A Deep Dive into DBU's Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Major

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." - Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)

Our world desperately needs individuals who can cohesively understand how systems, policies, and people operate — not just on a local or national scale but also globally.

That is why Dallas Baptist University created the DBU Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) academic program.

"It's exciting! We study the wisdom of the ancients and apply it to modern questions; we develop the ability to think Christianly about socio-economic issues; we hone the skills necessary for addressing complex global challenges; and we do it all in the context of a terrific community of like-minded students," says Dr. R. Keith Loftin, Director of the PPE program.

No wonder Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) "might be the hottest undergraduate degree today."

About the PPE Undergraduate Program 

As one of DBU's numerous high-quality undergraduate programs, the PPE program charts a unique course for students looking for an adaptable and impactful Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

Housed in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the PPE major is designed to equip students through studying the disciplines of politics, philosophy, and economics with an interdisciplinary perspective to be Christ-like servant leaders.  

In addition, the major is designed to allow students the opportunity to partake in travel study courses to places like Oxford, England, Israel, and Washington, D.C., as well as other domestic and international locations. 

During the course of the PPE program, scholars serve as mentors to students as they pursue internships to gain real-world experience that can translate into their careers.

"Philosophy, politics, and economics are challenging disciplines, but there is great reward in meeting their challenge," Loftin said. "We spend a lot of time in discussion, working together through dense texts and difficult ideas. We learn critical thinking, in the study of logic and strategic reasoning, for example. Learning comes from intellectual participation and discussion." 

Benefits of a PPE Degree

PPE graduates are equipped to be leaders who can think critically about the worldwide challenges of our day, foster informed debate, and integrate their faith and learning into a wide range of fields. 

"Our program prepares students to be intellectually versatile, using their training in philosophy, politics, and economics to anticipate, analyze, and answer today's complex and multi-faceted global challenges," said Dr.Loftin.

Like all DBU majors, the program's grounding finds its meaningfulness in Christ.

Loftin stated: "There is benefit in thinking Christianly about the polis, about the socio-political challenges of our day, about the economic complexities and challenges of our world. And it seems to me worthwhile to think of these in connection with the purpose for which we exist."

Careers with a PPE Degree 

This compelling program prepares students for a wide variety of careers in influential fields, including politics, business, consultancy, diplomatic service, law, economics, and international relations.

"Because it trains a student to be, among many other things, so intellectually versatile, the PPE program has proven to be attractive to students with a wide variety of career goals," said Dr. Loftin. "This kind of intellectual prowess and flexibility that comes with an education in PPE makes its graduates really competitive in the job market."

PPE graduates have careers in all the following categories:

• Diplomatic Service
• Banking
• Finance
• Local and Regional Government
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Journalism
• Education
• Business Management
• Consultancy
• Public Relations
• And More!

Ultimately, PPE students are encouraged to see their career as a vocation in which they can serve God by serving others.

"I try to remind students that they must think in terms of purpose — not just immediate purpose, but their ultimate purpose, grounded in the richness of Christ," said Dr. Loftin.

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If you are interested in a Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major at a Dallas university, learn more about the Dallas Baptist University PPE degree here and explore the types of courses you can take here.

It is our prayer at DBU that in the years ahead, the Lord will raise up a generation of DBU scholar statesmen who will have the ability to communicate effectively and lead faithfully in their respective callings.