Will my peculiar math background work.

[Poli92]

Hey all, 

 

I'm considering looking into masters programs in econ. I am wrapping up a BA in econ and poli sci in the next couple of months, and I'm wondering how best to explain a peculiar course that my program offered. So the gist of it is, my school requires all econ majors to either take Calc 1, Calc 2, Discrete, and Linear through our math dept or you can take an accelerated course through the econ dept that is solely applied and covers linear algebra and multivariate calculus. I, because of scheduling constraints, took the accelerated course instead of the 4 math courses. I have also done two terms of stats and participated in a one-on-one directed study project with a prof reviewing popular methodology in my area of interest. 

 

Will this be enough for a masters program or do you think I should register for bonafide calculus courses at a community college or something before trying to apply? 

 

Thanks all. 

[Poli92]

The topic title should have had a question mark... English is hard. 

[brettmullga]

The typical answer is 'take math classes through the math department!' Given what I've read, it is unlikely that you will be competitive at higher ranked Masters programs. With this being said, a lot turns on what kind of graduate program you are applying to and what you want to do afterward: professional then industry, academic then Phd, etc. It's difficult to offer advise otherwise. 

[Poli92]

Next question: will schools really care where/how I take these classes as long as it's from an accredited institution? Like if I take them online will that look bad? 

[vablues]

Online classes have little cred in the market.  Unfortunately so do CC classes when it comes to math.  I would suggest asking a nearby 4-year school for admission on a per credit hour basis to do post-bacc course work.  It worked for me.

 

I would also ask, what good schools offer a standalone masters?  Aside from LSE I cannot think of one that isn't less advantageous than going the MBA/CPA route.

Edited November 27, 2014 by vablues