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Political economy involves analyzing and explaining the ways in which government affects the allocation of scarce resources in society through public policies and the ways the economic system affects the policies created by government. In this program, students are required to develop critical reasoning skills while recognizing the importance of economic, political, and philosophical principles in the process of developing a better understanding of how Western and non-Western societies interact with each other and provide for their material well-being.
Political economy is an excellent field for students interested in how society organizes itself through government, the market, and non-governmental actors. It is a fine complement for programs that are affected by political economic forces both domestically and globally.
A Political Economy major helps prepare students for post-graduate professional activity in fields such as public service, law, public policy, diplomacy, political activism, journalism, economic development, education, non-government organizations, and a variety of careers in the private sector.
Kaya Evans ’21, the College’s 8th Rhodes Scholar and a graduate in political economy, shares some encouraging words for anyone who feels they are not able to achieve greatness just because they studied at a small school or come from a lightly populated state like Idaho.
Led by Dr. Stelios Panageotou (Political Economy) and Dr. Mark Smith (History), CofI students had the opportunity to visit Athens, Greece, and reflect on the complexities and the tensions that exist in democracy from the ancient to the modern.
It’s nice living your life like a cartoon show character – the next episode will be another wacky adventure. When you embrace that mindset, a lot of cool things can end up happening. So, do the random thing. Send in the random application. It can be one of the more formative moments of your life.
B.A. in History and Political Economy with minors in Art & Design and Natural Sciences. The College’s 3rd Fulbright Scholar.
I chose The College of Idaho due to its innovative curriculum, which allowed me to personalize my course of study. Additionally, the College provides great mentorship opportunities through the major programs. My major advisors contributed to my academic experience by getting to know me personally and assisting me with internships and other opportunities outside of the classroom.
B.A. in Accounting 150 and Political Economy with minors in Communication, and Natural Sciences and a specialization in Finance.
I wanted a small college where I could develop an intimate relationship with my peers and professors, rather than being just a name and number. I also wanted a college that would be relatively close to the outdoors as this was an opportunity to go camping and see nature. All of this was only possible through the College giving me the scholarship. I, and many others like me, could not afford to attend if not for the gracious scholarships, which have genuinely changed my life for the better.
B.A. in Business Administration and Political Economy with minors in Natural Science and Philosophy.
Ali Rabe ’10 is an Idaho State Senator, attorney and community leader, who serves as the executive director of a nonprofit preventing eviction and homeless for families in the Treasure Valley. She recently earned a spot on The Powerlist, Idaho Business Review’s Most Influential Business Leaders in Idaho List for 2024.
B.A. in Political Economy and Theatre with a minor in Leadership Studies; J.D. from William & Mary Law School. Idaho State Senator and Executive Director of Jesse Tree. Idaho Business Review’s 2024 Most Influential Business Leaders.
The College of Idaho would never have been a possibility for me without the scholarships I was awarded upon my acceptance to the school. Between my Winston More Scholarship and my athletic scholarship, this fantastic opportunity became attainable. I’ve traveled from coast to coast while competing on a national platform with both the soccer and softball programs. I have found lifelong friends. Looking back, I cannot imagine having gone anywhere else.
B.A. in Political Economy and Philosophy with minors in Legal Psychology and Natural Sciences and a Pre-Law specialization.
I hope that honestly people from Idaho learn not to count themselves out. Because I think I counted myself out for a long time. I want people to know that amazing people are cultivated everywhere, all the time, and it has nothing to do with the prestige of an environment, but with the intent of the people in the environment. And that can certainly be possible in Idaho. And that has certainly been possible for me.
B.A. in Political Economy with minors in Anthropology/Sociology, Environmental Science, Pre-Law and Spanish. The College’s 8th Rhodes Scholar.
Your innovative spirit has propelled you this far. What’s next? That’s for you to dream, make, live and unleash at The College of Idaho. Come see what awaits you here.
2112 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605
208-459-5011 • 800-2C-IDAHO
