Chances for MA Stats for Econ student

[Stochast]

My goal is to get a MA in Stats from a decent university, prefer Canada but America is fine too. I want to work in the public/private sector more than academia.

I have a BA in philosophy and am finishing a BSc in Economics. My average gpa across both degrees is going to be around 3.3, my final 2 years have an upward trend towards 3.8.

However, I'm not sure how strong my math background is. I don't have much math per se, but I do have quantitative Econ courses:

Calc I, II, III

Math 208 [Math for economics] = (Matrix algebra, solution to linear systems, quadratic forms; partial derivatives, constrained and unconstrained optimization)

Econ 245 & 246 [descriptive stats/probability] & [statistical inference]

ECON 350 [Mathematical Economics I] = (application of calculus and linear algebra to econ)

Econ 351 [Mathematical Economics II] = (Difference equations, differential equations, and dynamic optimization with applications to econ.)

Econ 353 [Computer Aided Modeling in Economics] = (numerical methods and their application in economics.)

Econ 365 [Econometrics I] = (Estimation of the regression model; sampling properties of estimators; testing restrictions; restricted least squares.)

Econ 366 [Econometrics II] = (Stochastic regressors; Dummy variables; multicollinearity; instrumental variables estimation; seemingly unrelated regressions. generalized least squares; maximum likelihood; aspects of specification analysis; dynamic models; simultaneous equation models.)

tl;dr

Are linear algebra and real analysis necessary for most stat programs? Is my GPA a problem?

So you see, I have little pure math/stats courses. But my economics courses have a lot of stats & calculus in them.

I'm hoping for a fall 2012 entrance somewhere average, I don't think any top-tier place will be in reach. Any suggestions on where I may have a good shot?

Sorry for long post, Thanks!

[colormehappy]

I don't know too much about what is required for Stats programs (I'm on the pure math side of things), but it seems like you have a solid background. You've probably covered a lot of linear algebra in your other courses, but this is one class that is often required. I would also recommend you take Real Analysis if possible since this will demonstrate that you are serious about math and understand proof writing. Since you're applying for 2012, is there any way for you to take some courses at a nearby university? It would probably also help to have a math professor write one of your letters. As for where to apply, look for schools which separate their mathematics and applied mathematics departments. It seems like you stand a better chance at schools where your application is looked at by applied mathematicians. Phds.org is a good site for searching for schools but once you have a list, you'll want to run it by a math professor if you can. You'll also want to look into GRE requirements. I don't know whether applied programs typically require the math GRE subject test, but that would be something to consider. If you take it and do well, it could help your application significantly, though it is a difficult test and without a background in algebra/analysis, you might be in trouble. Good luck!