Politics, Philosophy, and History (BA)

Why Politics, Philosophy, and History?

A BA in Politics, Philosophy, and History trains students in the liberal arts tradition, teaching them to achieve intellectual liberty (from the Latin liberalis) through the cultivation of the mental arts (from the Latin ars). Students acquire this freedom by learning to read any text, conceptualize any endeavor, and persuade others through any form of writing and speaking. 

Politics, Philosophy, and History should not be studied in isolation. Students in the PPH program at Cairn will integrate these disciplines as they wrestle through the enduring and fundamental questions of human existence. What does it mean to be human? What is the good? How can a society value and instill goodness in humanity? 

Students will understand the ideas, events, and people that brought us to our current moment. They will be equipped to bring the insights of history to the challenges of contemporary society. Politics examines the problems of society and offers solutions based on justice. Philosophy conceptualizes what justice is. History reveals how humanity has succeeded or failed in achieving justice. 

PPH graduates know how to think, cultivate new skills, and adapt to the needs of the moment, assets any employer looks for in job candidates. Most importantly, they have learned how to lead others in making moral choices. PPH at Cairn is unique to other PPE or interdisciplinary programs throughout the world in that it prioritizes God’s revelation in Holy Scripture. We believe what Christ taught, that when we abide in his Word and become his disciples, we can then know the truth, and the truth will set us free (John 8:31–32).

Why Politics, Philosophy, and History at Cairn?

• Join the Honors Program and dive deeper into a specific time period, philosophy, or political system.
• Integrate the most important disciplines within the liberal arts.
• Study abroad and learn the history and culture of a new place.
• Study under professors who specialize in each area, ensuring your education will be well-rounded and biblical.
• Debate the great texts and thinkers of Western Civilization, from Plato and Augustine to Aquinas and Voegelin. 
• Study politics in the city of America’s founding and within three hours of Washington, DC.
• Study the history of republicanism where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written.
• Tour the battlegrounds of the War for Independence and learn about the great military leaders and decisive battles of human history.
• Take advantage of unique partnerships such as the John Jay Institute, which is located on Cairn’s campus.

Career Paths

• Legislator or Legislative Aide
• Lawyer
• CEO
• Entrepreneur
• Business Consulting
• International Law
• Government Service
• Public Historian
• Public Policy Analysis and Development
• Political Campaign Manager
• Museum Curator
• Public Affairs Specialist
• Archivist
• Political Scientist