The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics & Statistics and the Department of Economics offer an integrated “BS/BA in Mathematics and MS in Economics” degree program. High achieving mathematics undergraduate students may seamlessly enter the Master’s program in Economics. The integrated degree program does not entail any changes to the two underlying programs, but students seeking the integrated degree are permitted to share 20 credits between the BA/BS degree in Mathematics and the MS degree in Economics.
Increased Career & Educational Opportunities
Students pursuing a BA/BS degree in Mathematics will be exceptionally well prepared for a mathematically oriented MS program in Economics. This 4+1 program will open up more career opportunities in both public and private sector institutions, which may include state and federal governments; bank, insurance, and financial institutions; environmental/labor organizations and NGOs; energy, law, and tech firms; and so on.
The MS program in Economics is thoroughly mathematical, allowing Mathematics majors to apply their mathematical/programming skills to solve various economic problems. Students can choose to develop themselves as a researcher of pure mathematical economic theory or as a public policy expert who specializes on issues relevant for our day-to-day life.
The BS/BA in Mathematics + MS in Economics program also increases the likelihood of being accepted to a PhD in Economics program by ensuring students have a strong mathematical background.
Admissions Criteria and Process
- Mathematics majors interested in the 4+1 program should meet with their Mathematics faculty adviser by the end of their second year to map out the required coursework for their junior and senior years.
- After completion of the junior year, students should apply for the MS program in Economics online. The student will be notified by the Graduate School if the application is successful. Applicants do not have to submit a statement of purpose or letters of recommendation provided they satisfy the GPA requirements outlined below.
- Students should complete their degree in Mathematics, or, at the minimum, all the courses outlined up to the winter term of the fourth year of their study schedule.
- A GPA of 3.4 or above is required for all Mathematics and Statistics classes taken prior to entry into the MS program in Economics.
- All courses numbered 500 and above taken prior to entry into the master’s degree program in Economics must receive a grade of B or better. All undergraduate classes must receive a grade of C- or better. No P/NP credit will be accepted for either program.
- The PSU institutional requirement for residency for the undergraduate program is that 45 of the last 60 credits must be taken in residence at PSU. All MS level classes must be taken at PSU.
Degree Requirements
In addition to meeting the University degree requirements, the BS/BA in Mathematics + MS in Economics program requires completion of the following courses:
| Course | Credits |
| CS 161 | 4 |
| MTH 251, 252, 253 Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| MTH 254 Calculus IV | 4 |
| MTH 255 Calculus V | 4 |
| MTH 256 Differential Equations | 4 |
| MTH 261 Introduction to Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MTH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning | 4 |
| MTH 311, 312 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis I, II | 8 |
| MTH 344 Group Theory | 4 |
| MTH 411, 412 Introduction to Real Analysis I, II | 6 |
| STAT 461, 462 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I, II, III | 6 |
| One approved 300-level or 400-level MTH or STAT courses | 3-4 |
| EC 312 Macroeconomic Theory | 4 |
| EC 415 Microeconomic Theory with Calculus | 4 |
| EC 505 Reading and Conference | 1 |
| EC 518 Economics Department Seminar | 3 |
| EC 570 Econometrics | 4 |
| EC 571 Advanced Econometrics | 4 |
| EC 575 Applied Advanced Econometrics | 4 |
| EC 576 Implementing Econometrics using Stata and R | 4 |
| EC 581 Advanced Microeconomics | 4 |
| EC 584 Applications of Advanced Microeconomic Theory | 4 |
| EC 590 Advanced Macroeconomics | 4 |
| EC 592 Applications of Advanced Macroeconomic Theory | 4 |
| EC 596 Research Project I | 4 |
| EC 597 Research Project II | 4 |
See the Degree Maps for a complete list of required courses.
In order to facilitate a fall start to the Master’s in Economics program, students may join the MS track with at least 140 credits completed towards the BA/BS in Mathematics.
Grades
All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements, whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C-, P, or above, but no more than 4 courses graded P will count toward these requirements.
Transfer students majoring in mathematics are required to take a minimum of 15 credits of PSU upper-division mathematics or statistics courses in residence.
Continuation Criteria
Students must maintain the following GPAs:
- 3.3 GPA in courses numbered 500 and above, with a minimum grade of B
- 3.5 GPA in economics courses numbered 499 and below, with a minimum grade of C-
- 3.3 GPA overall at PSU
Shared Credits
Students may share up to 20 credits between the BA/BS in Math and the MS in Economics program.
Advising
Initially, students will be advised by the undergraduate adviser, in consultation with the graduate adviser, who will assist them in preparing their application for the MS program in Economics. Once students have begun the master’s theory sequence, they will be advised by the graduate adviser.