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Political Economy Certificate (Undergraduate)

Undergraduate certificate in Political Economy

Examine the parallels between the government and economy with the Undergraduate certificate in Political Economy​ in Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. This 18-credit cross-disciplinary certificate program is offered by the Department of Economics and the Department of Political Science, and it is open to all matriculated undergraduate students.

You’ll explore public policy and the policy-making process, as well as how government actions affect the process of economic change. Develop a fundamental understanding of  

  • American politics, 
  • international politics, 
  • macroeconomics and 
  • microeconomics.

Sharpen your critical thinking skills by correlating how government actions and economic conditions shape public policy and society as a whole.

The Political Economy​ Undergraduate certificate facilitates the study of political economy on a deeper level and prepares students for graduate work in a number of fields including business, economics, law, political science and public policy. 

Classes & Curriculum

Students pursuing the Political Economy​ Undergraduate certificate take the following core courses, which are also offered at the honors level. 

  • Macroeconomic Principles
  • Microeconomic Principles
  • The American Political System

Students can also choose one of the following courses.

  • Foreign Governments and Politics
  • International Politics

Students complete the undergraduate certificate program by choosing four electives: two economics courses and two political science courses. A substantial number of electives allow students to tailor the program to their academic and professional interests.

Learn more about Political Economy Certificate (Undergraduate) coursework.

Related Graduate Degrees

Careers

The skills gained from a liberal arts degree are highly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving world. Apply the experience and knowledge acquired in the Political Economy Certificate (Undergraduate) program to your professional pursuits across many organizations and industries, including academics, cultural institutions, government agencies or the social sciences. The versatility of this program’s curriculum helps you graduate with valuable skill sets sought by many employers. 

The Political Economy​ Undergraduate certificate program not only prepares students for graduate study in economics and political science, but also business, law and public policy.

Tuition & Fees

The tuition for this Certificate Program is based on school or college of your major, program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website. You can also view the 2025–2026 tuition rates.

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage (https://liberalarts.temple.edu/students/academic-advising).

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond Temple. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. Learn more about the center.

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Political Economy Certificate (Undergraduate), contact the following staff members.

Moritz Ritter is an associate professor in the Economics Department.
​Phone: 215-204-5029
Email

Alexandra Guisinger is an associate professor in the Political Science Department.
Phone: 215-204-7796
Email: 

Roselyn Hsueh is an associate professor in the Political Science Department.
Phone: 215-204-7796
Email: 

Accreditation

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional Program Information