As a premier choice for those passionate about leadership, policy, and social change, CUW welcomes undergrads to apply now for the new PPE program this fall 2025.
By combining three essential majors—Philosophy, Politics, and Economics—students will now have the opportunity to pursue a faith-filled, interdisciplinary program that will prepare them to lead in a complex global landscape. As a program rooted in Lutheran values, the curriculum is designed for students to explore the intersection of faith and policy.
Why explore a PPE degree?
Originally beginning in 1920 at Oxford University, PPE is very popular in the United Kingdom, with roughly one-third of the British Prime Ministers majoring in it. Dr. Scott Niederjohn, dean of CUW’s Batterman School of Business, had the idea of combining these programs and says that PPE is becoming more popular in America.
Grounded in Western thoughts and traditions, PPE will explore the foundations of ordered liberty, the principles of constitutional governance, and the dynamics of free markets—all in service of human flourishing.
“Students will be able to determine whether a particular course of action is economically or politically feasible, whether it is morally desirable, and how they might evaluate tradeoffs among competing goods,” says Niederjohn. They will follow great thinkers like Aristotle, Adam Smith, John Locke, Alexis de Tocqueville, Friedrich Hayek, James Buchanan, Elinor Ostrom, and others, who thought deeply about paving the way to a better world.
Career prospects for PPE students
PPE offers a holistic approach to understanding societal challenges and crafting solutions. Graduate students will be well-prepared for careers in public policy, law, business, nonprofit leadership, or for graduate studies in related fields.
Since it is an interdisciplinary program, according to Dr. Steven Montreal, political science professor, students will combine multiple learning experiences. They will use the analytical tools of economics, the idea of philosophical thought, and the understanding of how the political system works.
Graduates, for example, may feel called to continue on to law school, work for political campaigns, or explore a career with think tanks. There are many different, practical opportunities.
Career paths include:
- Policy Advisor
- Government Representative
- Political Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Management Consultant
- Marketing & Communications
- Lawyer
- Legal Assistant
- Advocacy
- Journalism
- Teaching
- Consulting
- And more …
This is ideal for the student coming in that doesn’t necessarily have their mind completely made up on day one, according to Dr. Angus Menuge, department chair and philosophy professor. “They can feel out what that is as they’ve taken the classes to find out what really ignites their interests.”
Note: Students interested in pursuing law can take the PPE program as part of the 3+3 Pre-Law Pathway program and apply to Marquette University Law School.
For those called to build His Kingdom
Several CUW students have already approached Niederjohn wishing they could have taken PPE as undergrads. David Russ (’26), is the first student enrolled in the program. He believes that the PPE curriculum is “the best way to get an understanding of how the world works.”
Russ hopes to pursue a career processing data for a think tank (or similar organization), in which he can conduct surveys/polls and use the gathered data to drive political strategy.
“Ask a hundred different people, and you’ll get a hundred different answers, so it goes a long way for interacting with and understanding, not just people, but the world as a whole,” Russ says. “If you like having a spirited debate, this is the program for you.”
A PPE degree offers students …
- A BA designed to help you develop critical thinking skills, analytical skills, communication skills, and a global perspective.
- A lifelong investment that prepares you for leadership roles in an ever-changing world.
- A curriculum that entices you to search for meaning using open dialog in an environment that fosters ideas and welcomes an exchange.
- An option for an accelerated pathway—you can complete a bachelor’s degree in PPE and Juris Doctor in just six years.
- An excellent faculty comprised of leading scholars eager to help you foster ideas and engage in a well-established interdisciplinary perspective.
Why choose Concordia for PPE?
“Grounded in our Christ-centered mission, the PPE major prepares students to be faithful, discerning leaders—equipped to engage the world’s political, economic, and ethical challenges with wisdom and integrity,”
– Dr. Scott Niederjohn.
Concordia is one of the few universities in the Midwest to offer this program, especially one with CUW’s unique approach. “We’re emphasizing a Christian foundation and a moral foundation, which I think may not be so strong in some other PPE programs around the country,” Menuge says.
He encourages all PPE students to see the whole picture and question it at the same time. “Is it really a good idea? … What is it that makes individuals and societies flourish? … The question of will a particular policy end up degrading human value … or replace important vocations where people are serving one another and doing something of great value.” PPE students and faculty, according to him, will have the freedom to ask those harder questions because they will have a place to stand in the Christian faith.
Program instructors and resources:
- Dr. Scott Niederjohn, professor of economics, director of the Free Enterprise Center, and dean of the Batterman School of Business
- Dr. Angus Menuge, professor of philosophy and department chair
- Dr. Steve Montreal, professor of political science
- Dr. Lamont Colucci, professor of political science
- Dr. Jeffrey Walz, professor of political science and department chair
- Dr. Taylor Sandidge, assistant professor of philosophy
- Concordia Free Enterprise Center (CFEC), which promotes the ideals of a free and virtuous society. Check out our latest guest speakers!
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. Rooted in Lutheran values, the PPE program encourages you to explore the intersection of faith and policy, nurturing leaders who serve others with Christ-like humility.