Philosophy, Politics and Law (BA)

The philosophy, politics, and law (PPL) major is an interdisciplinary major focused on law, policy, government, and citizenship. It draws on philosophy, political science, history, and other areas of study. PPL majors learn how to think critically, write well and cogently debate about social, political, ethical, and legal issues.

The degree allows students to focus on topics of particular interest to them. You can choose classes that focus on international issues or human rights, environmental ethics, U.S. law, theories of justice, and many other topics.

Internships, Research Opportunities, and More

PPL majors frequently pursue internships in law offices, state and local government agencies, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, university programs, and a variety of other organizations. These can be valuable experiences, and PPL encourages students to begin actively seeking out internships early in their undergraduate careers. Guidance concerning identifying and securing internships can be found at the Fleishman Career Center. Information about service-learning programs can be found at the Center for Civic Engagement.

The PPL program also encourages participation in education-abroad programs. PPL faculty advisers will work individually with students to ensure that coursework taken abroad is compatible with completing the major in proper time. Information about studying abroad and specific education-abroad opportunities can be found at the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives.

Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), is the #1 public university in New York. We are a mid-sized university of 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including over 1,500 international students from over 100 countries. Binghamton provides top tier education in six schools and 130+ academic programs, with several exclusive honors programs and world-class research opportunities for students in every major.

On campus, there’s always something to do, with 21 NCAA Division I teams and 450+ student-led clubs and organizations. Binghamton University is nestled in picturesque rolling hills just minutes from a vibrant downtown area where students can explore the arts, local restaurants, and professional sports. We are just a few hours from major urban centers such as New York City, Boston, and Toronto, and our award-winning career center connects students to opportunities around the country and around the world.

Binghamton offers countless resources to support students learning and excelling both within and outside of the classroom. Combined with an affordable price, Binghamton University consistently earns a best value ranking among US universities.