Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Concentration

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

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.

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
Total Credits 15
Statistics
Select one from the following: 1 6
Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core)
and Introductory Statistics II
 
Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I
and Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II
 
Total Credits 6
1

With departmental permission, BUS 210 Business Analytics I (Mason Core) and BUS 310 Business Analytics II may also be substituted for the two required courses in statistics; however, a two-course sequence of STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) and STAT 350 Introductory Statistics II OR STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II is highly recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in economics.

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
1

ECON 385 International Economic Policy may no be used to fulfill this requirement. If ECON 340 Introduction to Mathematical Economics is chosen as an elective, students need not take the 4-credit course MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II; however, MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is strongly recommended for students considering graduate school in economics since it is required for admission to most graduate programs. An additional calculus beyond MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II is also advisable for students considering graduate study in economics.

Philosophy
Foundational  
Choose one of the following: 3
Modern Western Political Theory  
Contemporary Western Political Theory
Philosophy of the Social Sciences  
Philosophy of the Natural Sciences
Electives  
Choose two of the following: 6
Philosophy of the Social Sciences  
Philosophy of the Natural Sciences  
Ethics and Economics  
Culminating  
PHIL 353 Theories of Justice 3
Total Credits 12
Political Science
Foundational  
GOVT 133 Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core) 3
Electives  
Choose two of the following: 6
Democratic Theory and Practice (Mason Core)  
Public Law and the Judicial Process  
Legislative Behavior  
The American Presidency  
Political Parties and Campaigns  
Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process  
Classical Western Political Theory  
Constitutional Interpretation  
Government and Politics of Latin America  
Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa  
Government and Politics of Asia  
Government and Politics of Europe  
Government and Politics of Russia  
Islam and Politics  
Introduction to Environmental Policy  
Public Policy Making  
Public Policy Analysis  
Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core)  
Constitutional Interpretation  
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties  
Law and Ethics of War  
Culminating  
GOVT 467 How Washington Really Works 3
Total Credits 12
Culminating Course in Economics
ECON 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics 3
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.

Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information. 

  • VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
  • VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
Foundation Requirements  
Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
Oral Communication 3
Quantitative Reasoning 3
Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements  
Arts 3
Global History 3
Global Understanding 3
Literature 3
Natural Science 7
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Integration Requirements  
Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
Writing-Intensive 1 3
Synthesis/Capstone 2 3
Total Credits 40
1

Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.

2

Minimum 3 credits required.

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.