Economic Policy and Political Science: Examining Armenian Students’ Understanding of the Intersection Between Two Fields

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to find out how the perspectives of undergraduate economics students of the Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE) differ regarding political science and economic policy. The research aims to determine how students perceive the connection between these two subjects and what they know about the practical implications of political science in economic policy formation. Based on a sociological survey conducted among final-year students, the study examines political science and economic policy perceptions, self-assessed levels of knowledge, and the application of this knowledge in authentic professional contexts. The research findings show that while students are able to recognize the theoretical link between political science and economic policy, they struggle to visualize how it would work in future workplaces. Most participants associate political science with state governance and economic policy with state regulation, presenting a coherent yet state-centred perception of the relationship. At the same time, because of the limited exposure to practical experiences, particularly in public administration, they are less confident to apply the concepts learned in class. The present study highlights the need for interdisciplinary curricula incorporating real-life examples, such as case studies and internships, to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In this way, the universities can better equip students to understand the complexities of economic and political systems, actively engage in policymaking and contribute to sustainable development in Armenia.