Nov 24, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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

98-99 credits

Introduction

In this major, Politics, Philosophy, and Economics are combined in a multidisciplinary effort to study modern political science, questions of political philosophy, pursue social scientific research, and apply economic analysis in problem solving. The multidisciplinary trio 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. Students are given preparation in the foundational materials of each of these fields, and encouraged to explore classes at the intersection of political and economic issues. Because it draws on three different research disciplines, this combined major strives to provide students with an interdisciplinary set of skills related to critical reasoning and analysis, problem solving and decision making, and social scientific research. The PPE combined major is not a triple major; rather, it strives to provide a broad exposure to these three fields.

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
Matthew Roelofs
Parks Hall 315A
360-650-7947
Matthew.Roelofs@wwu.edu

Philosophy Department Chair
Ryan Wasserman
Bond Hall 302A
360-650-3860
Ryan.Wasserman@wwu.edu
 

Political Science Department Chair
Amir Abedi
Arntzen Hall 415
360-650-2912
Amir.Abedi@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
Erica Steele
Arntzen Hall 415
360-650-3469
Erica.Steele@wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

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

 Major/Career Resources

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: cbe.wwu.edu/apply-cbe.

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 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. 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 two 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.

Requirements