Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics (B.A.)

What You’ll learn

The Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) program is an interdisciplinary major designed to give students a broad training in preparation for a career in public affairs and the legal profession. This program is designed for students with a strong interest in political and economic theory and requires students to select one of the three disciplines (Politics, Philosophy, or Economics) to survey and write a directed research project (PPE 480). Through a study of these three areas, students will develop a broader, interconnected vision of political life and will integrate the material from all three disciplines to evaluate, develop, and analyze social, political, ethical, and economic policy issues around the globe.

Why Study Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics at La Salle?

A thorough understanding in political science, philosophy, and economics helps students to analyze and evaluate information quickly and thoroughly. Our program trains students to address social, political, ethical, and economic policy issues across the globe. The program aims to broadly educate students in all three areas and later allow them focus on one of the three disciplines to prepare graduates for positions in their chosen careers, whether it be international business, global nonprofits, public service, or public policy.

Curriculum, Courses and Requirements

Highlighted Courses

POL 171 – Political Analysis

POL 221 – Politics of the Developing World

PPE 300 – Readings in PPE Classics / POL 361 – Democracy and its Critics

PHL 303 American Philosophy

Meet the Faculty

Faculty in the Political Science Department host and participate in a number of events throughout the year for our majors and the wider La Salle community. Among these events are the annual Constitution Day Panel, the Lasallian Forum for Politics and Policy, film nights, and election night parties.

Faculty Team

Career Opportunities

Backed by their own first-hand ability to research, think critically, make evidence-based arguments, and address political and policy issues, students will be competent and prepared to handle their selected discipline’s field and what comes their way. Our graduates have found themselves in high-level government positions, nonprofits, institutions of higher learning, and more.

Br. Robert “Bob” Schieler, FSC, Ed.D., ’72, (right) greets Pope Francis at the Vatican during a ceremony to commemorate the 300th passing of Saint John Baptist De La Salle in 2019.

Campus News