<p>How math intense do they seem to be?</p>
<p>Are you just deciding whether to take an introductory course, or are you thinking of pursuing econ more substantially? Some introductory courses focus on applying quantitative models, so in some sense they involve a lot of math, but it’s usually just basic algebra. Other classes are more conceptual.</p>
<p>If you take higher-level courses, they go off a variety of directions… a few courses focus on the qualitative aspects of fiscal policy, some cover more sophisticated mathematical models involving volatility and such, some use calculus and linear programming to solve optimization problems, some cover discrete computational methods (namely multi-agent systems), a few are historical. It’s really a mixed bag.</p>
<p>^^^^Very true. It sort of depends. If you really want to generalize the math in Econ, I would say its basically applying concepts and memorizing formulas. In the introductory courses you will have to read basic graphs and memorize simple formulas, but when you start going up in difficulty, the levels of math dive out into different directions depending on the focus. Simple Micro and Macro courses are a little math intensive, but nothing that shouldn’t scare anybody, especially those who shy away from math.</p>
<p>undergrad Econ barely involves any math at all! You’ll only need to take like 2-3 calc classes and maybe 2-3 Stats classes and something called Econometrics which is econ/stats. But it’s not bad so don’t let the math scare you away at all.</p>
<p>However, there is a reason most Econ PhDs do undergrad Math degrees rather than econ - upper level economics involves a LOT of math but basic classes you take during Undergrad shouldn’t be hard at all. Of course, if you are an Econ major and want to do more, you can take the upper classes assuming you don’t mind the math. And it’s not just applying formulas and memorizing concepts for those upper classes, lol :)</p>
<p>I took Macroecon some time ago and now I’m taking Microecon Honors.</p>
<p>Both are pretty much introductory ones, so all you basically need is Algebra.</p>
<p>yeah, the math is VERY basic algebra for econ. intro courses</p>
<p>Oh, I thought you meant you wanted to major in Econ and were asking about undergrad classes. Well if you’re just talking about taking Intro Econ classes for the heck of it, those are ridiculously simple and I think barely have any math at all (but probably some very very basic algebra like shwayzee said).</p>
<p>Most Econ departments let you tailor your degree a little bit, after you take some basic micro/macro, and maybe some theory classes (which use single-variable calculus). If you’re scared of math, I’m sure your econ department offers more qualitative courses.</p>
<p>The toughest math requirement for a lot of econ majors is econometrics, since it has a heavy focus on lienar algebra and statistics.</p>
<p>Question: Is econ fun to study? What topics does it generally cover? (from a HSer’s p.o.v.)</p>
<p>^ Different people like different things. I find Physics boring, but love Econ (am majoring in it). My advice is take an intro macro or intro micro course, see if you like it, and then continue. </p>
<p>like most social sciences, Econ is about society and people, specifically choices we make under conditions of scarcity. Macro covers the broad economy (global/national) and Micro focuses on individual aspects of economics, like the way business are run, the quantity/demand/supply/price of goods/services and all that fluff (i prefer macro). If you’re interested, take an Intro course (these are generally very easy) and see if you like it! </p>
<p>As a major, it’s very flexible. I know people interested more in the theoretical/mathematical part of Econ who are planning on pursuing a masters or even ph.d. Others are more interested in the government side. Government and Math are 2 majors which Econ majors frequently double major in.</p>
<p>I was thinking about taking intermediate Arabic or Econ at gtown this summer.If I pick Econ over the arabic, and really like it I might try self-studying AP macro or micro econ. But normally business majors take econ, right?</p>
<p>molly, i’m actually talking about majoring in it lol. i hear from alot of people the first two years are really easy, but once you hit upper division, it will be hell. in regards to the classes you have taken so far, how math intense was it?</p>
<p>and another thing molly, should i buy a TI-89 for college? Since i know a decent amount of math will be needed, and i’ve heard stories of how some teachers allow graphing calculators while others don’t. my ti 83+ isn’t cutting it, time to upgrade</p>
<p>jazrie - Oh are you a business major? if so, you’ll definitely take a few econ classes. Business involves applying some basic economic principles to the real business world, you’ll be studying micro. Of course it varies depending on whether you’re studying accounting, finance, administration, marketing, etc - there’s lots of choices with business.</p>
<p>fendey - I know a lot of people with 89’s, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I have the 84+ and it’s fine. you’ll definitely need a graphing calc in your math classes! but not for every econ class. In regards to how math-intense it is - well if you’re just trying to do the basic requirements for a Bachelor’s degree, it’s not math intense. You’ll have to do at least 2-3 stats classes and 2-3 calc classes (if you’ve already taken calc in HS you might get away with just 2 calc classes in college!) I’m not sure if differential equations and linear algebra are required at every college, it varies. A lot of upper-level Econ classes require multivariable and econometrics from what i’ve seen, but those classes aren’t required. it’s a very flexible degree - you can choose to make it math-heavy if you want, or simply take the basic required classes and take electives in whatever you like. Rest assured there are many Econ electives which aren’t math heavy at all.</p>