Undergraduate Studies

Minor in Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE)

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Overview

Cross Disciplinary Boundaries to Understand the World

Connect with comprehensive study through a Minor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

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Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) began as an interdisciplinary degree program at Oxford in 1924, and, 100 years later, it has spread to well over a hundred universities around the world as either a major or minor area of study.

Although often separated into distinct academic departments, the disciplines of philosophy, politics, and economics are closely intertwined. Political institutions and systems determine what can be owned and traded, which contracts will be enforced, and which economic and moral activities will be permitted or prohibited.

Economics and philosophy explain, predict, and evaluate behavior under alternative political institutions. Philosophy seeks to understand the nature of human relations and assesses the morality of political and economic decisions.

PPE students cross the boundaries of these key academic disciplines, integrating the methods, tools, and insights from philosophy, politics, and economics. In doing so, they gain a comprehensive understanding of social, economic, political, and moral problems in relation to one another.

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The study of economics and politics and their applications to social philosophy, cannot, in the end, be divorced

John Stuart Mill
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Highlights

What You’ll Study

The Minor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) introduces students to interdisciplinary study of key social and political questions.

Through the minor, students engage academic disciplines in a comprehensive conversation.

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Sample of PPE Courses

Introduction to Political Philosophy
Organizational Ethics
Natural Law Theory
Philosophy of Law
The Classical Quest for Justice
Morality and Politics
Civil Liberties
Antitrust Law and Economics
Introduction to Labor Economics
Survey of the History of Economic Thought
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Set Up for Success

As students seek a future-proof education, our moment confirms the need for human reflection, prudent leadership, and competence.

The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics minor emphasizes inquiry, discourse, and study. Minor in PPE to sharpen your ability to pay attention, read, write, think, speak, deliberate, and persuade.

Explore Career Paths With PPE

Requirements

Take up a serious intellectual challenge with the support of SCL faculty and staff.

The PPE minor  requires  a total of 18 semester credit hours, including nine upper-division hours.

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The PPE minor requires a total of 18 semester credit hours, including nine upper-division hours.

Either/or
Introduction to PPE
PPE 301
Foundations of PPE
PPE 320
Foundations of PPE
PPE 320
3 Credit Hours of Economics, chosen from an approved list
PPE 320
3 Credit Hours of Philosophy, chosen from an approved list
PPE 320
3 Credit Hours of Government, chosen from an approved list
PPE 320
Capstone
PPE 379

Declare a Minor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Follow this step-by-step guide to declare a PPE Minor.

Apply Now
1

Apply

Submit the application online on your own or with an academic advisor in your major.

2

Approve

This minor is auto-approved; it is open to all students and will show as approved immediately after the application is submitted. Upon submission, you’ll receive a Secure Academic Note (SAN) confirming you’ve completed the application.

3

Pursue

Meet with your major advisor to add the PPE Minor to your profile and complete the process.

Your major advisor can complete all three steps

If you have any questions about the minor requirements, email SCL Advising at SCLAdvising@utexas.edu.

Our people

Meet the Faculty

Study with mission-driven faculty whose top-notch scholarship anchors their commitment to teaching excellence.

Golden time skyDan Bonevac

Dan Bonevac

Professor of Philosophy
bonevac@austin.utexas.edu
Golden time skyDirk Mateer

Dirk Mateer

Director, Minor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) | Professor of Instruction
dmateer@utexas.edu

FAQs

What is the Minor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)?

The PPE minor combines coursework in philosophy, political theory, and economics to help students think rigorously about markets, institutions, and public life.

Who is the PPE minor designed for?

PPE is popular with students interested in law, public policy, business, government, or graduate study in the social sciences and humanities.

How many courses does the PPE minor require?

Course requirements are listed on this page; contact civics@utexas.edu or an SCL advisor to confirm current requirements.

Can I declare the PPE minor alongside any major?

Yes — the PPE minor is open to students in any major across UT Austin.

How do I get started with the PPE minor?

Contact SCL's academic advising team at civics@utexas.edu to learn about declaring the minor and planning your coursework.

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