Philosophy Degree (PPE)
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Focus Areas
Academic Focus
Co-Curricular and Engagement
Career Development
Milestone
First Year: Explore
Academic Focus
- Meet with your academic advisor and build your academic plan
- Complete PPE 1004 and foundational courses in each of the 3 disciplines
- Enroll in Pathways courses aligned with your interests
- Explore potential minors or second majors
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Go to Gobblerfest and join clubs/ service opportunities related to your goals
- Visit the Student Success Center for support services
- Attend the PPE Research Speaker Series and other PPE events
- Explore study abroad opportunities and connect with the Global Education Office
Career Development
- Begin developing your professional resume
- Create a Handshake account
- Research career goals and internship opportunities
- Meet with Career and Professional Development to discuss interests
Milestone
- Identify initial academic interests and potential career paths
- Establish a connection with at least one PPE Core Faculty member
Middle Years: Focus and Connect
Academic Focus
- Update your academic plan with your advisor
- Take PPE 2894 and PPE 3884
- Engage in independent undergraduate research or a faculty-led project
- Determine your PPE focus area and make sure prerequisite courses are complete; begin upper-level coursework
- Finalize plans for minor/second major
- Review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) and apply for your degree in Hokie Spa
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Engage with the Kellogg Center through events, programs, or student initiatives, such as the PPE Ambassador Program or PPE Review
- Identify a research focus and collaborate with faculty to develop a plan
- Serve in a leadership role in a student organization
- Attend PPE Bridge events and meet with the Bridge coordinator to plan your experiential learning, help you network, and make the most of your PPE degree after graduation
- Study abroad or participate in a global experience, if aligned with academic plan
Career Development
- Update your resume and have it reviewed; complete mock interviews
- Reach out to a VT alum for an informational interview
- Pursue a summer job or internship related to your major or career goals
- Attend a career fair(s) and build your LinkedIn profile
- Plan for graduate school applications (research programs, review requirements, prepare to request letters of recommendation) or postgrad job search
- Apply for competitive internships or fellowships and consider PPE 4964 for internship credit
Milestone
- Gain first professional experience
- Declare second majors or minors and determine Focus Area
- Make a connection with a VT alum or professional in your career path
- Complete an experiential learning opportunity (internship, study abroad, research) and add to your resume
Last Year: Launch
Academic Focus
- Consider attending a conference or pursuing publication of research in an undergraduate research journal
- Enroll in PPE 4884
- Ensure all remaining degree requirements in DARS are planned and completed
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Complete PPE 3900: Bridge Program module to reflect on experiential learning and leverage in interviews
- Finalize undergraduate research, if completing
- Publish or present research (such as PPE Review) or present/attend professional conferences
Career Development
- Update resume and LinkedIn profile with experiences
- Apply to jobs, graduate programs, or fellowships
- Attend college and university professional development events
- Complete the First Destination Survey
Milestone
- Graduate with a clear plan and a professional network
- Engage with alumni association in your hometown
Finding
Your Future
in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Our graduates have the skills to:
- Think critically about today’s most pressing social, political, and economic challenges
- Develop solutions that are not only economically sound, but also socially, ethically, and politically informed
- Engage with questions of economic justice, market processes, governance, institutional structures, sustainability, and more
Common job titles include:
- Attorney
- Account Executive
- Financial Advisor
- Research Associate
- Consultant
- International Trade Specialist
- Professor
- Data Scientist
Top Employers & Graduate Schools:
- Georgetown University
- College of William and Mary
- Virginia Tech
- Capital One
- Inova Health System
- NASA
- EY
Personalize Your Path
Every student’s path is unique. Use this resource as a guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty mentor, and career advisor to customize your experience.