Is it better to be a math undergrad major rather than an econ major?

[econslave]

Do take math classes and do take econ classes. Also, do take OTHER classes that have nothing to do with math or econ. If you are positive you want a Ph.D. in econ, you can get one with enough math and econ, but don't forget about what college is for. You're not supposed to specialize as an undergrad; you're supposed to expose yourself to as many things you can.

I am making up math classes now since I didn't realize I liked econ so much early in my undergrad years, but even then, there were probably only a few others I would have taken if I had known from the start. It's not worth taking every math class you can so that you never have a chance to take classes in religious studies, music, philosophy, languages, and other disciplines. You'll have 5 years in a Ph.D. program to specialize (if that's what you end up doing).

[walt526]

Originally Posted by The MAN

Since I graduated high school I have had the following majors (in chronological order from earliest to now):

-Computer Engineering (1 semester)
-General Engineering (1 semester)
-Criminal Justice (2 semesters)
-Business (2 semesters)
-Economics (4 semesters)

This could be fun....

At the private LAC that I started at:
- Music
- Chemistry
- International Relations
- Russian Studies
- Political Science

At the public university where I finished up:
- Political Science (pre-law)
- Economics
- Political Science

In between the LAC and university, I completed a career certificate in Accounting (basically equivalent to an AA). Now I'm completing a MA Economics.

Originally Posted by The MAN

To me hearing someone come out of H.S. saying they are going to go right through into a ph.d. program is kind of crazy, but you're probably just more mature than I was at your age.

You could consider double majoring in math and econ. Definitely take as much math as you feel comfortable with. If it turns out your not that into econ, you can always use the math for other programs. Whereas, if you love econ but don't take the math, you end up having to go back and pick up those classes later on (like I'm doing now).

I do want to note that most colleges have general education requirements specifically designed so you can try out various subjects. Use that opportunity to take some classes that sound interesting to you.

I agree with pretty much all of this. My one addendum would be that most lower-division math is highly useful for a number of useful majors/careers, so it's helpful for almost everyone to take at least a complete Calculus sequence, Linear Algebra, and Statistics. It could also be argued that learning a computer programming language would be useful. In other words, nothing is lost by taking a lower-division math course or two in your first year or so of college.

Once you get into courses like ODEs, Intro to Formal Math, Real Analysis etc. then you're taking courses that are no longer providing a totally general/transferable skillset to non-quant intensive careers. But, depending on how much math you had in high school, you probably won't get to that point for at least a year. Along the way, try to enjoy every course that you take--even the GE's that you think are completely pointless. And be willing to explore majors/subjects that you never thought would be interesting.

[Gecko]

who knows, one could end up finding mathematical sociology interesting at the end of it all~

[azoobrother]

Here's the path I took before I decided to pursue graduate studies in econ:

- hip hop artist
- personal trainer
- Kinesiology
- Economics
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics

I had no motivation for higher education when I graduated from HS. Thankfully enough, I came from a traditional asian family where my mother would rather see me dead than not pursue anything after secondary school.

So I decided I wanted to be a personal trainer and graduated from a community college. I suddenly became enamored by the idea of attending university. This motivated me to apply to a Kinesiology program. I was inevitably rejected, offered an undeclared major, and went into econ. I got intimidated by the math so I went into accounting.

I got my degree in accounting, was thankfully rejected by all the accounting firms I applied to, and decided I was going into finance. I registered for the CFA (Dec. 2009) and eventually abandoned studying for it 3 weeks ago. Intermediate micro and macro was just too much fun and I was excelling in them.

If there's anything I learned its that you really never know where life takes you, you can only prepare yourself for its opportunities. Doing a degree in Mathematics may very well do that for you. But if I can go back in time, I would have done a degree in history/philosophy, sprinkled with 1 or 2 math courses per semester, and topped off with economics. Even if I have to stay for a 5th year.

Now I'm trying to imagine myself, 3 - 4 years from now looking back to 2009 and contemplating what I could have done differently. Then I would take action now to ensure I can minimize those regrets. Anyway I've gone off on a tangent, hopefully what I said can help

GOOD LUCK!

[ariel1987]

I was a ninja before going to grad school

[Gecko]

I was a human before going to grad school..

[Ludwig]

Originally Posted by The MAN

-Criminal Justice (2 semesters)

WTF? From Bail Bondsman to Econ PhD?

[oldprogrammer]

I would second Walt526's comment about taking Calc I-III, Linear Algebra, Probability, and Statistics. It seems like grad programs in just about every business, engineering, and science field likes to see these math courses.

And since it take a long time to get through such a long sequence (especially if you have to start at College Algebra), it's best to start early.