How much math in Economics undergrad?
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I’m in gr.12 right and I’m applying to university in a couple of weeks. I’m not good at mathematics, however I am doing very well in my economics class and virtually understanding everything so far.
I’m in gr.12 right and I’m applying to university in a couple of weeks. I’m not good at mathematics, however I am doing very well in my economics class and virtually understanding everything so far.
If I want to get a BA in economics, or in Business Economics do I need to be good at math?
How much math is there in economics, if any?
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Tags: Applying To University, Ba, Mathematics
June 6th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
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I minored in Econ. To be honest, math can help…and is needed in some courses…but it is not always required. Take a few classes at the college level to see how you do…
June 8th, 2009 at 4:37 am
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Usually a business math and a statistics class to total two math classes (unless you need to work up to business math/stats, like taking college algebra first), would be the norm for a regular economics or business degree. Its different for financial economics, where you would probably take those two plus calculus one maybe two as well.
June 10th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
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Fairly. You would have to be good in statistical computations which requires at least one semester of calculus-equivalent. So algebra, trig, and calc I or equivalent. Then lots of statistics. Call the U and get a catalog, or check the school library ot guidance counsellor.
June 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
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It’s actually not much math. At the university I just graduated from you need two math classes, which ultimately is three classes because you’ll most likely need one prep. class.
1. Calculus
2. Statistics
3. (to get into calculus you need college algebra)
And the good news is if you take those three math classes it’ll probably qualify you for your Bachelor of Science (meaning you’ll have filled one of your University requirements). You can get a B.A. (6 language classes at my university) or a B.S. (3 math classes at my university).
Here is the link to economics undergraduate program to the univeristy i attended:
Hope this helps!
June 16th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
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Not a whole lot of math is required for econ as an undergrad. This is as econ will be taught in a social science method, which means you learn more on historical attributes (who developed what, why they developed it, and why everyone agrees it’s a good model) and applied practice of the subject matter rather than the theoretical basis. Theory is set aside for graduate schools in econ. Therefore if you are interested in graduate work in econ then you need to make sure you take significantly more math than required. In fact, you’re more likely to be admitted to an econ grad program if you’re a math major than an econ major.
June 18th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Economics at the undergraduate level does not require a lot of advanced mathematics. But it is among the more mathematically social sciences in college. So it helps to have some mathematical ability.
The usual requirements are elementary calculus, and statistics. These are not hard subjects if your knowledge of basic math and algebra are OK, but if you struggled with those subjects, then they can appear to be more difficult than they really are.
I would look for a program that has a separate calculus course or sequence for business/economics students. It is likely to be more applied and less theoretical, and that may help you.
Second, I would spend the summer before attending brushing up on the math you had trouble with, slowly, at your own pace.
Finally, you can choose your course selection to reduce the math content of your program. Your core courses may involve some math. But many elective choices in economics (I would include economic history, labor economics, some areas of business economics, and development economics among these) are not mathematical.