Mathematical Economics, BA

Economics is a social science and, as such, an important component of the liberal arts curriculum. At the core of economics are theories of how individuals, firms, and other organizations make choices and interact, taking into account constraints on their behaviors. Among the topics studied in economics are the following:

  • The determination of prices and quantities in various types of markets, from perfectly competitive commodity markets to highly regulated utility markets and internet auctions.
  • The effects of taxes, subsidies, and regulations.
  • The determination of aggregate economic activity (e.g., GDP, unemployment).
  • Inflation, monetary policy, and financial intermediation.
  • Economic growth and income distribution.
  • International trade and international finance (e.g., exchange rates).

The Mathematical Economics Major is intended for students with a strong intellectual interest in both mathematics and economics and, in particular, for students who may pursue a graduate degree in economics. Advanced economics makes extensive use of formal mathematical models. The major introduces undergraduate students to rigorous theoretical-quantitative and empirical-quantitative approaches to the analysis of economic problems. In comparison to the Economics Major, the Mathematical Economics Major emphasizes a more formal mathematical analysis, preparing students for academic-style research in economics.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 35. Double majors may entail more course units.

For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives19
Major Requirements
MATH Core Requirements 2
Select 1 Calculus II course1
Mathematics of change, Part II
Calculus, Part II
Honors Calculus
Select 1 Calculus III course1
Calculus, Part III
Calculus, Part IV
Honors Calculus, Part II
Select 1 Algebra course1
Linear Algebra
Computational Linear Algebra
Advanced Linear Algebra
Algebra
Advanced Linear Algebra
Select one of the following:2
Option 1:
Advanced Calculus
and Advanced Calculus
Option 2:
Advanced Analysis
and Advanced Analysis
STAT Core Requirements
Select 2 course units of the following: 32
Probability
and Statistical Inference
Engineering Probability
and Statistics for Data Science
Statistics for Economists 4
Probability
and Econometric Methods and Models
MATH Electives
Select 2 of the following:2
Applied Machine Learning
Applied Machine Learning
Machine Learning
Big Data Analytics
Stochastic Systems Analysis and Simulation
Introduction to Optimization Theory
Modern Convex Optimization
Calculus, Part IV
Computer Methods in Mathematical Science I
Discrete Mathematics I
Ordinary Differential Equations
Partial Differential Equations
Game Theory.
Topology
Mathematics of Finance
Advanced Applied Probability
Algorithmic Game Theory
Mathematical Statistics
Stochastic Processes
Forecasting Methods for Management
Introduction to Bayesian Data Analysis
Sample Survey Design
Applied Probability Models in Marketing
Mathematical Statistics
Advanced Statistical Inference I
Advanced Statistical Inference II
Applied Econometrics I
ECON Core Requirement 5
Introduction to Micro and Macro Economics: 6
ECON 0100Introduction to Micro Economics1
ECON 0200Introductory Economics: Macro1
Waiver Conversion Complete
Intro Micro/Macro - For WHARTON Students Only:
Introductory Economics for Business Students
Select an additional ECON course 7
Intermediate Level Micro and Macro Economics
ECON 2100Intermediate Microeconomics1
ECON 2200Intermediate Macroeconomics1
ECON 6100Microeconomic Theory1
ECON Electives
Select 2 courses from the following disciplines:2
Econometrics
Econometric Methods and Models
Macro-Econometric Techniques and Applications
Micro-econometric Techniques and Applications
Econometric Machine Learning Methods and Models
Empirical Economics of Climate Change
Econometrics I: Fundamentals 8
Macroeconomics
Economic Growth
Numerical Methods for Macroeconomists
Monetary and Fiscal Policies
Macro Perspectives on Challenges for Economic Policy
Money and Banking
International Finance
Topics in Development
Microeconomics/Game Theory
Social Choice Theory
Game Theory
Economics of Family
Social Choice Theory
Market Design
Decision Making Under Uncertainty
Mathematical Economics
Economic Program Evaluation
Public Finance
Political Economy
Labor Economics
Law and Economics
Industrial Organization
Health Economics
Urban Fiscal Policy
Economics of Education
The Digital Economy
International Trade
Game Theory and Applications 8
Independent Studies
Independent Study
At most one independent study (ECON 4999) can substitute for a 2000-level course in the major. Students wishing to enroll in an Independent Study must have their outline approved and be enrolled prior to the end of the Add Period. No Independent Studies will be accepted afterwards.
Total Course Units35
1

You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.

2

Students intending to major in Mathematical Economics are encouraged to take MATH 1610 Honors Calculus and to consider MATH 2600 Honors Calculus, Part II.

3

NOTE: These MATH and ECON courses count toward the MATH and ECON electives.

4

If ECON 2300 Statistics for Economists is taken, one additional ECON or MATH course from the following: MATH 5460 Advanced Applied Probability, ECON 2310 Econometric Methods and Models, ECON 4310 Macro-Econometric Techniques and Applications, or ECON 4320 Micro-econometric Techniques and Applications.

5

LPS academic year courses require approval of Undergraduate Chair EXCEPT for ECON 0100 Introduction to Micro Economics & ECON 0200 Introductory Economics: Macro.

6

ECON 0100 Introduction to Micro Economics and ECON 0200 Introductory Economics: Macro are prerequisites for all economics courses. ECON 0100 Introduction to Micro Economics is the prerequisite for ECON 0200 Introductory Economics: Macro.

7

ECON Course Required if BEPP 1000 Introductory Economics for Business Students is taken.

8

Requires the permission of the instructor. Please contact the instructor and be prepared to share information about the ECON and MATH courses you have taken and the grades that you have obtained in these courses. Based on this information, the instructor will determine whether the course is suitable for you.

Honors

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and an A- or better in 3 graduate level courses that count toward the major. Approved courses may be chosen from the list of Mathematical Economics electives:

Economics courses 6000-level and above
Mathematics and Statistics courses 5000-level and above
Introduction to Optimization Theory
Modern Convex Optimization

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.