About the Politics, Philosophy, & Economics (PPE) Major
PPE is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program that combines studies in political science, philosophy, and economics. Modeled after a program at Oxford University, PPE core classes study human values, cultural institutions, and economics in order to develop multiperspectival solutions to pressing social problems. PPE students will also choose an area of emphasis from the following tracks: Applied Economics, Financial Economics, International Affairs, Law, Philosophy, Public Administration, and Social Enterprise.
Degree Requirements
As a PPE major, you will be required to take a minimum of 89-90 credits, including a political science core of 20 credits, a philosophy core of 18 credits, an economics core of 20 credits, 18 credits of supporting courses, and at least 15 credits towards one of seven tracks.
Tracks
Students majoring in PPE must choose at least 15 credits from one of the following tracks to fulfill their major requirements.
- The Applied Economics track focuses on important issues such as environmental and health economics.
- Pursuing the Financial Economics track provides you with vital skills and knowledge in financial accounting, business finance, and investments.
- Studying the International Affairs track will educate you on the political and economic development of nations, international law and organizations, and american foreign relations.
- The Law track will prepare you for success in law school and a variety of careers in law and society.
- The Philosophy track will open your eyes to the world of contemporary metaphysics, epistemology, and logic.
- Choosing the Public Administration track will set you up for success in urban politics, public administration, and public policy.
- The Social Enterprise track will help you develop tangible skills and imperative knowledge in microfinance, the management of non-profits, and macro development. You will also gain social enterprise experience by participating in our annual Social Venture Plan Competition.
Career Opportunities
Grounded in SPU’s Liberal Arts core and Christian perspective, the PPE major will prepare you for a wide range of careers (i.e., politics, public policy, management consulting) and graduate school options (i.e., business, law). You will learn from gifted professors across several departments.
The PPE program is housed within SPU’s School of Business, Government, and Economics providing students with tracks and the possibility of minors and double majors in fields that are highly attractive to employers.
Leveraging SPU's location in the urban core of one of America's most economically and culturally vibrant cities, numerous opportunities for internships, mentoring, volunteering, and post-graduate employment are within a short distance.
Sample Job Titles
- Administration Official
- Executive Analyst
- Institutional Researcher
- Lawyer
- Teacher/Professor
Possible Job Settings
- Colleges & Universities
- Economic Research Firms
- Federal & State Government
- Government Agencies
- Special Interest Groups
- See More
Internships
All PPE majors gain industry experience through internships, and will take a pre-internship class to help them find and apply for a qualified internship. Our strategic location in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood puts us within arms reach of global business and industry leaders.
In addition to the required internship for PPE majors, students may elect to gain even more real-world experience through additional jobs and internships. SPU's Center for Career and Calling offers online internship resources. Students and employers also use SPU's internship and job posting system, Handshake, which is updated weekly.