Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Political Economy
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Political Economy program at Franklin College provides students with a unique lens through which to understand global and domestic issues. It examines how political institutions, ideologies, cultures, and interest groups interact with economic systems of production, exchange, and distribution. Students are encouraged to develop logical and analytical thinking to address problems facing humankind at both international and domestic levels. This interdisciplinary major is a blend of political science and economics, preparing graduates to navigate a complex, interconnected world, whether in government, business, or further academic pursuits.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Political Economy at Franklin College is interdisciplinary, drawing primarily from political science and economics, and potentially incorporating elements from sociology and business. Core coursework would likely include foundational courses in both political science (e.g., American National Government, International Relations, Comparative Politics) and economics (e.g., Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics). Specific to political economy, students would explore "Key Concepts in Political Economy," examining theories that shape debates on the political and social implications of economic policies. The program would emphasize understanding different methodologies, the role of governments and political interests, and the strategic factors influencing social, political, and economic choices. Students are expected to understand how to apply theory to practice, engaging with current domestic and international policy issues.
Research Focus: Franklin College's Political Economy program fosters a strong research focus by training students to "think logically and analytically about the problems that face humankind internationally and domestically." The program likely involves coursework that teaches students to conduct research, investigate local, national, and world topics, and analyze complex interactions between political and economic factors. While specific research projects are not detailed, the interdisciplinary nature of the major inherently requires students to synthesize information from various fields and engage in critical analysis, preparing them for roles that demand rigorous inquiry and evidence-based argumentation.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College emphasizes practical application and industry engagement across its liberal arts programs. For Political Economy majors, this means connecting theory to practice through various experiential learning opportunities. While not explicitly detailed for Political Economy, the broader Political Science department, under which Political Economy falls, highlights that students "learn by doing," engaging in activities like arguing mock court cases, facilitating campaigns, and participating in government. Furthermore, Political Science majors (which would include Political Economy students) complete "one or more internships," providing valuable supervised professional training and networking opportunities in relevant fields. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for professional roles.
Global Perspective: The Political Economy program at Franklin College inherently possesses a strong global perspective, as its core focus is on how "international and domestic political factors interact with financial systems to shape the world and influence trade, regulation, taxation and globalization." Students "analyze how international and domestic political factors interact with micro- and macro-economic factors to determine outcomes in a wide variety of areas." This explicit emphasis on globalization, international trade, and finance ensures graduates develop a sophisticated understanding of global economic and political dynamics. Additionally, Franklin College, as a liberal arts institution, generally promotes "Academic Travel" and "study-away" opportunities, allowing students to gain direct exposure to diverse political and economic systems worldwide, further enriching their global understanding.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Franklin College's Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy offers a unique interdisciplinary education that combines rigorous analytical training from economics with a deep understanding of political systems and policy-making.
Policy Analyst (Government/Think Tanks): Graduates can work for federal, state, or local government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions (think tanks). They analyze economic and political issues, evaluate policy effectiveness, and propose evidence-based solutions in areas like trade, development, healthcare, or environmental policy.
Economic Consultant/Analyst: Leveraging their understanding of markets and policy, graduates can work for consulting firms, providing insights and recommendations to businesses or governments on economic trends, market entry strategies, risk assessment, or regulatory compliance.
Lobbyist/Government Relations Specialist: Combining knowledge of political processes and economic interests, these professionals advocate for specific organizations, industries, or causes before legislative bodies and government agencies, aiming to influence policy decisions.
International Relations Specialist: Given the program's focus on international political and economic factors, graduates are well-suited for roles in international organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or diplomatic services, dealing with global trade, development, human rights, or foreign policy.
Data Analyst (Public Sector/Policy Focused): With strong analytical and quantitative skills from both economics and political science, graduates can collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform public policy decisions, assess program effectiveness, or predict societal trends for government agencies or research firms.
Journalist/Political Correspondent (Economic Focus): Graduates with strong analytical and communication skills can pursue careers in journalism, reporting on economic policy, international trade, financial markets, or the intersection of politics and business for news organizations, magazines, or online publications.
Campaign Manager/Political Strategist: For those passionate about direct political engagement, graduates can work on political campaigns, developing strategies, managing operations, conducting polling analysis, and coordinating messaging to influence elections.
Risk Analyst: In financial institutions or corporations, risk analysts assess geopolitical, economic, and regulatory risks that could impact an organization's operations or investments, providing critical insights for strategic decision-making.
Law School Candidate: The rigorous analytical, logical reasoning, and argumentation skills developed in a Political Economy program make it an excellent foundation for success in law school, leading to careers in various legal fields including corporate law, international law, public policy law, or intellectual property law.
Graduate Student (Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Law): A Bachelor's in Political Economy is an ideal springboard for pursuing advanced degrees. Graduates often enroll in Master's or Ph.D. programs in Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, or pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) to specialize further and advance their careers in academia, research, government, or international organizations.
