now_and_then

If it's cheaper, you don't like online classes, etc., sure, but otherwise I can't imagine any benefit.

I'm an older student who's returning from working to start a PhD in a well regarded program this fall. Obviously I'm not a prof on an adcom, so take my opinions with the requisite grain of salt. For context, I've worked several years longer than you, but I have less math. I work with a lot of PhDs in my industry, some of whom were former profs. (1) My impression is you have a solid math background for a master's program. The exception as you identified is no probability class, which is a nearly universal prerequisite. I had similar issues: even evening classes weren't a choice for me with my job. The plan B I fell back on is taking the probability class offered by UIUC's NetMath program (https://netmath.illinois.edu/math461?stu=col). It's... okay. If you have no other way of meeting that prereq, it'll suffice. The syllabus is accurate in terms of course content. (2) Again my impression is that for a master's program you're in good shape. I had three (econ, coincidentally) PhDs from my current and former jobs write my rec letters. Your work manager with a PhD in econ and your former econ prof you mentioned seem like a good first two. If you can take a summer or fall class, great, there's your third. If not, you'd probably be in good shape if you have any senior colleagues with MSs / MBAs / etc. (3) Competitive / probably? / yes. Maybe you'd have a harder time at more theoretical programs like Chicago's? I'm speculating, though. HTH!