Courses in Preparation for PhD

[Ancalagon The Black]

Guys !!

I am most probably going to get a MS in MIS at a US university - arguably top 25-30. My undergraduate background is in business administration and computer applications. I am aiming for top PhD programs in business - strategy or IS.

I would just like to list my relevant courses and would like to ask the opinion of the house what other courses are necessary or look good for admission to top 10 schools.

1. Calculus (Differential and Integral)
2. Multivariate Calculus
3. Linear Algebra
4. Real Analysis
5. Discrete Mathematics
6. Probability and Statistics I - calculus based up to chi square tests.
7. Quantitative Techniques - which is essentially Simulation, Linear Programming and Decision Theory all rolled into one.

Economics courses:

1. UG Micro
2. UG Macro
3. Developmental Econ
4. Environmental Econ
5. Financial Econ Econ
6. International Econ

What other courses would be required over the next two years??

Thanks so much !!

[bauble]

I think Ph.D. level econ, either micro (assuming that you're interested in econ-based research either in IS or strategy) or econometrics would be your best bet. Doing well in either would be a nice signal in your app. Also, you'll have a huge load off your shoulders in your first year or two getting one (or both if you are really ambitious) of these sequences done.

I wouldn't do any more math, in spite of what NYU told you. That still seems incredibly weird to me.

[Ancalagon The Black]

Thanks bauble !! So, a PhD level micro or econometrics is on if they let me do it !! Are you sure I don't need more math? Perhaps more stats? Mathematical Statistics? More Probability? I will have 2 stats courses as part of the MIS course anyway.

[doubtful]

you see, Ancagalon?

people agree with me..

micro I and econometrics are almost a must.
I say that math. stats.. based on Casella-Berger and a class in Probability Theory (you just need to show you can handle real analysis kind of math at the graduate level.. and instead of taking real analysis, you can take probability that is more fun...)

[Ancalagon The Black]

Yes, and I already have Real Analysis this semester.

And of course you were right. You are a current graduate student. You would know better.

[bauble]

The stats and probability that is needed is usually part of the introductory PhD econometrics sequence (asymptotic properties a la Slutsky, LLN's, and central limit theorems are some of the key ideas that carry forward). Econometrics is the best thing for you to take. In fact, if there are more applied methods classes to supplement the intro PhD sequence that you can take, that would be really helpful (i.e. a class that gives a more practical background to dealing with common empirical issues, e.g. selection bias, endogeneity). Micro certainly provides good foundational knowledge, but as a practical matter, doing the econometrics will help you ramp up in your research right away, not to mention that it will make some of the papers that have to deal carefully with econometric issues that much more easy to read.

[Ancalagon The Black]

bauble, thanks so much. Could you please check the following link below to determine if this is the first PhD level course that you are talking about:

Sections for ECMT - TAMU Economics

Thanks.

[Ancalagon The Black]

This is a link of all graduate course offerings at the TAMU economics, mathematics and statistics department. What could be useful for me considering my courses already taken. Thanks

Course Schedule - TAMU Economics
Department of Statistics - Texas A&M University
Graduate Level Mathematics Courses

[doubtful]

• STAT 610 - Theory of Statistics I
• STAT 611 - Theory of Statistics II
• STAT 632 - Statistical Decision Theory
• ECMT 675 - Econometrics I
• 606. Theory of Probability I. or 619. Applied Probability. Measure Theory; Lebesgue integration; random variables; expectation; condition expectation martingales and random walks; designed for beginning graduate students in mathematics, statistics, the sciences and engineering and students in economics and finance with strong mathematical background. Prerequisites: MATH 409 and 411.
• ECON 659 - Game Theory

[Ancalagon The Black]

Thanks a ton !!