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

  • Major, Minor
  • 4-year, On Campus

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

This course surveys the theoretical foundations, approaches, and methodologies of political analysis, introducing students to the “science of politics” and providing a basic grounding in the social scientific study of political behavior and phenomena. The course equips students with the tools of inquiry (such as the description and analysis of quantitative data and the systematic use of case studies) most commonly used in the discipline of political science.

POL 221 – Politics of the Developing World

This course is an introductory survey to the politics of the developing world, where most of humanity lives. We will examine some of the extraordinarily complex challenges faced by the developing world.  Among these are poverty, environmental change and degradation, violence, population growth, the status of women and the forms and sources of misrule.

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

This course is an analysis of modern liberal democratic thought and the various criticisms of it from both the left and the right. Emphasis is placed on original source materials from Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, J.S. Mill, Rousseau, Burke, Marx, Nietzsche, etc. This course is required of all political science majors.

PHL 303 American Philosophy

This course presents a critical history of thought in North America, tracing its gradual transformation from 17th-century Puritanism to 20th-century pragmatism

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.

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.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 20241204

Former NBA Star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist advocates for all who share his speech condition.

Associate Professor Siobhan M. Conaty, PhD, FCPP, elected as a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Nov. 15, 2024.

Associate Professor Siobhan Conaty, Ph.D., was honored with induction into The College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Nov. 15, 2024. She was among the 27 inductees that included prominent physicians, experts from public health and academia, and civic leaders.

I am inspired every day by the contributions our students make to the community. I am energized by how our University—as well as others—are reinventing themselves during challenging times to ensure that future generations can receive a high-quality education that prepares them for a lifetime of success and opportunities.