The Politics and Philosophy major, a major in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, advised through the David C. Frederick Honors College, provides students with interdisciplinary training in the conceptual, empirical, and normative foundations of various fields of public policy. It enhances students’ understanding of the moral and political complexities of public life and it offers preparation in both theory and practice to students interested in pursuing careers in social and public affairs, including law.
By combining course work from different disciplines — political science, philosophy, and economics — the program’s scope is broad, yet the structure of the curriculum also requires depth. The thematic nature of the major allows for flexibility in course selection. In collaboration with the major advisor, students design a cohesive program of study tailored to meet their individual post-graduate/career interests and needs.
The politics and philosophy major is a rigorous, but rewarding, program. Upon graduation, an academic career is certainly a possible pursuit; the major also provides excellent preparation for careers in law, government, community organizations, and social action groups.
The major is comprised of elements from the political science, philosophy, and economics departments and involves a minimum of 51 credits distributed as follows: political science - 21 credits; philosophy - 21 credits; economics - 9 credits. A capstone, which may have associated credits, is also required.
Required Courses
Political Science Courses
Students must complete seven courses in political science. At least four of those courses must be upper level (numbered 1000 or above). One of the courses must be a W-course; the W-course may be either upper- or lower-level.
Philosophy Courses
Students must complete seven courses in philosophy. At least four of those courses must be upper level (numbered 1000 or above). One of the courses must be a W-course; the W-course may be either upper- or lower-level.
Co-Requisite Courses
Economics Courses
- ECON 0100 - INTRODUCTION TO MICROECONOMIC THEORY
- ECON 0110 - INTRODUCTION TO MACROECONOMIC THEORY
- ECON XXXX any course (no course in the 0800 series may count toward this requirement)
Capstone Requirement
In consultation with the major advisor, students complete one of the following requirements:
- complete the Bachelor of Philosophy thesis through the David C. Frederick Honors College;
- participate in a graduate-level seminar (with permission from the instructor); or
- complete a Directed Research Project, an Independent Study, or an Internship.
Other requirements and conditions
Grade requirements
A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in those courses that count toward the major.
Satisfactory/No Credit grade option
There is no limit on the number of courses in the major that can be taken on an S/NC basis, but it is suggested that these courses be taken for a letter grade.
Writing (W) requirement
The W courses listed under the political science and philosophy requirements satisfy the W requirement for the major.