What are my chances? Any other engineering undergrads?

[boldwolf]

I also did my undergrad in engineering, and now I'm in a master's in econ program. I'll apply this fall for PhD. I'll just say a bit more about the math. There is a huge gap between a typical undergrad econ and a typical PhD program in terms of math. I was a bit surprised to find that economics stresses real analysis so much.

The core math classes you've listed: Cal I-III, Lin. Alg, Prob Stat are the minimum required for top econ PhD programs. Though I don't see complex variables, but maybe that is more for electrical people. As for the math you did in engineeering classes, well, they are mostly applications of these classes. Econ programs want to see proof-based math. When I wanted to take Grad Real Analysis(with Royden) the professor simply refused. He said he doesnt allow those who have taken just engineering math, and no pure math, to enroll. I had to drop down and take the Adv. Calculus sequence.(As for your other engineering classes I'm sure they'll be useful along the line in some areas of econ, one is signal processing for time series metrics).

I think a master's in econ will really beef up your profile. It doesnt have to be in Europe. If you plan well you can get a very solid preparation from a US program. It just has to be flexible enough. There are US programs which allow you to take PhD micro and macro. Your school Texas A and M has a master's. I dont know the details but you can check it out. Just find a school that has a PhD and a flexible master's program so you can take PhD classes, do a thesis as well as math(Adv. Calculus or RA) and stat classes. You might not be able to do all these, but do as much of it as you can. After this I'm sure you'll be good to go.

[Texcards]

Originally Posted by YoungEconomist

You have a decent profile. If you worked on some stuff I think you could probably have a solid profile (one in which you'll have a real solid shot at getting some admits in the 10 - 40 range).

First potential concern, not enough econ. Have you really only taken 3 econ classes? Also, you didn't specify whether you were talking about intro or intermediate micro/macro. You'll need up to the intermediate level as it's a prereq. The lack of econ classes may also make it more difficult for you to find letter writers from econ (which isn't always a problem, do some searches as the topic has come up numerous times).

Second potential concern, your engineering grades. You didn't list your engineering grades. If they are not that solid, this may pose a problem for you. I know it seems unfair, seeing as how many of us haven't had to take those classes, but adcoms may use them as a signal. If your engineering grades are poor, adcoms may think "he/she stuggles with applying mathematics in more advanced situations."

Third potential concern, your lack of math/stat courses. If you find the time it would really help your profile to take a few more. I don't know the level of your prob/stats class, but if it's low you should consider taking calc based prob/stats. You should take an intro to proofs type course. Also, real analysis would be a great addition to your profile (especially if you get an A in the course).

P.S. Don't worry, I doubt any of us were offended by your comment. And jeeves reply on the topic is spot on. You're not competing with folks who did well in (just) econ. In fact, adcoms won't even take students with a 4.0 as an econ major seriously, unless they have some other aspects of their profile as well (such as strong math/stat grades, research experience, etc).

I have taken more than 3 econ classes, the micro/macro I have listed are intermediate theory. I got clep/ap credit for the intro classes.

And my engineering grades are not that great, mostly B's with a few A's and C's. I have around a 3.0 in my engineering classes. I know my overall GPA is a big weakness, I really just have no idea how an adcom is going to view my engineering classes but you make a valid point.

I'm graduating in may and hoping to take a class on proofs next semester, but I lack a prereq for the Real Analysis class at my school so that won't happen. I have taken a calc based stat class however.

Thanks for the comments! If you have any other advice, or any schools you think may look favorably upon my profile (either in the Top 40 or not) I'd appreciate the input!

Originally Posted by boldwolf

I also did my undergrad in engineering, and now I'm in a master's in econ program. I'll apply this fall for PhD. I'll just say a bit more about the math. There is a huge gap between a typical undergrad econ and a typical PhD program in terms of math. I was a bit surprised to find that economics stresses real analysis so much.

The core math classes you've listed: Cal I-III, Lin. Alg, Prob Stat are the minimum required for top econ PhD programs. Though I don't see complex variables, but maybe that is more for electrical people. As for the math you did in engineeering classes, well, they are mostly applications of these classes. Econ programs want to see proof-based math. When I wanted to take Grad Real Analysis(with Royden) the professor simply refused. He said he doesnt allow those who have taken just engineering math, and no pure math, to enroll. I had to drop down and take the Adv. Calculus sequence.(As for your other engineering classes I'm sure they'll be useful along the line in some areas of econ, one is signal processing for time series metrics).

I think a master's in econ will really beef up your profile. It doesnt have to be in Europe. If you plan well you can get a very solid preparation from a US program. It just has to be flexible enough. There are US programs which allow you to take PhD micro and macro. Your school Texas A and M has a master's. I dont know the details but you can check it out. Just find a school that has a PhD and a flexible master's program so you can take PhD classes, do a thesis as well as math(Adv. Calculus or RA) and stat classes. You might not be able to do all these, but do as much of it as you can. After this I'm sure you'll be good to go.

The difference in the use of math for grad level economics and engineering applications is the one thing that I've come to realize the more I've looked into doing an econ PhD. I am most likely not mathematically prepared for a good econ PhD program, so a master's in Econ may be a really good idea. Do you have any recommendations of places in the US that would be good?

[boldwolf]

Duke(looks very good), Boston U, others... some may not have PhD programs, but you could still wring a good program out of it if it's flexible enough. Tufts comes to mind, but no PhD program. And, yeah, I think TAMU will be good. Other schools have master's here and there but the lack of a PhD program will hurt, no doubt.I can't say anything about funding though. It's generally hard to get funding for master's in econ. There are other lower-ranked programs about, too. But if you go too low then you might probably be better off in canada or europe.

Europe has master's in quantitative econ at almost every street corner, unlike the US. But still you can get something if you look hard enough. Or you could follow calchas, a TMer. He went back to his alma mater to take math, phd classes. I dont really know how that works. You could search for his posts. Hope these other options will help you.

[YoungEconomist]

Originally Posted by boldwolf

Or you could follow calchas, a TMer. He went back to his alma mater to take math, phd classes.

That's a great idea. You can take some undergrad math/stat courses and a few of the econ PhD core courses. IMHO, it looks better than a masters degree to adcoms (although if you decide you don't want the PhD, a masters is better for the job market). Furthermore, it's probably cheaper than a masters (because you'd definitely get in state tuition). Not to mention, the application process is simpler (you just go talk to somebody about staying at your undergrad for another year and they have you fill out some paperwork, then email the econ PhD course teachers and ask if you can take their course because you're preparing for a PhD).

[manho]

I think you stand a pretty good chance to Toronto's MA program (but i'm unsure about the MA-Doctoral stream)

I came from a very similar background (engineering, mediocre GPA, econ minor, good Q on GRE), and I was accepted to Toronto's MA.