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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Honors Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

The Honors Philosophy, Politics and Economics major at OBU is designed for high-achieving students who are preparing for leadership in law, government and public policy. Rooted in the Great Books tradition and offered in-person through the Hobbs School, this Bachelor of Arts degree equips you to think deeply, reason clearly and serve faithfully.

The PPE degree began at Oxford University in the early twentieth century and is now offered at leading institutions across the nation. At OBU, this prestigious major is strengthened through the Honors Program, giving you a rigorous liberal arts education grounded in Western civilization and the American tradition of ordered liberty.

In a time when many elite programs are disconnected from faith and skeptical of America’s founding principles, OBU offers a path forward. Here, you will prepare for careers in law and public service at a Christ-centered university that values truth, virtue and freedom.

Dr. Benjamin Myers

Director of the Honors Program

“What excites me the most about this program is the interdisciplinary nature with foundations in the study of the Western tradition through the Great Books.”

Benefits of OBU Honors Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program

Great Books Foundation

The Honors Great Books core provides an exceptional intellectual foundation for PPE. You will read and discuss the primary texts that have shaped the Western tradition, sharpening your reasoning ability and strengthening your cultural literacy. This seminar-driven approach develops the rhetorical skills essential for success in law, politics and leadership.

Interdisciplinary Strength

PPE intentionally brings philosophy, politics and economics into conversation. You will examine the roots of our legal and political order while exploring how ideas about truth, justice, markets and governance intersect. The required three-semester Honors thesis culminates your studies with an original work of scholarship under close faculty mentorship.

Liberal Arts Community

As an Honors student at OBU, you are part of a vibrant campus community. You will engage in leadership, service, student organizations and campus traditions while completing OBU’s distinctive Christian liberal arts core. Your classes are small. Your professors know your name. Your education is personal and purposeful.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost

At OBU, we believe finances should not stand in the way of calling. With generous scholarships and 100% of students receiving financial aid, an Honors education is within reach.

Program-specific scholarships include:

  • Three $1,000 C.W. Riley Memorial Scholarships awarded to freshmen each fall
  • Two $500 Travers Fellowships for juniors and seniors
  • One to two $1,000 Dowdy Memorial Thesis Awards for senior thesis writers
  • Two Deaton Memorial Scholarships awarded annually
  • Up to 80% of travel costs covered for students in the American Foundations colloquium

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost

At OBU, we believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your purpose. With generous scholarships and 100% of students receiving aid, your future is within reach.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be,please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is, especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Scholarships and Grants

$60,000

minimum university scholarship per student
over four years

100%

of on-campus undergraduate students receive financial aid

$24,000

average annual financial award
based on 2022-23 IPEDS data

Program Information

What You Will Learn

As a PPE major, you will learn to:

  • Identify, describe and analyze major political and philosophical traditions in the Western world and the United States
  • Understand the connections between philosophical, political and economic theory
    Apply reason to evaluate law, governance and public policy
  • Form and communicate persuasive arguments about complex issues
  • Articulate the implications of the Christian faith for political organization and economic life

Signature Courses

Political Philosophy (PHIL 3313)
Study the history and enduring problems of political thought, including the justification of public policy.

American Political Thought (POLI 3153)
Examine the major ideological movements and debates that have shaped the American regime from the founding to the modern era.

The U.S. Presidency (POLI 3303)
Analyze the evolution of presidential power in domestic and foreign affairs and its relationship with Congress and the courts.

Money and Banking (ECON 3453)
Explore financial systems, markets, institutions and the role of money in economic life.

Logic (PHIL 3203)
Develop skill in formal reasoning and the analysis of arguments.

Total credit hours required: 120

Hands-On Learning and Research

PPE majors are encouraged to participate in the Honors American Foundations travel study program. This experience pairs seminar discussions on colonial and revolutionary America with travel to historic sites in Boston, Philadelphia, Jamestown and beyond. Scholarships are available to assist with travel expenses.

You will also complete an extensive undergraduate research project through the Honors thesis. Over three semesters, you will work closely with a faculty mentor to produce an original scholarly work.

PPE graduates are highly competitive for internships in law offices, government agencies and journalism.

Faculty Mentors

With small, seminar-style classes, PPE offers active learning and continuous mentoring. The Honors thesis process allows you to work one-on-one with a faculty advisor who invests in your intellectual and spiritual growth.

Faculty teaching in the program include:

  • Dr. Keith A. Hess, Jewell and Joe Huitt Associate Professor in Religious Education and Associate Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics
  • Dr. Randy Ridenour, Professor of Philosophy
  • Dr. Craig Walker, Ernest C. and Ruby Wheeler Professor of Business and Professor of Economics
  • Dr. Daniel Spillman, Professor of History
  • Dr. Benjamin Myers, Crouch-Mathis Professor of Literature and Director of the Honors Program

Faith and Calling

The Honors PPE major prepares you for Spirit-led service in law and the public square. Built on a Great Books foundation that includes Scripture, Christian doctrine and church history, the program forms students as lovers of wisdom and devoted followers of Christ.

By studying philosophy alongside politics and economics, you will learn to view public life through the lens of ultimate truth. Faculty members model thoughtful Christian engagement and mentor students toward principled leadership rooted in faith.

Student Experience

PPE students participate in:

  • Honors Council
  • Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature
  • Honors summer study abroad programs, including recent travel to Italy and England

Graduate Opportunities and Career Paths

Graduates of Honors PPE are prepared for:

  • Law school
  • Graduate study in philosophy, political thought or economics
  • Careers in law, politics, consulting, public policy, journalism, advocacy, education and finance

Students planning for law school should prepare for the LSAT. Some graduate programs may require the GRE.

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

For more information about the Honors PPE program launching Fall 2026, contact Dr. Benjamin Myers or visit the Honors application page here.