International Political Economy

Description of Major

This major is designed for students who wish to focus their work in economics, political science, and management on the evolving web of global relationships, and the public policy decisions that help shape and direct today's global economy. The major is broadly cross-disciplinary, and rooted in both historical and philosophical traditions.

Relevant Coursework

International Relations, International Trade and Finance, International Management, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Political Science, Statistics, Law, Accounting, Geography

Current Outlook
Carthage has a chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Economics Honorary Society. The society's purposes are the recognition of scholastic attainment and the honoring of outstanding achievements in economics, and the establishment of closer ties between students and faculty in economics within colleges and universities. Members do not have to be economics majors, but must have an established GPA of 3.00 or above and have completed 12 credit hours in economics coursework.

IPE majors are often interested in the Model UN of Carthage, a student-run organization that seeks to introduce students to the inner-workings of the United Nations and global issues by allowing students to participate in simulations of the Security Council, General Assembly, and Economic and Social Council. If you are interested in Politics, Economics, History, Philosophy, Geography, the Natural Sciences, the art of persuasion, or just learning more about other cultures, the Model UN is for you. As a participant in the Model UN, you will travel to conferences and engage in negotiations and debates about global issues that are being discussed by the world's leaders today. If you are interested in issues such as human rights, environmental politics, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and poverty, among others, then the Model UN of Carthage is for you. All majors are welcome.

Students with a 3.2 GPA can join Business Honors Society, a pace-setting organization which offers opportunities to practice the skills of management and leadership. Structured as a business, this group provides exposure to business executives and project activity to both large and small businesses. Members gain leadership and experience that will enhance their future careers in the business world.

Why take International Political Economy at Carthage?

THE CARTHAGE ADVANTAGE
Carthage's International Political Economy (IPE) program offers an undergraduate major which is interdisciplinary in nature, offering a selection of courses in business, economics, political science, and related fields. Because the major is broadly cross-disciplinary and rooted in both historical and philosophical traditions, student entering the program should be able to show a strong record of achievement in their general education coursework.

Additionally, the Carthage IPE major asks that students have an ability to engage in abstract and theoretical thought, a desire to engage in written and oral debate, and a broad interest in contemporary world affairs and a genuine concern for its peoples.

The new A. W. Clausen Center for World Business physically houses these three departments, and is a first-class learning center featuring technology conducive to the presentation and discussion of principles and theories. The facility prepares students for business leadership in a world that transcends intellectual and political boundaries. The Center builds directly on the international interests of faculty and students at Carthage, including the IPE program. The growing need for economic analyses in virtually every industry should result in additional jobs for economists.

SALARY
The national average starting salary for all economics majors was $40,047 in 2002. Economics majors choosing careers in financial services earned an average of $38,386, those in consulting averaged $47,741, and those in commercial banking made $36,533 on the average.

What can I do with a major in International Political Economy?

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Please note that list includes careers requiring differing degrees of education and training.

  • Economist
  • Financial Manager
  • International Trade Specialist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Lobbyist
  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • Political Scientist
  • Historian
  • Economic Forecaster
  • Non-profit Administrator
  • Attorney
  • Peace Corps Volunteer

COMPANIES EMPLOYING CARTHAGE GRADUATES

  • Enterprise Management - Manager
  • Hewitt Associates - Computer Analyst
  • Kensington Securities - Investment Broker
  • Chicago Board of Trade - Floor Trader
  • Fortis Investors - Mutual Fund Specialist
  • American Express Financial Services - Financial Advisor
  • Japanese Consulate - Assistant
  • US Bank - Financial Consultant
  • Fortis Investors - Mutual Fund Specialist
  • Worldlink, Ltd. - International Business Analyst
CARTHAGE IPE MAJORS HAVE PURSUED GRADUATE STUDIES IN
  • Dispute Resolution
  • International Political Economy

Graduate Studies in: Dispute Resolution, International Political Economy