Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

Inspired by the well-established degree created in Oxford over a hundred years ago, this Austrian and U.S. accredited program offers rigorous training in all three disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics. In this multidisciplinary setting, intellectually motivated students will be taught by world-class faculty and will acquire many transferrable skills by examining complex concepts, arguments and world-views. Students will learn in their politics courses to think critically about different political and social structures; in philosophy, they will address fundamental questions about reality and our place in it; and in economics they will learn about the principles that govern the production and allocation of resources.

The PPE program is multi-disciplinary − students receive a thorough training in at least 2 of the 3 PPE disciplines. They can also do serious interdisciplinary work in their BA thesis or their capstone project, and can take courses from outside the PPE framework, which can offer contrasting or more interdisciplinary perspectives on the topics they are interested in. These include 13 elective courses offered by Culture, Politics and Society (CPS), the other BA program, which range from Human Rights through Environmental Science to Nationalism Studies. All students in the four-year program also have an opportunity to study abroad as part of their degree.

Professor Tim Crane, head of the program, is a leading philosopher who has written many books on the nature of the mind. A dedicated teacher, he led the philosophy departments at the University of Cambridge and at UCL in London. He enjoys discussing philosophy with students as well as promoting philosophy to the wider public.

Possible majors

• Philosophy
• Politics
• Economics

Possible minors

• Environmental Science 
• Gender Studies 
• Cultural Heritage 
• Human Rights 
• International Relations 
• History 
• Nationalism Studies 
• Sociology and Social Anthropology 
• Visual Theory and Practice

• Completed application form: www.ceu.edu/apply
• High school records
• Proof of English proficiency
• CV
• Application essay
• Letter of recommendation
• Standardized test scores such as SAT, ACT, AP or IB (preferred but not mandatory)

Finalists will be invited to attend an interview online or in person.

Fund your studies

• Inaugural class tuition award: EUR 5,000 per year, for the full length of your studies

Our first class of undergraduate students in 2020-21 receive a 50% tuition award of the EUR 10,000 annual tuition fee. Members of the inaugural class will be granted this award for the entire duration of their studies.

• Presidential tuition award: 5,000 EUR for two outstanding candidates

Two outstanding candidates will receive a Presidential Award for the total value of 5,000 EUR each. The Award covers part of the tuition fee throughout the four years of BA studies as follows:

• Year I: 500 EUR
• Year II: 1,000 EUR
• Year III: 1,500 EUR
• Year IV: 2,000 EUR

Spark your career

The PPE program integrates into the Europe-wide Bologna system and offers the best of the American undergraduate education system. Students who complete four years of study will receive both an Austrian and an American BA degree, which can prepare them for an MA.

By developing a wide range of transferable skills, students will receive an excellent foundation for several future career directions. Deeply honed thinking skills − required to tackle many social and economic issues − are in high demand and can therefore open many doors open for PPE graduates. These range from pursuing graduate studies to a wide variety of career options in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Possible careers in:
•  Financial world 
•  Politics
•  Finance
•  Think tanks
•  Public Service
•  Business
•  Healthcare
•  Media
•  International development
•  IGOs e.g. United Nations
•  Law, education, journalism
•  Charity sector

Join a global network

With its network of global employers, online job search platform, and team of advisers, our Career Services Office will help you find an internship and apply for funding, and provide personal guidance as you find your path. Our Alumni Relations Office will connect you with 16,000 graduates who are making an impact around the world, from Shanghai to Berlin to Los Angeles. You’ ll be joining a community that lasts a lifetime.

Study in Vienna

Apply now and be among the first to study at our new campus in Vienna! Did you know that the Austrian capital has been ranked as the world's “most livable city” for ten years in a row? Find out more about CEU in Vienna at www.ceu.edu/vienna.