PhD. In Economics
- Thread starter DevDoc82
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It varies based on the program, but at a bare minimum, almost every school is going to require Calculus and Linear Algebra. And at good programs (Top 50), you probably won't be able to get in with that little math unless you have already published in economics journals as an undergrad, or are exceptional in some other way.
Ideally, undergrad mathematics coursework of a successful PhD applicant will include:
Calc
Multivariable Calc
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Real Analysis
Probability Theory
Game Theory
Statistics (the mathy kind, not the nonsense they teach education majors)
Each econ department should have some indication of the level of math education they prefer from applicants on their website. Check there for specific info.
In short: take as much math as you possibly can.
Ideally, undergrad mathematics coursework of a successful PhD applicant will include:
Calc
Multivariable Calc
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Real Analysis
Probability Theory
Game Theory
Statistics (the mathy kind, not the nonsense they teach education majors)
Each econ department should have some indication of the level of math education they prefer from applicants on their website. Check there for specific info.
In short: take as much math as you possibly can.
tmosley
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Voodoo algebra, voodoo geometry, voodoo calculus (3 semesters), intro to voodoo economics, advanced voodoo economics, and political science for sycophants (8 semesters).
But seriously, don't do it. By the time you get out, the world will have changed, and their will probably be lynch mobs executing Econ PhDs by the busload.
But seriously, don't do it. By the time you get out, the world will have changed, and their will probably be lynch mobs executing Econ PhDs by the busload.
Isaac Bickerstaff
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Just blow their minds with a good understanding of monetary theory instead.
In short, don't let the math get in the way of the concepts.
In short, don't let the math get in the way of the concepts.
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Not all academic economists rely on math in their research, but all economists require math to complete their studies. The mathematicization of the econ profession is hotly debated, but the reality is that any aspiring economist must have the basic skills of the discipline. Even if your own work does not involve anything but praxeology, advanced mathematical training is necessary in order to understand the work of colleagues.
Without math, an economist doesn't have many professional options. Even the Austrians have to learn it.
Without math, an economist doesn't have many professional options. Even the Austrians have to learn it.
I know that mathematics is necessary to understand and evaluate the work of peers. I lean toward concepts and that is what I desire to focus on. It looks like I will be taking a ton of math to obtain this goal. I studied Middle Eastern Studies/Arabic for my undergraduate. After taking an Economics class, I realized how much more I understood a lot of the problems over in that region. Thus, I feel it imperative to obtain a PhD. in Economics.
Does it matter where you take these courses from? I know that universities look at where you have taken certain classes because of grade inflation and all.
Again, it may vary depending on the program, but I do not expect that you would be heavily penalized for taking classes at the local state school.
It is not uncommon for PhD students to have taken additional math courses at a college of convenience during the years intervening undergrad and grad studies.
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