B.A.Mathematical Economics or B.A. Pure Math for MS STAT?

[HTP1234]

Hello,

I am a junior majoring in Mathematical Economics with a minor in Data Science at an average rank university. I am planning to apply to top 20 Master programs in Stat/Biostat. 

Right now I am very unsure about whether I should switch to a B.A. in Pure Math, which I was told would be more competitive for top MS programs in Stat (and a career in Data Science?). 

I like econ, but at the same time I think it is necessary to take more math classes. If I switch to pure math, I will be able to change 2 econ classes (Mathematical Economics, which covers basic convex analysis and optimization, and Econometrics 2) to two upper level math courses  

Below are my courses history and intended plan if I stay as a Mathematical economics major.

Courses Taken:

         Math: Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, Discrete Math (Intro to proof), Real and Complex Analysis 1, Intro to Modern Algebra.

         Other: Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Econometrics 1, Money and Banking, Biostatistics, Java 1, Java 2

Intending to take:

Fall Junior Real & Complex Analysis 1 Econometrics 1 (Grad Course) Money and Banking Intro to Modern Algebra (Ring Theory) Biostatistics	Spring Junior Real & Complex Analysis 2 Theoretical Linear Algebra Ordinary Differential Equations Mathematical Statistics Principles of Data Science
Fall Senior Numerical Analysis 1 Honors Physics 1 Probability 2 (Stochastic Process) Foundation of Machine Learning Applied Math OR Complex Analysis OR Algebra (group theory)	Spring Senior Mathematical Economics* Partial Differential Equations Data Intensive and Cloud Computing Physics 2 Econometrics 2* (grad course) Econ Writing Seminar

 

As you can see, if I change to a pure math major, then I will be able to make changes as follow:

                          Mathematical Economics (Convex optimization) -> 1 math elective in (Topology, Numerical Analysis 2, Number Theory)

                          Econometrics 2 -> 1 elective in (Number theory, Nonparametric Statistics, or some other math elective)

Do you guys think it would be worth it to make this change? Like i said, I like econ, but I also need to be practical, and to increase my admission chance to top MS programs, I think I will need more math. So I guess my real question is that would 2 more math electives instead quantitative econ classes be make much of a difference?

 

Thank you so much for your time!

 

 

Edited December 10, 2017 by phongtheha

[bayessays]

You have enough math with what you've taken even for top PhD programs, yet alone masters, even if you didn't take any more math your junior or senior year.  With your current schedule, you'll be in amazing shape --- take what you want!

[HTP1234]

6 hours ago, bayessays said:

You have enough math with what you've taken even for top PhD programs, yet alone masters, even if you didn't take any more math your junior or senior year.  With your current schedule, you'll be in amazing shape --- take what you want!

Thank you so much for your response! I was concerned because I have heard rumors that the Mathematics & Economics combo is seen as inferior to a pure math degree, and is in fact considered in the bottom of the "ladder" of math majors. Also, this in addition to the fact that I am from a not-so-highly-ranked school, I'm just very afraid that it would detrimentally affect my chance at a tiptop program like Berkeley or Chicago.