The major in International Political Economy prepares students for careers in government, international organizations, international business, or private foundations; for further study in international economics and politics; and for constructive citizenship in a world of increasing interdependence.  The major is designed for students with broad interests in international studies.

The major focuses on the interaction between politics and economics in comparative and international settings.  It examines the possibilities and constraints furnished by social structures, institutions, ideologies, and culture within and across societies, and it looks at the interplay of economic and political forces in the world arena. 

Students are introduced to the field in their junior year when they take Introduction to International Political Economy, a course emphasizing theoretical foundations.  They draw upon this body of theory as they undertake a research experience during the senior year.

Major Requirements

The Major

In addition to the general college requirements, a major in international political economy must complete a minimum of 16 units, distributed as follows:

1. Political Science Courses (5 units)

 *The new introductory theory requirement takes effect starting with the class of '24. Students in the class of ’20, ’21, ’22, and ’23 can fulfill the theory requirement EITHER under the old OR the new requirement. OLD THEORY REQUIREMENT: PS205 or PS270 or PS292 or PS298  

1. Economics Courses (5 units)

Notice that while International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level and Advanced Placement (AP) courses may count toward college credit as the equivalents of Economics 100, 101 and/or 102, they will not substitute for Economic Theory I (EC201), a course which uses calculus as a fundamental tool of the discipline. 

1. Mathematics Courses (2 units)

1. Foreign Language or Foreign Study Requirement (2 or 3 units)
2. Second-year college proficiency in a modern foreign language (i.e. completion of the intermediate level of Colorado College’s curriculum, or comparable achievement on placement examinations).  Placement beyond the intermediate level would exempt students from this requirement OR
3. Three units of credit from an approved program of study outside the United States.       
4. Introduction to International Political Economy (1 unit)

1. Capstone Research Experience (1 or 2 units)

While all IPE majors must complete a senior research experience, the course satisfying this requirement may be taken in either in the Department of Political Science (as a one-block tutorial or a two-block thesis) or in the Department of Economics (as a one-block tutorial or a two-block thesis).  Supervising faculty in the two departments will seek to accommodate the interests and needs of IPE majors.  Students must follow the guidelines of the respective department in registering for the Capstone Research Experience. One of the following:

Whatever the choice of research experience, students must present their projects to their peers and discuss the research of fellow majors.

Distinction in International Political Economy may be awarded to students whose GPAs within the major put them in the upper 20 percent and who have also completed and received a grade of A in their Capstone Research Experience. Faculty in both departments must approve the award of distinction to students who meet these qualifications.

Advisers for the International Political Economy Major: