BS in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics – Modern Political Systems Understanding How Modern Governments, Ideas, And Institutions Shape Society
45
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Dates: August 24, 2026 | September 21, 2026 | October 26, 2026
Available Fall 2026
Shape Public Thought and Policy with a PPE Major Focused on Modern Political Systems
How do modern governments form, maintain authority, and respond to cultural and economic pressure? Political systems today are shaped by competing ideologies, historical experiences, and global interdependence. Understanding these forces can help you evaluate how public decisions affect societies at every level.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) – Modern Political Systems examines governance by connecting political institutions with economic systems and philosophical thought. This interdisciplinary field emphasizes how ideas translate into policy, law, and international influence. It also addresses why political systems succeed, fail, or evolve over time.
At Liberty, this online degree applies those perspectives to contemporary global realities. You will engage with comparative politics, political geography, and ideological analysis while studying how modern nations organize power and respond to moral challenges.
For students enrolling today, who are placed on the current academic year’s degree completion plan, the officially conferred degree name will be Bachelor of Science (BS) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) – Modern Political Systems. Degree details, including name, may be subject to change between academic terms.
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What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Choose Liberty’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Bachelor’s?
At Liberty, the Bachelor’s in philosophy, politics, and economics is designed to provide a well‑rounded academic foundation through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach. Offered through an accredited institution, this program brings multiple perspectives together within a single degree, helping you gain context for understanding public institutions, leadership, and decision‑making across sectors.
Ethical reflection is consistently woven throughout the curriculum. You can explore political and economic systems while engaging with questions of responsibility, justice, and leadership. This emphasis can help you build in-depth analytical skills and consider important issues from a variety of viewpoints without relying on simplistic conclusions.
With a focus on modern political systems, this program also offers a global perspective while maintaining flexibility for a variety of academic and professional goals. Whether you plan to pursue graduate study or apply your degree in fields such as government, business, or nonprofit work, the PPE program supports broad career preparation through structured coursework that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and adaptability.
What Will You Study in Liberty’s PPE Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program?
This program emphasizes foundational ideas that shape political and economic life. You will study ancient and modern political thought alongside core economic principles to understand how governing ideas develop. These topics offer a lens for evaluating authority, liberty, and institutional design.
Comparative and international perspectives form a key area of concentration. You will explore domestic political systems across different countries while examining how geography influences power, culture, and global strategy. This approach supports analysis of international institutions and global policy issues.
Ideological and ethical inquiry plays a central role in the curriculum. You will examine the historical and philosophical claims of socialism and Marxism, including their real-world outcomes in governance and economics. Memoir-based analysis of dissenters highlights the lived consequences of political systems on freedom and belief.
The program also emphasizes synthesis and application of interdisciplinary ideas. You can develop the ability to connect philosophy, politics, and economics through advanced analysis and written communication. A culminating capstone course integrates these perspectives into a unified academic effort.
Potential Career Opportunities for PPE – Modern Political Systems Online Degree Graduates
- Cultural liaison
- Economic forecaster
- Nonprofit worker
- Project coordinator
- Public administration manager
- Public service worker
Featured Courses
Course Format
We offer both 8-week and full-semester sub-terms each semester. While many online courses can be taken in the 8-week format, some programs require courses that must be taken in the full-semester term. Some courses may require additional approvals or information prior to registration.
In addition to these formats, some courses may be required to be taken in intensive or alternative formats, which may include scheduled meeting times, travel to campus, or required login sessions.
You can view specific sub-term offerings and requirements in the Course Registration Tool.
BS in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Degree Information
- This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences.
- View the Undergraduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).
Degree Completion Plan coming soon
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Tuition & Aid
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no additional cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!
| Undergraduate Full Time | $390/Credit |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Part Time | $455/Credit |
| Military Undergraduate | $250/Credit |
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
All Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Our BS in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9595.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official high school transcripts or official GED test scores.*
- Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of our High School Self-Certification Form (login required – you will first need to claim your Liberty Account).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system).
- Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.
Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.
Transcript Policies
High School Transcript Policy
Applicants may submit a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.
- Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.
Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.
The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.
Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)
Unofficial College Transcript Policy
Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:
- Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
- Cumulative GPA
- A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
- Degree and date conferred (if applicable)
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Military Transfers
If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.
International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES.
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online or over the phone.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
- Potential college credit for military training
*Not applicable to certificates.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liberty’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Degree
What can I do with a BS in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics?
Graduates often pursue paths connected to government, public service, nonprofit leadership, business analysis, or graduate study. This degree can help prepare you for further education in law, public policy, political science, or related fields. Career outcomes depend on your goals, experience, and additional credentials.
Is this degree available fully online?
Yes, this philosophy, politics, and economics degree with a modern political systems focus is offered in an online format. The online structure is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining academic rigor.
How long does it take to complete this degree?
The program requires 120 total credit hours, which is standard for a bachelor’s degree. Completion time varies based on transfer credits, course load, and individual scheduling.
Is a Christian worldview required to succeed in this program?
The curriculum integrates a Christian worldview, but students from diverse backgrounds are supported. You will be expected to engage respectfully with ethical perspectives presented in the coursework while developing your own critical analysis skills.
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