Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Concentration

The PPE program at George Mason University allows students to pursue topics in the intersection of philosophy, political science, and economics. The PPE model originated at Oxford almost a century ago. In the US there are a growing number of PPE programs and interest is rising. Mason’s program – which is offered jointly by the Department of Philosophy, the Department of Economics, and the Schar School of Policy and Government – is the first PPE program in the metro DC area.

Students in Mason’s PPE program embark on an ambitious course of study. After allowing students to familiarize themselves with each of the three disciplines, the program is centered around a series of courses that were designed or repurposed to cover topics in the intersection of philosophy, political science, and economics, and which adopt a robustly interdisciplinary approach. The program culminates in a capstone course that integrates insights from the entire program. 

Opportunities

All students have opportunities to

  • conduct independent research
  • engage in globally-related activities through coursework and language study at Mason and abroad
  • participate in many forms of public service
  • prepare for their future careers through internships, career-focused minors and other college-to-career activities