Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law

Do you have an interest in how the economy works? Have you ever thought deeply about the purpose of government or where the law gets its authority? Do you care about the environment? Abortion? Getting money out of politics?

If your answer is yes to one or more of these questions, BGSU has a new program just for you. The Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law (PPEL) program was created to give you the opportunity to ask and answer these questions in an informed and rigorous fashion.

PPEL is multidisciplinary, and so provides students with multiple tool kits and perspectives helpful in answering hard questions. Coursework focuses on teaching students how to understand and evaluate the production, maintenance and interaction of social, political, legal and economic institutions. Our aim is not to tell you what to think, but to provide you with the information and analytical abilities to grapple with these difficult and pressing questions more effectively.

With its emphasis on both research and argument, we believe it will be an excellent preparation for both graduate work and law school. Students will also have the opportunity to take courses in legal studies, and to focus on topics commonly covered in pre-law curricula at other universities. PPEL can be pursued as a pre-law program.

PPEL is built for those students interested in thinking harder and more effectively about the pressing social and political questions of our time and across history.

We invite you to join us as a major or a minor. And we especially welcome international applicants.

Learn More About The Program

Upcoming Events:

We are excited to welcome John Wood, Jr. to campus on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023, 5-7pm, to give a talk titled "Social Justice, Free Speech, and the Power of Virtue." John Wood Jr. is a columnist for USA Today, a former nominee for congress, and National Ambassador for Braver Angels; America's largest grassroots organization dedicated to political depolarization. He is a nationally recognized public speaker on the subjects of political and racial reconciliation. He is also a singer and musician who lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.

Location TBA

The lecture is free and open to the public!

PPEL Welcomes International Applicants

The Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law Program is excellent training for international students who are interested in giving back to their communities.

For more information about applying to the PPEL Program as an international student, contact the Program Director

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL) are expected to be able to:

  • LO1: Inform: Demonstrate familiarity with key economic, political, and philosophical ideas necessary for identifying problems that require a multidisciplinary response.
  • LO2: Inquire: Formulate concrete research questions with multidisciplinary tools.
  • LO3: Investigate: Apply the research and writing skills necessary to conduct research using qualitative and/or quantitative evidence to provide answers to concrete research questions.
  • LO4: Interact: Contribute to public deliberation concerning important political and economic questions in ways that respect cultural and intellectual diversity.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law program is currently undergoing Program/Cluster Review.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)
    

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

Updated: 10/05/2023 11:54AM