Admissions status:
Open. The current round closes on October 15, 2025.| Course Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Degree | BA |
| Length | 9 - 12 terms /4 years (US - and Austria-accredited degree) |
| Department | Department of Undergraduate Studies |
| US degree credits | 120 |
| Austrian degree ECTS credits | 180 |
| Cost of the program | 8,000 EUR/year |
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) degree at CEU is an interdisciplinary program that will teach you to critically examine contemporary challenges through the lenses of ancient and modern philosophy, political theory and economic principles.
CEU is ranked amongst the Top 50 worldwide in the 2024 edition of QS World University Rankings by Subject1 in Politics and International Studies as well as Philosophy. QS World University Rankings are one of the most widely referenced evaluations for students looking to pursue academic degrees abroad.
You will address the pressing issues of our times through experiential learning that encourages you to develop and communicate solutions as you progress in the study of humanities and social sciences - in and beyond the classroom. At CEU, a renowned European research university, you will connect with thought leaders in economics, politics and philosophy to blend theory with practice in your chosen two of the three disciplines.
You will be based in Vienna, which was named the world's most livable city for the third consecutive year in the Global Liveability Ranking by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). You will also have the chance to study abroad in the third year of your bachelor’s degree, enhancing your research and career prospects with a global perspective.
How the Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics Works
The BA PPE program at CEU offers a flexible learning path that will help you explore topics you are passionate about, gaining diverse perspectives, solid knowledge and the analytical tools to find your own answers.
In your first year at CEU, you will attend a set of mandatory foundational courses introducing you to the three disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics. You will actively participate in the CEU community of students and teachers to expand your understanding of different subjects in the experiential style of liberal arts education.
In the second year, you will choose from two of the three PPE disciplines, which come together as complementary specialization tracks and begin honing your expertise. You may select one of the following:
- Economics and Politics
- Philosophy and Economics
- Politics and Philosophy
In the third year, you will continue to attend mandatory classes from your two chosen specializations. You will write your thesis on a topic of your choosing under personal supervision. You may also choose to study in another country. By the end of the third year, you will have earned an Austrian PPE bachelor’s degree.
To further develop your multidisciplinary problem-solving approach in your chosen learning path you will be able to enroll in elective courses from across CEU in year three and four. You can choose from topic areas such as:
- Environmental Science
- Gender Studies
- Cultural Heritage
- History
- Human Rights
- International Relations
- Nationalism Studies
- Sociology and Social Anthropology
- Visual Theory and Practice
In the fourth year, you can select one or two PPE majors. You will continue attending mandatory classes from your specialization and electives, including available MA courses. You may also opt to complete a capstone project connected to your thesis. At the end of your fourth year, you will earn an additional American Bachelor of Arts PPE degree.
Program Accreditation
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at CEU is registered with the New York State Education Department in the United States and accredited by AQ Austria in Austria. CEU is accredited in the United States by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Students are eligible for an Austrian-accredited BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics after three years, and a US-accredited BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics after completing the fourth year.
Find out more about accreditation at CEU.
Who Is This Program For
This bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics is ideal for analytical thinkers, who enjoy examining complex issues from different perspectives. If you are passionate about understanding, analyzing and addressing global challenges, this program is for you.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics Questions You Will Explore
- How does economic policy impact social equality and poverty levels?
- What philosophical theories best explain human behavior?
- What are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and automation?
- What is the relationship between law and morality?
- How do cultural beliefs influence political decisions?
- How can public policy be designed to improve education systems?
Check If You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
You must have successfully completed your secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent) or provide documentation indicating that you will earn such a degree before enrollment in a CEU bachelor’s program.
Admissions at CEU
Visit our Admissions page for detailed information on applying to the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at CEU.
What Awaits You at CEU
The structure of the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics helps you gain a comprehensive knowledge of its three core areas before narrowing your focus to two chosen specializations.
Program Overview
Program Overview
- Fall Term:
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Introduction to Politics
- Knowledge and Reality
- Introduction to Academic Writing
- Winter Term:
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Political Concepts and Ideologies
- Ethics
- Critical Reasoning
- Spring Term:
- Introduction to Methods
- Foundations of Mathematics and Data Analysis
- Courses from the list of specialization tracks
- Elective bachelor's level courses from other programs at CEU
- Courses from the list of specialization tracks
- Elective bachelor's level courses from other programs at CEU
- Courses from the list of specialization tracks
- Elective bachelor's or master’s level courses from other programs at CEU
This program overview is provided as an example based on previous years' curricula. It is for informational purposes only and subject to change. Course offerings, schedules and content may be updated or modified at any time without prior notice. Please refer to official sources or contact the relevant department for the most current program details.
Your Teachers
See the full list of professors that are currently teaching in the program here.
After Graduation
Your Career Prospects After Earning a Philosophy, Politics and Economics Degree
This PPE program prepares you for diverse careers where complex problem solving and acute global awareness are critical. After graduation, you may explore the following professional paths:
- Public administration: Policy Analyst, Public Relations Manager, City Manager, Civil Servant, Social Worker, Public Policy Advisor
- Non-profit: Advocacy Director, Program Coordinator, Community Outreach Manager
- Media and communications: Journalist, Communications Specialist, Editorial Assistant, Media Analyst, Brand Manager
- Banking and finance: Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Investment Banking Analyst, Junior Risk Analyst, Economic Research Analyst, Accountant
- Legal field: Trainee Solicitor, Legal Researcher, Paralegal
- Private sector: Management Consultant, Researcher, Project Manager, Compliance Coordinator, Business Manager
- International relations: International Relations Specialist, Diplomat, Human Rights Officer, Environmental Policy Advisor
- University/research institution: University Lecturer, Research Fellow, Academic Advisor, Teacher
Continue Your Education at CEU
- Comparative Constitutional Law (CCL)*
- Master of Arts in Critical Gender Studies**
- Master of Arts in Economics, Data and Policy*
- Master of Arts in Human Rights**
- Master of Arts in International Relations
- Master of Arts in Philosophy*
- Master of Arts in Political Science*
- Master of Arts in Public Policy**
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)**
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy (MESP)**
- Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM)**
- Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Science in Social Data Science**
*Specialization required
**Subject to further requirements, such as work experience, evidence of interest in area and other program prerequisites.
Five Reasons To Study PPE at CEU
- Dual degree: Earn both an American and Austrian degree in four years.
- Study in Vienna: Experience the vibrant, livable city of Vienna while studying.
- Interdisciplinary skills: PPE blends philosophical, political and economic knowledge, preparing you for contemporary challenges that require expertise across various domains.
- Career versatility: The Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree expands your cultural competencies and increases your employability across diverse career paths in consulting, banking and finance, law, public administration, NGOs, media or academia.
- Global perspective on current challenges: Study with internationally renowned faculty members who bring cutting-edge research and industry experience into the classroom.
