Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Concentration

Catalog Year: 2022-2023

Banner Code: LA-BS-ECON-PPE

Economics is about more than money and profits. It is a way of looking at the world through the lens of incentives, choices, and markets to help uncover new solutions to the persistent problems in our society. This economic perspective sheds light on important issues in the areas of production, education, crime, the environment, international trade, immigration, health care, economic growth, poverty, and more. The Bachelor of Science in Economics provides a stronger emphasis on quantitative analysis. Students prepare for a career as an analyst in government, consulting, trade associations, or other private sector positions, and for graduate school in economics or more quantitative business administration programs.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Honors in the Major

Students pursuing departmental honors must complete 6 hours of ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) culminating with an original work of research and an oral presentation. Requirements for departmental honors are in addition to the coursework required for the major. Students must complete ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) with a grade of B or higher to receive departmental honors.

Economics majors who have completed 90 credits with an overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.50 within the major are eligible to apply. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements are guaranteed acceptance.

Applications will be available starting May 1st of each year. Applications are due by August 1st.

To be accepted into the program and enroll in ECON 495 RS: Honors Thesis in Economics (Mason Core) students must submit a research proposal. Research proposals can be developed independently or by completing ECON 494 Introduction to Independent Research in Economics with a grade of B or higher. Completion of ECON 494 Introduction to Independent Research in Economics is not required for departmental honors.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Some economics courses may fulfill the Mason Core requirement in global understanding. Check with the departmental advising office for more information.

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Concentration

Students interested in a degree in economics with a concentration will complete the coursework below.

Concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

This is a high credit concentration for students interested in a program that explores the interdisciplinary connections between philosophy, political science, and economics.

Required Courses in Economics
ECON 103 Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) 3
ECON 104 Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) 3
ECON 306 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
ECON 311 Intermediate Macroeconomics 3
ECON 345 Introduction to Econometrics 3
Choose one of the following: 3
Game Theory and Economics of Institutions  
Austrian Economics  
Public Choice  
Law and Economics  
Total Credits 18
Statistics
Select one from the following: 1 6
STAT 250& STAT 350
Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core)
and Introductory Statistics II
 
STAT 344& STAT 354
Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I
and Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II
 
Total Credits 6
Required Courses in Math and Information Technology
MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) 4
MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 4
Total Credits 8
Electives
Select 18 credits of electives in economics at the 300 and 400 level or higher. 1 18
Total Credits 18
Philosophy
PHIL/GOVT 324 Modern Western Political Theory 3
or PHIL/GOVT 327 Contemporary Western Political Theory
PHIL 357 Philosophy of the Social Sciences 3
or PHIL 371 Philosophy of the Natural Sciences
PHIL 358 Ethics and Economics 3
or PHIL 311 Philosophy of Law
PHIL 429 Advanced Topics in Social and Political Philosophy 3
Total Credits 12
Public and International Affairs
GOVT 103 Introduction to American Government (Mason Core) 3
GOVT/PHIL 323 Classical Western Political Theory 3
GOVT 422 Constitutional Interpretation 3
GOVT 467 Current Issues in Economic Policy 3
Total Credits 12
Capstone Experience Course
GOVT 469 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics 3
or PHIL/ECON 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Total Credits 3

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in economics fulfill this requirement by successfully completing:

Select one from the following: 3
The Political Economy of Nonprofit Institutions  
Topics in Economic History  
Effective Writing in Economics  
Economics of Energy  
Economics of Regulation  
Smithian Political Economy I  
Total Credits 3

Upper Level Requirements

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.

Additional Electives

Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.

Mason Core

Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.

Foundation Requirements  
Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
Oral Communication 3
Quantitative Reasoning 3
Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements  
Arts 3
Global Understanding 3
Literature 3
Natural Science 7
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements  
Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
Writing-Intensive 1 3
Synthesis/Capstone 2 3
Total Credits 40

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in economics fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ECON 345, 355, 365, 435, or 470.