<p>I understand that math is crucial to economics but just how much of it is involved in the Economics major at JHU? Should someone who is already uncomfortable with calculus reconsider majoring in Economics?</p>
<p>Relative to other top schools, it’s not particularly mathematically intensive. The introductory micro and macro courses (101 and 102) don’t require any calculus. After that, you will need it. It won’t require anything beyond taking partial derivatives but you have to be very comfortable with this. You can always take Calculus I, II, and III during your first three semesters if you feel uncomfortable with calculus going in.</p>
<p>Hey! Current Economics major here. The amount of calc required depends on the courses you choose to take. One of the nice things about the econ major here is that there are many different routes one can take for it. After the core courses (elements of macro/micro, macro/micro theory, econometrics), there is a wide variety of upper levels to choose from. If you choose to take more theoretical level classes, then you’re more likely to encounter more advanced calculus than if you take courses more focused on finance or economic policy. So the answer is you will need to use it eventually, but if it really is something you aren’t comfortable, you can minimize its impact on you by choosing different upper level courses.</p>
<p>Go look at what math is minimally requred for an Econ major. My son has a double major in math and econ, so he took a lot of more of the econ courses that were math related. His roommate had a double major in econ and political science and I don’t think he took anything over Calc 1 and 2, and maybe not even the one for science majors for that. </p>
<p>But when it came to jobs and pay, though the other young man presents so much better, graduated with honors, that my son had so much math and modeling background made him far more employable with higher pay options. </p>