<p>What I was trying to say is that even the most elegant math has its limits when applied to economics. Absurd was perhaps too strong of a word, but the complexity in modeling subjective human behavior is vast. We’re not talking about electrons or fluids. </p>
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<p>I didn’t know you could determine what kind of consumption, saving, investment decisions billions of people of different nationalities, incomes, religious and moral beliefs, etc make on a daily basis by playing a few matrix games.</p>
<p>How would it be viewed if someone had a BA in economics but also took some extra math courses (econometrics, game theory) but not enough to get a BS? It’s all about having taken the specific classes, right? My school’s BS in economics requires some more calc that I don’t care to take but I’m still interested in math topics within econ. Not looking to go to grad school for econ, btw. </p>
<p>Sorry to hijack the thread but it sounds like there are knowledgeable people here.</p>
<p>I love how this thread sort of digressed into a useless argument. At the end of the day, you need to be comfortable with, AT THE VERY LEAST, calculus I and II to be able to grasp anything beyond introductory macro and micro. </p>
<p>Now, simply put: If you want to go on to grad school, you need to take Calc I, II, III, Linear algebra, Game theory, etc. If, however, you just want an undergrad degree in econ, there really is no point in going beyond Calculus II (some schools would only require calc I, by the way). In my opinion, though, it’s best if you take one econometrics/ statistics course.</p>
<p>You could always list classes like that under a “relevant coursework” heading on your resume if you were applying for a more quant-oriented job, so the bs/ba really wouldn’t matter. </p>
<p>As for the additional math classes, I suggest you take calc 3 and LA. You might never need to do triple integrals, but knowing about partial derivatives and Lagrange multipliers come in handy in econ. Lagrange multipliers essentially describe what econ is all about in mathematical terms i.e. maximizing something (utility) while subject to constraints. Linear Algebra is also very practical to be familiar with. </p>
<p>Lastly, as Lobzz mentioned, take stats/econometrics. Regression is widely used and to thoroughly understand it on a multivariable level, you need calc 3 (tangent planes) and linear algebra. Also, calc-based probability classes usually require calc 3 as a pre-req.</p>
<p>As Ravens said, linear algebra will make an econ major more enjoyable for you.</p>
<p>If grad school is definitely out (and presumably you’re looking at business), then basic accounting, finance and stats courses are a must if available! As an econ/accounting major I’m biased, but I would load up on those if you’re going into business as opposed to academia or government.</p>
<p>You would def be in very good shape if you had stats/accounting/biz finance/marketing courses along with more applied math classes like a calc sequence, linear algebra, probability, econometrics to go along with your econ degree.</p>
<p>With that, you’d have the flexibility to go after any kind of job, both private sector and govt. Also, it would make you an attractive candidate to mba or similar programs if you decided that’s what you wanted later on. Add some computer science/IT classes and you’re really ballin.</p>