Geneseo’s new interdisciplinary major in PPE
Photo courtesy of Geneseo Website
Geneseo has recently added a new interdisciplinary major specializing in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
Geneseo has recently announced that they have added a new interdisciplinary major specializing in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), with the program having kicked off in the fall semester.
The program coordinator, Carly Herold, said, “The new program in philosophy, politics, and economics combines solid career and graduate school preparation with the best of what a liberal arts education offers: interdisciplinary learning in the social sciences and humanities, asking big questions about things that matter, and working closely with faculty in many different fields…Students will learn about how politics, morality, and economics interact in major questions and issues of policy, law, and social organization. It’s a great major for anyone interested in making a difference.”
PPE serves as a bridge between philosophy and social sciences. Learning to interpret both of these fields proves invaluable in the career field. Philosophy, Politics, and Economics have gained popularity in recent years, leading to interest in the relationship between markets and liberal sociopolitical order. It also provides valuable insights into classic and modern political and social problems.
To complete the major, students will be required to take at least nine credits in each of the three disciplines and at least two qualifying electives. There is a wide variety of classes offered that will qualify for these requirements.
The program will help to expose students to a wide variety of disciplines. There will be an abundance of opportunities for internships, research, and mentorships that will prepare students for graduate school. Geneseo's website says that through this major, “Students learn how politics, morality, and economics interact in major questions and issues of policy, law, and social organization.”
The program's long-term goal is to set students up for law school, MBAs, MAs, PhDs, and other similar programs for further education in public policy, administration, non-profit management, media, public sector counseling, marketing, and teaching careers. PPE is designed for students who want to make a change.
When asked about the future of the program, Professor Herold responded with, “ I am very excited about growing the PPE program so that it's not just a major, but also an intellectual home for students to explore big questions through activities like reading groups, movie nights, getting to meet with invited speakers and faculty from across multiple disciplines, and more. We ha[d[ the inaugural event this [past] week in our PPE lecture series—Dr. Alexandra Oprea of the University of Buffalo speaks about the meaning of democratic citizenship. I'd love to be able to host two or three speakers each year.”
Students taking this major may see the benefits of social sciences and humanities through this course-load. It may also teach students to think more analytically and critically while learning how to debate fundamental issues. Some sample courses for this major include constitutional law, environmental economics, international organizations, and labor economics.
Another possible intriguing aspect of this new program is Geneseo’s partnership with The University at Buffalo on the program. Students have the opportunity to take on the 3+3 BA/JD program, where they will complete their Bachelor of Arts here at Geneseo and their Juris Doctor at Buffalo, all within 6 years. By taking this course, students will save one year of tuition. The available major options include American studies, economics, English, geography, history, mathematics, philosophy, and sustainability studies.
Some legal fields students could pursue include compliance, corporate, environmental, criminal, real estate, sports, media, tax, etc. University at Buffalo offers abundant experiential learning opportunities through externships, judicial externships, law journals, practicum courses, pro bono services, summer fellowships, and The Advocacy Institute.
When asked about improvements for the PPE program, Carly Herold responded, “There are always things that can be improved! The program is brand new this year, so we're seeing what works well and what can be improved. We have an advisory board of faculty from the three home departments so we are all on the same page. I am also always looking for input from students in the major as well as those interested in it.”
On the topic of engagement and feedback, Professor Herold said, “...Yes we are thrilled with the engagement we've had so far from students here, prospective students and families, faculty, and campus administration. We have a great cohort of majors already after just the first semester, and recently received word from Admissions that there were around 40 applicants to Geneseo this year who listed PPE as their desired major. This is the best feedback one could hope for! Working alongside faculty in the Political Science department and the School of Business to build this program has been an honor.”