Chenggong

Here is a link. You can go to the forum and locate the 2009 Public Accounting Ranking Report. 2010 Public Accounting Ranking - MSA & Undergrad : MS Accounting

Behavioral: Oh I had no idea what an undergraduate RA entailed. That is interesting. So basically, I am taking an advance undergrad/last part in a sequence of functional analysis courses. Thanks. So Stochastic + Modeling should probably be my last course. I was leaning toward this for pretty much the same reason you listed above. At first I thought adcoms would like to see an A in Econometrics, but with me planning on doing well in my list of math courses...it shouldn't be an issue if I don't take it. The description for Stochastic + Modeling is... Finite-dimensional and steady-state properties of discrete-time Markov chains. Homogeneous, and non-homogeneous, Poisson and compound Poisson processes. Thinning and summing of independent Poisson processes. Brownian motion processes and Ito’s lemma. Put-call parity, the binomial model and Black-Scholes formula. Option Greeks, delta-hedging, exotic options and actuarial applications of option pricing.

Thanks Behavioral! I thought about that same question regarding Real Analysis, although, I am not sure if RA II is necessary. There are two courses in RA at my school. And, I am not sure how different they are from those Universities that have a RA course(s) for undergrads. The RA I will be taking is 600 level (graduate school). Here are the descriptions... (Probably from the same book) RA I Theory of functions of a real variable, emphasizing Lebesgue measure and the Lebesgue integral. Basic properties of the classical Lebesgue function spaces are developed. RA II Functional analysis; topics include normed linear spaces, general measure theory, Banach and Hilbert spaces, and operator theory. I completely agree with the Stochastic + modeling course. However, if I take RA II, I won’t have enough room for Stochastic + Modeling...dilemma...

Hi everyone! I have a few questions regarding some math and stats courses. First off, I have a BSc in Finance and currently going for my Master in Accy. I know most top Phd Accy programs are heavy in economics/econometrics/finance. It really depends on what "minor" tracks one takes. I am sure I will go for econ/econometrics. My questions stem from that selection of mine. I have thought long and hard about what courses I am going to take during my master's program and created a 3 year plan that has been approved. I have the following courses etched in stone with a few questions: Calc I Calc II Calc III Linear Algebra and Applications Ordinary Differential Equations or Foundations in Applied Mathematics (?) Advance Calc I Advance Calc II Intro to Topology Real Analysis I (graduate level course) Introduction to Probability and Statistics (stats) Introduction to Probability Theory (stats) Basic Econometrics and Economic Aps + Lab or Abstract Algebra I or Stochastic Processes and Financial Models (stats) (?) I am not sure what will look better to adcoms for a Phd in Accy. Any suggestions? I appreciate the advice!

Thanks! True. I will enroll in those adv calc courses as a graduate student; however, I will be in the same class as the undergrads. The only class that is strictly for graduate students that I am taking is Real Analysis which is in the 600s. The other (g) courses are in the 500 with the same corresponding 2 last digits in the 400s. I have been told by the graduate director of the math department that I will have to "police" myself and retreat if necessary...ha! Anyway, my sequence is as follows: Calc I, Calc II, Calc III, and Ordinary Differential Equations & Linear Algebra (prerequisite for these last 2 is calc III) Then Adv Calc I and Abstract Algebra (same semester) (prerequisites are calc III and Leaner Algebra) Then Adv Calc II (prerequisite is Adv Calc I) & Linear and Multilinear Algebra (prerequisite is Abstract Algebra I) Then Real Analysis I (prerequisite is Adv Calc II)

Ha! You are too funny whatdoido...some people in my class just cannot understand simple algebra (it is sad). I am just the type of person that needs a plan. I know I may deviate from it; however, having something down on paper that I can alter makes me very happy. I may be thinking of 1 year from now or 1 semester, but I always take 1 test/1 day at a time...

