Students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in economics should be aware that a solid background in mathematics over and above the requirements for the undergraduate major in economics is critical to success in an economics Master’s or Ph.D. program. An enjoyment of mathematics will make graduate school in economics more interesting. Due to the diversity of graduate programs and the interests of individual students, all students contemplating graduate school are strongly recommended to seek individual advice in planning their preparatory program of study. To this end, please contact either the undergraduate advisor or the graduate advisor in the economics department.
Courses for the undergraduate major in economics at Portland State University:
- Calculus I, MTH 251
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics I, STAT 243
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics II, STAT 244
Recommended undergraduate math and economics courses for MA/MS students in economics:
- Introduction to Mathematical Economics, EC 380
- Introduction to Econometrics, EC 469
- Calculus IV, MTH 254
- Linear Algebra, MTH 261
Additional courses for students going straight from a Bachelor’s degree into a Ph.D. program:
- Advanced Mathematical Economics, EC 480/580 (The MA/MS in economics at Portland State University requires EC 580. For students staying at PSU, EC 580 should not be taken as an undergraduate.)
- Advanced Calculus, MTH 311
- Introduction to Mathematical Statistics, STAT 461
Additional preparation for Ph.D. programs (if time allows):
- Introduction to Real Analysis I, MTH 411/511
- Introduction to Real Analysis II, MTH 412/512
- Introduction to Real Analysis III, MTH 413/513
- Applied Probability I, STAT 467/567
- Applied Probability II, STAT 468/568