Economics vs. Math PhD

<p>Do you think getting a PhD in economics or mathematics is harder, in general?
I mean in terms of the graduate level course work... assuming the person is good in math.</p>

<p>I think that there is no way to objectively answer this question.</p>

<p>Math is harder. Generalizing a lot but econ courses are more like applied math courses (plus econ theory).</p>

<p>Well, there are applied math PhDs too. Also a lot of pure math is theoretical and involves a lot of proofs. I would also imagine it depends on how someone thinks - if you have a more analytical/applied mind than econometrics and/or applied math would be easier, but if you think very abstractly/theoretically they may be more difficult.</p>

<p>I really don’t think there is an objective answer. It depends on who’s asking and their personal characteristics. It’s certainly no way to choose which PhD to do, so I hope that’s not the reason for the question.</p>