The issues we address as a society, such as taxation, environmental protection, regulation of business, and trade policy, are greatly influenced by the political interests of powerful constituencies. A variety of interest groups, including labor unions, businesses, taxpayers, consumers, environmentalists, and retired citizens, attempt to achieve economic ends at least in part by political means.

 It is excellent preparation for those interested in careers in the public policy arena or those who intend to pursue graduate study in economics, political science, public policy, or the law. Students in this major may not take any courses in economics or political science on a pass-fail basis. To continue as a major, the student must maintain a 2.000 grade point average in all course work in the program. Majors may satisfy the writing intensive course requirement for the major in economics or political science.