Programs offered
- Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (major and tracks)
School of Business, Government, and Economics Faculty
Philosophy Faculty
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 91–92 credits, including 43 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 tracks:
- Financial Economics track: Prepares students for careers in the world of finance and investments.
- International Affairs track: Best for students interested in international politics.
- Philosophy Track: Designed for students interested in more closely studying “great ideas” and the presuppositions behind many arguments.
- Law Track: For students interested in attending law school or working in a policy-making career.
- Public Administration track: Designed for those interested in pursuing careers in public or voluntary sector administration.
- Social Enterprise track: Designed for students interested in focusing on how business can directly address social problems such as poverty and/or environmental sustainability.
- Applied Economics track: Designed for students interested in studying the allocation of resources and its effects on human welfare.
Additional competencies and requirements
Spreadsheet competency requirement
Demonstration of spreadsheet competency is required of all students graduating with degrees in the School of Business, Government, and Economics. You can document this by passing BUS 1700 or by scoring at least 60 percent on the basic Microsoft Office Specialist exam for Microsoft Excel 2013, 2016, or later. For questions regarding the Spreadsheets Competency Requirement, contact Dr. Richard Sleight at sl8@sikedz.com.
New majors dessert attendance
Newly admitted students of majors in Business; Accounting; Economics; Global 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.
Benefits
As a PPE major, you’ll have the opportunity to think about important questions and develop solutions to pressing problems from multiple perspectives.
You’ll learn from professors who are experts in the fields of political science, philosophy, and economics in an environment that emphasizes both competence and integrity within the context of Christian faith and values.
Career opportunities
A PPE degree will prepare you for graduate school in disciplines such as law and public affairs and to work in fields such as politics/public policy or management consulting.
entering and completing the major
In order to earn a degree, you must complete an academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, and students are not required to enter a major immediately upon admission to the University. However, you should enter a major by the end of your sophomore year to help ensure your timely completion of a degree. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should identify and enter their major within their first two quarters at SPU.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you wish to enter a major in this department, you may select a program by using the online Major or Minor Application form. You will receive an email notification of acceptance.
- If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, use the online Major or Minor Application form to select your major. You will receive an email notification of acceptance. Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
- 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, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
- You must complete the major requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the major.