The reason for a MA in Accounting Science is if I were to enter the corporate world, I would want to be an Accountant and work my way up the corporate ladder. However, I have always had a passion for school, research, and the continuation of acquiring knowledge. With my BSc. in Finance, I feel that I lack in accounting background. I also feel if I do not get into my desired PhD programs, then a MA in Accounting Science would be better for my future than a MA in Economics. You may then ask why a PhD in Economics and not a PhD in Accounting? For years now, I have been reading political and economic blogs from scholarly educators such as Paul Krugman. I feel that I would enjoy researching more in economic topics than among various accounting topics, but both have my interest. A PhD in Accounting, I feel, is more economic based than a Finance PhD (I’ve done a lot of research on PhD programs…too much). And, of course, this depends on what Finance PhD program. Therefore, I am excluding Financial Economics and I may me able to wager on that one too. When one enters an Accounting PhD program, it is assumed that the PhD candidate has already mastered the accounting field and often times, only seminars are offered in accounting. The majority of an Accounting PhD’s curriculum is in economic courses. So I understand if I was to go for a PhD, an Accounting PhD would be best, especially with my math background at the end of my three year program. Ultimately though, I must try for an Econ PhD...It excites me to no end, that one day I may be writing economic articles on China's economics and policies. Now, I completely understand your perspective JimmyDu. Therefore, I will elaborate a bit more from my original post and the above. I am quite aware that my undergrad gpa is dismal and will be of concern. During my undergrad, I focused on Chinese and Finance, more so Chinese. Mandarin Chinese consumed all of my interest and efforts, leaving Cs-Bs in my Finance courses. But, there was a turning point where I wanted more Finance and excelled in my Finance courses. This point is defined when I returned from my one year of study abroad in China. I finally did “it”. I went to China and became proficient in Mandarin. I was award thousand of dollars to study in China in the form of Federal/private scholarships. As mentioned above, I excelled in my courses after China which is probably the most valuable lesson learned from the Chinese students. Disappointingly, I only had one year left in my undergrad program after China. Therefore the impact was not stifling on my GPA…with over 140 credits at that point…there was minimal movement. I took Business Calc approximately 5 years ago and aced it. Currently, I am taking Calc I and acing it (97%). I will be taking Calc II in the summer, and then my MA program will start in the fall, where I will take Calc III and so on. You are correct in saying, “it is really hard to predict that you will be Aceing graduate level math courses”. So…I have faith in myself and in my ability. My family thinks I am insane for pursing my masters then going on to a PhD. Well not all, but quite a few. I’ve been offered wonderful positions at great companies where I live. These positions would give me immeasurable experience and catapult me up the corporate ladder. I’ve turned them down…I’ve stopped interviewing and have accepted the path I believe is best for me, a path in Academia. Can I bridge the gap between my master in accounting and a PhD in Economics? I believe so. Macroeconomics…monetary policy…international economics/finance…financial economics…all comes back to the balance sheet. How the balance sheet is made and classifications within the balance sheet will ultimately, impact investors’ decisions which impacts markets and overall health and movement of an economy. Government politics play a large role in shaping a country’s economic health, but so does the business world. And, perhaps, it is the business world that can influence political decisions the best. I do indeed dream big, but I also know the path I want to take is beyond simple difficulty. I just want to give myself the best chance of getting accepted like so many others do. Therefore, planning out the next 3 years is crucial. Thoughts?

I could try to add one more econ course or even after my Masters in Accounting, I could apply to a Masters in Applied Mathematics program...Not sure if the above will be strong enough for what I desire. Any suggestions?

Adv Calc I and II are prerequisites for Real Analysis. Adv Calc I Reexamination of the calculus of functions of one variable: convergence, continuity, differentiation, the mean-value theorem, and the Riemann integral. Adv Calc II Further study of sequences and series of functions; functions of several variables. Theory of Differential Equations Topics include linear systems, existence and uniqueness of solutions, nonlinear equations, and stability.

Hi everyone! :tup: For the past several months, I have decided to truly follow a path that I believe is for me. I want to teach and conduct research. I have been debating whether to go for a PhD in Accy or Economics. Phds in Accy are heavy in economics, but perhaps not heavy enough. And, I truly believe that I will enjoy researching economic topics rather than accounting topics. I will be able to define my path even more in the next few years. A little about myself: Undergrad: State school: BSc. in Finance with an emphasis in Corporate Finance, Minors in Mandarin Chinese and International Political Science and a year of study abroad (award various scholarships, Fed/Private) in Mainland China (Best time of my life!) (gpa: 3.15/4.0) Now...Starting my Grad program this year :D...I have planned out the next 3 years which includes a lot of math! Masters in Accounting (ranked in the top 20, but not that well known) (predict gpa 3.9-4.0/4.0) (G=grad course) Other Courses during the next 3 years: Calc I II III, Linear Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations, Abstract Alegbra I (G), Linear and Multilinear Algebra (G), Adv Calc I (G), Adv Calc II (G), Real Analysis (G), Intermediate Macro and Intermediate Mirco, Macro Analysis I (G/D) (predict mostly As, I am pretty good when it comes to math) Now I have room for one more course...It could be another Econ course or... Elements of Complex Analysis (G) Elements of Partial Differential Equations (G) Theory of Differential Equations (G) etc SUGGESTIONS? :) In terms of research experience, I will have a RA/GA position and it will be accounting based. But I look at it as pure research experience. What I want out of a PhD in Economics is a specialization in Macroeconomics (Monetary Policy, Depression Economics, and Bubbles), International Economics (Focus on China), and Financial Economics. I think my past education will be useful when it comes to my economics research and perhaps even give me an advantage. :hmm:I have a lot of skills that someone going for the usual math/econ does not have. What do you think? After looking at the rankings and researching econ phd programs (hours spent), I want to primarily aim for the top 12. I know I have high standards, but that is what I want to go for. Is there anything I should improve on? Any suggestions regarding courses to take? Oh yeah, will my age have an impact? I would be 29-30 years old at matriculation. Thanks in advance! [clap] PS. I had a lot of fun typing this post. Kudos to the animated faces!