Econ PhD or masters

Graduate School
1

<p>Hey all,</p>

<p>I have been accepted to the PhD program in economics at Illinois and the masters of economics program at Duke. I intend to go on to a PhD regardless, but I am having a little trouble deciding between the two schools because I am not as prepared in math as I could be. I have only taken math up through linear algebra, so two years more of preperation could be helpful and would probably allow me to get into a very good program. Is the extra two years worth the wait, or should I go directly into the Phd program now?</p>

<p>I received a good offer from Illinois financially, but I would have to pay for Duke.</p>

<p>Thanks!
T</p>

2

<p>I’m assuming you want to be a professor (as most PhDs do), so based on that assumption I recommend Illinois. The debt from a Duke MA can be a crushing burden on a professor’s salary. If you don’t have a strong background in math, I’m sure Illinois’ program will allow you to beef up your skills with some prep classes before they make you undertake anything too mathematically intense.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your help. The money is definitely a big decision making factor, so I appreciate the input.</p>