Politics/Philosophy/Economics, BA

Combined major offered by the Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, the Department of Political Science, College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Philosophy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

83 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Politics/Philosophy/Economics?

Providing an understanding of economic concepts and the functioning of the economy and to provide the ability to apply economic analysis in problem solving is the mission of the Economics Department. The Department strives to provide a major program which gives students rigorous training in both economic theory and applications.

The Politics/Philosophy/Economics major’s broad and diverse curriculum is enhanced by the study of modern political science questions of political philosophy and the pursuit of social scientific research.

Why Consider a Politics/Philosophy/Economics Major? 

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

Contact Information

Economics Department Chair Steve Henson Parks Hall 315A 360-650-4843 Steve.Henson@wwu.edu	Philosophy Department Chair Ryan Wasserman Bond Hall 302A 360-650-3860 Ryan.Wasserman@wwu.edu	Political Science Department Manager Joan Blackwell Arntzen Hall 415 360-650-3469 Joan.Blackwell@wwu.edu
Economics Major Information: Academic Department Manager Diane Brearley Parks Hall 315 360-650-3910 Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu Econ@wwu.edu	Philosophy Academic Department Manager DeNora Lombard Bond Hall 302B 360-650-3859 DeNora.Lombard@wwu.edu	Political Science Program Coordinator Peggy Warner Arntzen Hall 415 360-650-3469 Peggy.Warner@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Attorney | Analyst | Lobbyist | Diplomat | Urban/Regional Planner

Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

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. Students can complete the online application form at: http://cbe.wwu.edu/cbe/students/application.shtml.

Philosophy Department: In order to declare as a philosophy major or minor, one must first complete three philosophy courses (or 9 credits), with a C- or better in each of those courses.
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 political science major and any of the majors combined with political science if they have completed any three of the following core courses with an average grade of 2.7 or above: PLSC 250, 261, 271, 291, or the equivalent course(s) at another college or university. Due to high student demand and limited capacity, immediate access to specific courses cannot be guaranteed. Students who have no transfer credits for political science coursework: go to the political science department office in Arntzen Hall 415 with an unofficial WWU transcript showing the three completed courses from the list above. Students who have transfer credits for political science coursework from another institution must also bring an unofficial transcript from that institution showing the political science courses completed.

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.