Is there such a thing as less math-intensive programs?

[saltwatersally]

Are there any non top-20 programs that have slightly less focus on math or are less math-intensive? I thought I recalled reading on this topic about a year ago....

[ICECOLDECON]

These programs would generally be labeled as heterodox economics (outside of the mainstream). There are a few schools I can think of, UMass, Utah, George Mason (somewhat).....but it is important to note that if you go that route, your job prospects will generally be limited to those types of schools.

[Gecko]

some fields by itself, are less intensive. development comes to mind as an example

[YoungEconomist]

I imagine that some schools are less math intensive than others. For instance, I doubt the programs outside of the top 100 are as math intensive as top 5 programs (although you'd still need to be fairly comfortable with math at programs outside the top 100).

Some fields are less math intensive than others. Note however that you will still need to take the first year core courses and still have to pass prelims.

Heterodox economics is less math intensive than mainstream economics. I can't comment on all schools, but at least at George Mason even if you're interested in heterodox economics you'll still be expected to take the first year core and pass prelims. In this interesting podcast Boettke on Austrian Economics | EconTalk | Library of Economics and Liberty Pete Boettke discusses Austrian economics. Boettke states something along the lines of, "Modern day Austrian economists take the same first year courses as all economists and are as influenced by Alchian and Samuelson as Hayek and Von Mises." I'm not sure if this statement applies to all heterodox economists or just Austrians.

[fp3690]

Is there such a thing as less math-intensive programs?

Sociology.

[YoungEconomist]

Originally Posted by fp3690

Is there such a thing as less math-intensive programs?

Sociology.

LOL!

[Obsi]

I just checked GMU's prelims. They seem kind of easy compared to orthodox schools.

[YoungEconomist]

Originally Posted by Obsi

I just checked GMU's prelims. They seem kind of easy compared to orthodox schools.

They do have a lot of orthodox/mainstream students there (GMU is not an overall heterodox program like I think UMass Amherst is). If they have easy prelims, it might be for other reasons.

[Obsi]

That or my econ knowledge is great.

jk. I haven't even got an admit yet.

[Diplomer]

Just a question about the very definition of heterodox economics. What about all these heterogenous agent models and "econphysics"? If I am not wrong, they count to heterodox economic models as well, don't they? If so, this stuff is even more mathematical than standard economics. A reason might be that it is normally done by mathematicians and physicists.