Dual Degree in Economics & Applied Mathematics

The fields of mathematics and economics are inextricably linked. In economics, mathematics and statistics are used extensively in theory construction, tests of existing theories and discovery of regularities to inform new theories. Economics also gives mathematicians/statisticians new challenges, new outlets and new ideas to incorporate in mathematics. These complementarities have long been recognized and economics graduate students have always been advised to take advanced courses in statistics. Having an MA degree in economics and an MS degree in Applied Math will make a student highly employable in the job market and provide them an edge in applying for elite PhD programs.

The Dual Degree

A “dual” degree means that students who complete the program earn two master’s degrees: M.A. in economics and M.S. in applied mathematics. Students interested in completing the dual degree in economics and applied mathematics must apply separately to each program, meet the admission requirements of each program, and be accepted by each program. If one program accepts a student for the dual degree but the other program does not, then the student may not graduate under the dual degree program. Students may apply to both programs at the same time or apply to the economics program first, and then to the applied math program after their first semester, or vice versa. Both programs must be completed in the same semester to take advantage of the dual degree program.

Degree Requirements

42 hours: 21 in Economics and 21 in Mathematics and Statistical Sciences

Core Courses (36 hours) B- or better required in all core courses with a B average or above over all coursework. No course may be taken a third time.

• Microeconomic Theory (Econ 5073) - 3 hrs.
• Macroeconomic Theory (Econ 5083) - 3 hrs.
• Econometrics I (Econ 5813) - 3 hrs.
• Econometrics II (Econ 5823) - 3 hrs.
• Sem. in Applied Econ. (Econ 6053/6054) - 3 hrs.
• Applied Analysis (Math 5070) - 3 hrs.
• Applied Linear Algebra (Math 5718) - 3 hrs.
• Workshop in Statistical Consulting (Math 6330) - 3 hrs.
• Probability (Math 5310) - 3 hrs.
• Introduction to Mathematical Statistics (Math 5320) - 3 hrs.
• One of the following: MATH 5394, MATH 6376, MATH 6380, MATH 6384, MATH 6393, MATH 7384, MATH 7826, or an additional MATH course given prior approval by the student's advisor and the Director of the Program in Statistics - 3 hrs.
• Research Seminar (Econ 6073) - 3 hrs. 

Electives

• 3 hours in Economics and 3 hours in Mathematics at the 5000 level or above.
• The following courses do not count towards any graduate degree in applied mathematics: MATH 5000-5010, MATH 5017, MATH 5198, and MATH 5250.

Graduate Examinations

• Students must successfully defend a capstone research paper that demonstrates their proficiency in the knowledge and skills comprising the MA degree in economics. 
• A final examination in Mathematics consisting of an oral presentation is required (no associated course or credit).

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