Program structure

The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) undergraduate major at the University of Maryland is an interdisciplinary program that combines methodologies from philosophy, political science, and economics to address complex societal issues. The program requires the completion of 13 courses, totaling 39 credits, structured as follows:

1. Disciplinary Foundations (18 credits):

Students must complete six foundational courses, each contributing 3 credits:

• Philosophy:

  • Moral Issues in Philosophy
  • Political Philosophy

• Economics:

  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Principles of Macroeconomics

• Government and Politics:

  • Introduction to American Politics
  • Introduction to Public Policy

2. Core PPE Courses (9 credits):

Three advanced courses, each 3 credits, are required:

• Individual and Group Decision-Making
• Social Philosophy and Political Economy
• Senior Capstone Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

3. Electives (12 credits):

Students select four upper-level electives (3 credits each) from an approved list, allowing for specialization in areas of interest. Elective options include:

• Applied Policy Analysis and the Black Community
• Entrepreneurial Capitalism Around the World
• American Economic History Before the Civil War
• The Ethics of Sex
• Supreme Law: The Constitution, Morality, and the Courts

Students may petition to have other relevant courses count toward elective requirements, subject to approval by the PPE program director.

Program Objectives:

The PPE major aims to:

1. Equip students with analytical tools from philosophy, political science, and economics.
2. Encourage application of these methods to diverse, normative questions.
3. Facilitate original research combining these disciplines.
4. Develop skills in clear writing, careful reading, and organized argumentation.
5. Foster a passion for learning across scholarly disciplines.

This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for careers in law, government, business, and non-profit sectors, providing a comprehensive understanding of societal challenges and potential solutions.

For more detailed information, please visit the PPE Major page.

Fees and Funding

The University of Maryland (UMD) offers a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) undergraduate major that integrates these three disciplines to address complex societal issues. Below is an overview of the program's tuition, fees, and available funding options.

Tuition and Fees:

• Per Credit Hour:

  • Maryland Residents: $420.24
  • Non-Residents: $1,722.00

• Estimated Annual Tuition (Based on 30 Credits):

  • Maryland Residents: Approximately $12,607.20
  • Non-Residents: Approximately $51,660.00

Note: Additional mandatory fees apply, including auxiliary fees such as athletics, shuttle bus, student union, and student activities. For a detailed breakdown, please refer to UMD's Undergraduate Tuition & Fees page.

Funding Opportunities:

• Merit-Based Scholarships:

  • UMD offers various merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen based on academic performance and potential. For example, the Dean’s Scholarship provides annual awards ranging from $1,500 to $4,500 for in-state applicants. Recipients are identified through evaluation of admission application materials, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, and an essay. Approximately 400 new recipients are welcomed each fall.

    University of Maryland Admissions

• Need-Based Financial Aid:

  • The Terrapin Commitment program aims to reduce the gap between a student’s total financial aid package and the cost of education, providing up to $20 million annually for Maryland residents. Additionally, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) offers scholarships and grants to eligible Maryland residents.

• Scholarship Matching Platform:

  • UMD utilizes Scholarship Universe, a platform that helps students find and apply for both university-offered and external scholarships. This tool matches students with scholarship opportunities based on their academic profile and responses to matching questions.

Application Process for Financial Aid:

1. Complete the FAFSA:

   • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal, state, and institutional aid. UMD’s school code is 002103.

2. Explore Scholarships:

   • Utilize Scholarship Universe to identify and apply for relevant scholarships.

3. Meet Deadlines:

   • Adhere to priority deadlines for financial aid applications to maximize eligibility.

For personalized assistance, contact UMD’s Office of Student Financial Aid or visit their website.

Disclaimer: Tuition and fees are subject to change. For the most current information, please refer to UMD’s official resources.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland (UMD) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support undergraduate students, including those pursuing the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) major. While there are no scholarships exclusively designated for PPE majors, students can access several merit-based and need-based funding opportunities.

Merit-Based Scholarships:

1. Banneker/Key Scholarship:

   • UMD's most prestigious merit scholarship, offering partial and full awards covering tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board for up to eight consecutive semesters.
   • Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.
   • To be considered, students must submit a completed admission application by the November 1 early action deadline.
   • Semifinalists are invited for an interview conducted by the Banneker/Key Selection Committee.

   • Academic Catalog

2. President's Scholarship:

   • Provides up to $17,500 per year for incoming freshmen, renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters.
   • Selection is based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, recommendations, and the admission essay.
   • Applicants must meet the November 1 early action deadline for full consideration.

