M.S./M.A. Mathematics

[paradox3696]

Originally Posted by Bargalhao

I agree with tangsiuje.

I do not see how one can be accepted for a Master´s in Math when one does not meet the prerequisites for a PhD in Econ, which are lower in terms of Math (Master´s in Math presuppose you have some knowledge of Algebra, Topology, Geometry, Analysis, and at least an undergrad course in Measure theory or equivalent, whereas a PhD in Econ requires as a minimum some terms of Calculus and Linear Algebra, and many of the courses i mentioned before in Math are useless in econ.)

Of course there are many different Masters but i can´t imagine how one could do in a program with such prerequisites with a BsC in Econ.

I agree and those graduate math course you listed above are NOT easy especially for someone whose undergraduate major is in Econ.

[jeeves0923]

I'm doing a master's in math. My undergrad was math and econ, and I'm staying at my undergrad institution for the master's. I think the value added will be quite a lot, actually. My thesis is econ focused, but math based. That can't hurt. I'm funded. Also can't hurt.

"Prerequisites" for my program were pretty simple : some proofs based course. Some linear algebra. Some other algebra. Calculus through multivar. Many students get master's in math that didn't do it for undergrad.

I would warn, however, that it might not be a good idea unless you actually like math

[ImProcrastinating]

I'm also getting a master's in math, and I'd like to second everything jeeves said.

I don't think a master's in math is for everyone, but it will give you more time to get LORs and research experience, and if you want to alleviate the impact of a poor undergraduate performance in math it might help. Also if you find the right program you might be able to take PhD level stats and econ courses which are always good.

[SeanNY]

Jeeves and ImProcrastinating:

Thank you for your input. I do enjoy math, and even though I may not complete all the requirements for an undergraduate math degree (I actually might too), I would still meet the admissions requirements and more at most programs with my undergraduate coursework. Mostly, I want to go to improve my mathematics, gain research experience, (hopefully) attend a prestigious math program, and in the end, to improve my admissions profile for PhD in Economics.

[Girsanov]

I am also considering going for a Mathematical masters to prepare myself before going for a PhD in Finance. (Finance is a subset of Economics so I guess this is relevant?)

More precisely, I am thinking of MSc Applicable Mathematics @ LSE: MSc in Applicable Mathematics at the LSE

I am doing BSc Mathematics and Economics through the LSE External Study programme and thought that it might help improve my profile and prepare me for research.

What do you guys think?

[elcapitano]

Originally Posted by Girsanov

I am also considering going for a Mathematical masters to prepare myself before going for a PhD in Finance. (Finance is a subset of Economics so I guess this is relevant?)

More precisely, I am thinking of MSc Applicable Mathematics @ LSE: MSc in Applicable Mathematics at the LSE

I am doing BSc Mathematics and Economics through the LSE External Study programme and thought that it might help improve my profile and prepare me for research.

What do you guys think?

I'm sure it would help. However, as your currently in the British system, you might consider a masters in finance which could act as the first year of your PhD if you stayed in the UK. I think they're mostly pretty quantitive, so they'd probably help applications to US PhDs as well if that what you want to do and you'd still (assuming you do well) have the UK PhD option as a backup. At LSE the MSc Finance and Economic (Research) is the route onto their PhD program.

[Fermat]

I had mediocre math grades out of undergrad (mostly B's) and did a master's in applied math at a decent but not top-notch university and I got some decent admits to programs ranked ~25-70 (UT, UVa, Georgetown, UCI). I had a 4.0 when I applied. I wouldn't have been accepted to the first three without the master's. The other nice thing about a master's in math is that you can get funded for the master's more easily. It's very difficult to get funded in a terminal master's program for econ.