Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Politics/Philosophy/Economics, BA
What Is the Politics/Philosophy/Economics Major?
Providing an understanding of economic concepts and the functioning of the economy and to provide the ability to apply economic analysis in problem solving is the mission of the Economics Department. The Department strives to provide a major program which gives students rigorous training in both economic theory and applications.
The Politics/Philosophy/Economics major’s broad and diverse curriculum is enhanced by the study of modern political science questions of political philosophy and the pursuit of social scientific research.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
This is a multidisciplinary major designed to provide a solid foundation in disciplines critical to decision making and leadership in economic, political and social service institutions.
How to Declare:
This major must be approved by each department.
Economics Department
Students must have a 2.5 college-level GPA or better to declare an economics related major. Students can complete the online application form at: http://www.cbe.wwu.edu/College/Applications.asp
Philosophy Department
In order to declare as a philosophy major or minor, one must first complete three philosophy courses (or 9 credits), with a C- or better in each of those courses.
Students wishing to declare as a major or minor should contact the Academic Department Manager or the Department Chair.
Political Science Department
Students are eligible to declare the political science major and any of the majors combined with political science if they have completed any three of the following core courses with an average grade of 2.7 or above: PLSC 250, 261, 271, 291, or the equivalent course(s) at another college or university. Due to high student demand and limited capacity, immediate access to specific courses cannot be guaranteed. Students who have no transfer credits for political science coursework: go to the political science department office in Arntzen Hall 415 with an unofficial WWU transcript showing the three completed courses from the list above. Students who have transfer credits for political science coursework from another institution must also bring an unofficial transcript from that institution showing the political science courses completed.
Coursework
- ECON 206 Introduction to Microeconomics
- ECON 207 Introduction to Macroeconomics
- ECON 303 The History of Economic Thought
- ECON 310 Public Finance
- PHIL 102 Introduction to Logic
- PHIL 112 Introduction to Philosophy: Moral Issues
- PHIL 114 Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
- PHIL 310 Theory of Knowledge
- PHIL 320 Ethical Theory I
- PHIL 350 Political Philosophy
- PHIL 360 Society, Law and Morality
- PHIL 364 History of Philosophy: Ancient Philosophy
- PHIL 420 Ethical Theory II
- PLSC 250 The American Political System
- PLSC 261 Introduction to Political Theory
- One course from:
- PLSC 271 Introduction to International Relations
- PLSC 291 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- 12 additional upper-division economics credits
- 9 additional credits from the American Politics and Public Policy field
- 4 additional credits from the Political Theory field
- Take one Communication Focus (CF) course and a minimum of three writing proficiency points in approved upper-division writing proficiency courses (WP-3 points) at WWU with a minimum grade of C-. The CF and WP courses must be taken within CBE and can be completed as part of the above required and elective courses, prior to graduation. Consult the Timetable of Classes for the specific course sections that fulfill the CF and WP requirements.
- 9 additional upper-division philosophy credits
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: PHIL 102
- HUM: PHIL 112, 114, 350, 360; PLSC 261
- SSC: ECON 206, 207; PLSC 250, 271, 291
Sample Careers
- Attorney
- Analyst
- Lobbyist
- Diplomat
- Urban/Regional Planner
Department
Contact
Economics Department Chair:
Dr. Paul Storer
PH 315A
360-650-6531
Paul.Storer@wwu.edu
Economics Academic Department Manager:
Diane Brearley
PH 315
360-650-3910
Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu
Philosophy Department Chair:
Ryan WassermanBH 302A360-650-3860Ryan.Wasserman@wwu.edu
Philosophy Academic Department Manager:
DeNora Lombard
BH 302B
360-650-3859
DeNora.Lombard@wwu.edu
Political Science Program Coordinator:
Sarah Hoag
AH 415, 360-650-3469
Sarah.Hoag@wwu.edu
Political Science Department Manager
Joan Blackwell
AH415
360-650-3469
Joan.Blackwell@wwu.edu