   • Academic Catalog

3. Dean's Scholarship:

   • Offers awards ranging from $1,500 for the freshman year to $4,500 per year for both freshman and sophomore years.
   • Eligibility criteria include academic excellence and timely submission of the admission application by the early action deadline.

   • Academic Catalog

Need-Based Financial Aid:

• UMD's Office of Student Financial Aid administers federal, state, and institutional programs, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
• Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline to maximize their eligibility for need-based assistance.

Additional Resources:

• National Scholarships Office:
  • Provides guidance and support for students applying to national scholarships, which can fund study abroad, research, and other academic endeavors.
  • Students are encouraged to explore these opportunities to supplement their financial aid packages.

  • Academic Catalog

Application Process:

1. Admissions Application:

   • Submit a completed application for admission by the November 1 early action deadline to be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.

2. FAFSA:

   • Complete the FAFSA by the priority deadline to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid.

3. Scholarship Applications:

   • Some scholarships may require additional applications or materials; students should review specific scholarship requirements and deadlines.

By adhering to these guidelines and deadlines, PPE majors at UMD can access various financial resources to support their academic journey.

Admission Requirements

The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) major at the University of Maryland (UMD) is an interdisciplinary program that integrates the analytical frameworks of its three constituent disciplines to address complex societal issues. Prospective students must meet UMD's general admission criteria to be considered for this major.

General Admission Requirements:

UMD employs a holistic review process, considering a range of factors to assess each applicant's potential. Key components include:

• Academic Coursework:

  • 4 years of English
  • 4 years of mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
  • 3 years of history or social science
  • 3 years of science in at least two different areas, with two lab experiences
  • 2 years of a foreign language

• Standardized Test Scores:

  • UMD is test-optional through the Spring and Fall 2025 application cycles. Applicants may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.

• Extracurricular Involvement:

  • Participation in community service, leadership roles, work experience, and other activities

• Personal Essay:

  • An essay reflecting the applicant's experiences and aspirations

• Letters of Recommendation:

  • Two letters: one from a school counselor and one from a teacher

For a comprehensive list of factors considered, refer to UMD's Admission Review Process & Factors.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Admission:
  • Early Action Deadline: November 1
  • Regular Deadline: January 20

Applying by the early action deadline provides priority consideration for admission, merit-based scholarships, and special programs.

Application Process:

1. Online Application:

   • Submit through the Common App or ApplyWeb.

2. Application Fee:

   • A non-refundable fee of $75

3. Supporting Documents:

   • Official high school transcripts
   • Standardized test scores (if opting to submit)
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Personal essay

For detailed instructions, visit UMD's Freshman Applicants page.

Additional Considerations:

• Limited Enrollment Programs (LEP):

  • Some majors at UMD are designated as LEPs with more competitive admission criteria. Applicants to these programs must meet specific gateway requirements. For more information, see UMD's Limited Enrollment Programs page.

• International Applicants:

  • Must demonstrate English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores, unless exempted. Details are available on the English Language Proficiency page.

By adhering to these guidelines and deadlines, prospective students can effectively navigate the application process for the PPE major at UMD.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) undergraduate major at the University of Maryland (UMD), prospective students should follow the university's standard undergraduate application process. Admission to the PPE major is contingent upon acceptance to UMD.

Application Steps:

1. Choose an Application Platform:

   • UMD accepts applications via the Common Application and the MyCoalition Application. Select the platform that best suits your preferences.

2. Complete the Application:

   • Provide all required personal information, academic history, and responses to essay prompts as specified by the chosen application platform.

3. Submit Supporting Documents:

   • Official Transcripts: Request that your high school send official transcripts directly to UMD.
   • Standardized Test Scores: UMD has adopted a test-optional policy through the Fall 2025 admissions cycle. Applicants may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.
   • Letters of Recommendation: While not required, UMD will review up to two letters if submitted.

4. Application Fee:

   • Pay the non-refundable application fee of $75. Fee waivers are available for eligible students; consult your school counselor for assistance.

5. Indicate Intended Major:

   • Within the application, specify your intended major as Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE).

Application Deadlines:

• Early Action Deadline: November 1
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 20

Applying by the Early Action deadline offers priority consideration for admission, merit-based scholarships, and special programs.

After Admission:

Once admitted to UMD, students can declare the PPE major. For guidance on declaring the major or for additional information, contact the PPE program director, Dan Moller, at philadv@umd.edu.

For comprehensive details on the application process, visit UMD's Undergraduate Admissions page.

By adhering to these steps and deadlines, prospective students can effectively navigate the application process for the PPE major at UMD.