy/Economics, BA

Introduction

The Politics/Philosophy/Economics (PPE) major is a multidisciplinary effort to study modern political science, questions of political philosophy, pursue social scientific research, and apply economic analysis in problem solving. This combined major 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.

Why Consider a Politics/Philosophy/Economics Major?

This major is designed to provide a solid foundation in disciplines critical to decision making and leadership in economic, political, and social service institutions.

Requirements (98-99 credits)

• ECON 206 - Introduction to Microeconomics (4 credits)
• ECON 207 - Introduction to Macroeconomics (4 credits)
• ECON 303 - The History of Economic Thought (4 credits)
• One course from:
  • ECON 306 - Intermediate Microeconomics (4 credits)
  • ECON 307 - Intermediate Macroeconomics (4 credits)
• ECON 310 - Public Sector Economics (4 credits)
• One course from:
  • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5 credits)
  • MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors (5 credits)
  • MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus (5 credits)
  • MATH 157 - Calculus with Applications to Business and Economics (4 credits)
  • (or AP Calculus Exam with score of 3 or better)
• PHIL 112 - Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics and the Good Life (3 credits)
• PHIL 114 - Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality (3 credits)
• PHIL 201 - Logic I (3 credits)
• PHIL 320 - Ethical Theory I (3 credits)
• PHIL 350 - Political Philosophy (3 credits)
• PHIL 360 - Society, Law and Morality (3 credits)
• One course from:
  • PLSC 250 - The American Political System (5 credits)
  • PLSC 261 - Introduction to Political Theory (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • PLSC 271 - Introduction to International Relations (5 credits)
  • PLSC 291 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • PLSC 309 - Globalization from Political, Economic, and Social Perspectives (5 credits)
  • PLSC 370 - Global Issues in International Politics (5 credits)
  • PLSC 372 - International Political Economy (5 credits)
  • PLSC 390 - The Politics of Development (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • PLSC 491 - Issues in Political Economy (4 credits)
  • ECON 491 - Issues in Political Economy (4 credits)
• 4 credits of a 400-level political science course with political economy content
• 12 additional credits from upper-division political science courses
• 12 additional upper-division economics credits
• 9 additional upper-division philosophy credits
• Take one Communication focus – Economics (CF-E) or a Communication Focus (CF) course within the College of Business and Economics, and a minimum of three writing proficiency points in approved upper-division writing proficiency courses (WP-3 points) at WWU with a minimum grade of C-

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Study Abroad Transfer Credit

The Philosophy, Economics, and Political Science Departments encourage students to participate in study abroad opportunities that further their academic studies. Up to fifteen (15) credits of approved study abroad coursework can be applied to the major requirements. Students can distribute those 15 credits across the three departments, with no more than 10 of those credits transferable to Political Science and no more than 12 of those credits transferable to Economics.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process)

Students planning to major in Politics/Philosophy/Economics should declare their major as early as possible, preferably their first year at Western. Completion of the CBE foundation courses is not required to declare this combined major in economics. This major must be approved by each department.

• Economics Department: Students must have a 2.5 college-level GPA or better to declare an economics-related major.
• Philosophy Department: Students wishing to declare as a major or minor should contact the Academic Department Manager or the Department Chair.
• Political Science Department: Students are eligible to declare the PPE major if they have completed any two of the following core courses: PLSC 250, PLSC 261, PLSC 271, PLSC 291, or the equivalent course(s) at another college or university.