Oct 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA


It’s a complicated world out there, and sometimes you need different perspectives and insights to really understand what’s happening. That’s why we created this program, for students who want to know how politics and economics work together to shape society-and their impact on social concepts like fairness and justice. If you want to help create real-world solutions for social change, UB’s philosophy, politics and economics program is a great place to start. 

Visit the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Philosophy department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Current UB students seeking admission to the Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements


Philosophy, Politics and Economics Core (9 credits)


One Microeconomics course (3-4 credits)


One Game or Decision Theory course (3 credits)


Four Thematic Domain courses (12 credits)


  • Students complete 4 courses from a single Thematic Domain: Local, National or Global. 
  • Courses must be from at least two different departments.
  • Three of the four courses must be completed at the 300/400 level. 
  • Some courses require prerequisites.
  • Courses associated with each domain listed below.

Notes


*PHI 410  can only satisfy one requirement for the major.

Total Credits Required for Major: 45-47


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Program Honors and Program Distinction


A student in the Philosophy major is eligible for Program Distinction or Program Honors upon degree conferral if the criteria are met.  Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Academic Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Students who successfully complete the honors program and meet the criteria will have the appropriate notation on their official transcript. Program Distinction is also noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 15-16


First Year Spring


  • Credits: 4   OR  Pathway Credits: 3
  • Economics Course Credits: 4
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Philosophy course Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3

Total Credits: 16-17


Second Year Fall


Total Credits: 16


Second Year Spring


  • Scientific Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy Lab Credits: 1
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Microeconomics course Credits: 4
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 14


Third Year Fall


  • Thematic Domain course Credits: 3
  • Policy and Change course Credits: 3
  • Political Economy course Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Communication Literacy 2 Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Third Year Spring


Total Credits: 13


Fourth Year Fall


  • Thematic Domain 300/400-level course Credits: 3 
  • Elective Credits: 3 
  • Elective Credits: 3 
  • Elective Credits: 3 
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


Total Credits: 15


Total Credits Required: 120


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all requirements, a Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the application of models to the explanation and prediction of behavior in the social sciences and as aids to decision making, as well as the evaluation of the limitations of models.
  • Use and evaluate normative reasoning in model-aided decision-making. Students will be able to identify and evaluate normative assumptions in models created by others, and capture normative considerations in their own work
  • Incorporate empirical evidence, theoretical social science, and normative considerations into their written and oral arguments
  • Synthesize information from multiple disciplines into their written work.
  • Explain how economic and political change is facilitated or constrained by institutions.
  • Apply these skills towards a particular level of political organization - local, national or global.

 

(HEGIS: 49.03 HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCI, CIP30.5101 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)