Associate Degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Understanding Human Systems
60
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026
Do you have a passion for economics and political science? Do the fields of philosophy, politics, and economics interest you? If so, conferring Liberty University’s 100% online Associate of Arts (AA) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) can help you develop the knowledge you need to pursue a career in the political arena or in social sciences.
Political institutions have always had a considerable influence on the lives of their citizens, and in recent years, this influence has grown. Knowledge of civil liberties, economics, and political philosophy is becoming more crucial than ever before. Liberty’s PPE degree online was designed to equip you with such knowledge and help you serve as a Champion for Christ in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, financial firms, or think tanks.
If you don’t want to start your career immediately after graduation, you may also consider using this program as a first step toward completing your bachelor’s degree. The AA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics can serve as a stepping stone into nearly any business or government bachelor’s degree at Liberty.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
At Liberty, your success is our success, which is why we have worked hard to create our best online associate degrees in philosophy, economics, and political science. This degree program challenges students to think critically about how politics, market economies, and culture intersect.
This associate degree requires you to adapt an economic way of thinking and apply it to cultural, theological, political, and legal issues. Additionally, our professors boast experience in economic, legal, business, and government settings – allowing you to hear directly from experts in your area of study.
Our associate degree in philosophy, economics, and political science is no ordinary degree program. At Liberty, we Train Champions for Christ by integrating biblical principles into our courses. Don’t just become a leader in your field – become a principled, Christ-centered visionary whose work inspires others.
Each of your courses is taught from an evangelical Christian perspective. Whether you’re writing a paper on American government, studying ethics and economics, or fulfilling an elective course requirement, biblical principles will be incorporated into your studies.
As a PPE major, you’ll be challenged to develop an understanding of the concepts and tools of economic analysis. You can also learn to apply social principles and economic theory to government, political, and legal settings. Lastly, you will examine the failures and moral dilemmas posed by socialism and Marxism.
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to build a foundational knowledge of economics, political theory, and political philosophy. Stand out among your peers by starting your degree today!
*This profession may require further education
Degree Completion Plan
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
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
*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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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Submit your application online or over the phone.
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
Available Benefits:
*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.
With no set login times or on-campus class requirements, this program is ideal for students who need flexibility — like law enforcement and military service members.
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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.