Directly to PhD or detour via MA Statistics? And courses?

[mirusman]

Hi people,

I am a business graduate and decided a little while back that I would like to do Phd in Economics. Since I was short on pure mathematics courses I am taking Calculus and Analytic Geometry, Multivariable Calculus, and Linear Algebra (through distance courses, I work full-time) right now. Havent taken Real Analysis because there's no distance or evening program that offers this course in Pakistan (where I live).

Ok, so now I can either go directly for PhD Economics or can take a couple of years to study in MA Mathematical Statistics, and then go for PhD. Obviously doing more statistics b4 taking the plunge into PhD will help later on and make the PhD a little easier to handle, but are the above three math courses sufficient to get into a (decent) PhD program? My GRE scores are pretty ok btw - and I did MBA from one of the top two schools here.

Personally I would like to go into the PhD directly and not wait two years (doing MA) before getting into PhD. On the other hand, doing MA in Mathematical Stats would let me get a 'feel' of the material in Phd, thus preparing me emotionally and tell me whether I am upto this PhD thing or not.

What do you guys suggest?

If you say MA Stats, then please tell me what courses to take in the two years program.

Thanks

Usman.