<p>I'm a sophomore at a top-10 LAC. I'm currently majoring in computer science. However, I have always had a strong interest in development economics and public policy, and to become the next Jeffrey Sachs I'm considering going to grad school in econ.</p>
<p>I know it's important to take math. So far I've taken linear algebra and multivariable calculus and statistics. However, most of the upper-level math I'm interested in are CS-type math classes - abstract algebra, discrete, combinatorics, number theory. Do econ schools like this kind of math too?</p>
<p>Has anyone else heard of undergrad CS major to econ grad school? How much econ or math or specific work experience do I need to be competitive for top grad schools?</p>
<p>Top economics programs are going to expect you to come in with at least a basic level of knowledge in economics. Just knowing the math isn’t sufficient, although it is helpful; you have to know how to apply the math and what to apply it to. (And yes, I think economics programs will appreciate the other classes you took - especially discrete math and combinatorics, and especially if you intend to do any quant-modeling-heavy discipline of econ).</p>
<p>Remember that you will be competing with econ majors who have ALSO taken all or most of the math classes you’ve taken - any competitive econ applicant to top programs will have taken multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and statistics (perhaps more than one advanced, calc-based statistics class), and probably also real analysis, possibly abstract algebra or advanced calculus.</p>
<p>I would say you would be expected to have at least 5-7 courses in economics; some programs will expect you to have the equivalent of a major (usually 8-12 courses). At the very least you should take micro and macro, econometrics (although your math classes may exempt you - but still, it’s the application of the math you know to economics), and at least 2-3 mid- to upper-level economics electives in your area of interest. Remember that in a doctoral program, professors are going to expect you to hit the ground running in many respects when it comes to doing research. They don’t want to teach you basic economics; they want you to learn the advanced techniques and theory in your specific area and get you up to speed quickly so that you can help them in their research - and so they can get you out the door quickly, in 5-6 years if possible.</p>
<p>ETA: I just re-read and noted that you are a sophomore. If you’re just a sophomore and you know you want to go to graduate school in econ, why not double-major or at least minor in econ? You’ve already taken the calc and stat, so you just need to take the econ classes.</p>
<p>I agree that a double major might be a good idea. At the very least, you should try some economics courses to convince yourself that this is the right path for you. Focus on getting the core courses done so you meet the pre-requisites to enrol for upper-level courses: lower-level electives are less important. Many applicants these days will have grad-level economics courses.</p>
<p>To get into good programs, you also need good LORs. Another reason to take upper-level econs classes and impress the professors taking the classes. If you can get some RA experience (maybe during the summer) and do a thesis in economics, that would be even better. (Having a CS background may help in getting RA positions, many of which are heavy on coding and the like)</p>
<p>For Econs programs, the math courses they most value are linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, statistics and (most important of all) real analysis. That is not to say other courses such as the ones you are interested in are not useful; they can help greatly too especially if they involve writing proofs, but they are not perfect substitutes for the ones I mentioned.</p>
<p>By the way, abstracting away from the dreary world of admissions, I think CS and econs is a great combination. If you look at game theory, for instance, there is so much that the two disciplines can learn from each other. So if you do decide to go down this path, I wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading some of your research a few years later :)</p>