<p>To prepare for a PhD in economics, you want to find a school where mathematical tools are liberally used in the study of economics, particularly microeconomics and econometrics. Look in the course catalogs to see if the intermediate microeconomics and econometrics courses specify math prerequisites more advanced than frosh calculus (i.e. multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and/or differential equations). In addition, good math and statistics offerings are desirable (e.g. real analysis and in-depth probability and statistics).</p>
<p>A good computer science department should have the following upper division offerings (check the course catalogs; also check the schedules to make sure that the courses are offered frequently enough):</p>
<ul>
<li>Algorithms and complexity</li>
<li>Theory of computation</li>
<li>Operating systems</li>
<li>Compilers</li>
<li>Databases</li>
<li>Networks</li>
<li>Software engineering</li>
<li>Security and cryptography</li>
<li>Computer architecture / hardware design</li>
<li>Electives like graphics, artificial intelligence, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you want to go into patent law, a computer science degree that is ABET accredited (see [Accredited</a> Program Search](<a href=“http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramSearch.aspx/AccreditationSearch.aspx]Accredited”>http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramSearch.aspx/AccreditationSearch.aspx) ) can be helpful in terms of qualifying for the patent exam. If not (or you only minor in computer science while majoring in economics), then check the course work needed to qualify (see pages 4-6 in <a href=“http://www.uspto.gov/ip/boards/oed/GRB_March_2012.pdf[/url]”>http://www.uspto.gov/ip/boards/oed/GRB_March_2012.pdf</a> ).</p>