<p>Hi folks.. this is my first post here..</p>
<p>I'm now on my first year undergraduate majoring International Relations in a university in Indonesia. I'm expecting to continue my post-graduate study overseas, perhaps US. One that really attracting me is Ph.D in Economics (perhaps with concentration in Finance). So, what are the odds of me getting into top Ph.D. in Economics program straight after this? can that undergraduate IR degree actually "replace the needs of" undergraduate economics degree to help me get into competitive PhD programs? <or would="" i="" still="" be="" needing="" the="" economics="" degree="" after="" all?="">
***yeah about why taking Math not Econ for the 2nd degree.. the economics major here doesn't even cover Calculus, at all.. so i think it'd be wise for me to pursue Math as it's the more important right?</or></p>
<p>I'm also thinking to take another major in Mathematics this year, considering the prerequisite of those programs. By doing that i'll "pass" the essential Math prerequisite but still have a problem in the Economics prereq... Should i take another economic courses? (the IR undergrad program here only covers 3-credits Micro, 2-credits Macro, and 3-credits IPE.. I find the system here is really weird)..</p>
<p>Please give me some insights folks.. Thank you very much..</p>
<p>Not unless you take substantial economics (and mathematics) coursework that will be almost equivalent to a major anyway.</p>
<p>A PhD in economics is deeper study in the field. They don’t want people just testing it out, or people who don’t already have foundational knowledge in economics.</p>
<p>Mid-range PhD programs in economics may admit students with strong math backgrounds who have the minor (5-7 courses) in economics to the intermediate level. But top PhD programs are going to be going after students with a major in economics or at least 8+ courses in the field.</p>
<p>If you want to get a PhD in economics, why not major in economics? You can always minor in IR or take some IR classes.</p>
<p>And even if your econ major doesn’t cover calculus, you certainly should take it. You should take at least 2 semesters of calculus.</p>
<p>Ok. Thank you very much for your response July, Juillet :)… since by doing that means i have to let go of this IR and leave for a new major in economics, which doesn’t seems like possible to me considering the cost to do such a thing (starting over here means literally starting over, no credit transfers, and the enrolment system/competition is the same with those new highschool fresh graduates), what are my odds if i just join the MSc in Economics later? So now i’ll major on the IR and Math, and after completing those i go pursue MSc in Economics which will act as my stepping stone to PhD in Econ… Does this sound like a viable plan? Please again give me insight… Thank you very much…</p>
<p>That could work. You’d have to find an economics MSc program that accepts people with little to no economics coursework. To boost your chances, if you can you should take some economics courses (I know many overseas universities don’t do “electives,” but if you have any flex in your schedule) because even MSc programs in economics can be a bit competitive - they’re lucrative masters degrees to get.</p>
<p>But if you do a reputable MSc in economics and do well, then you can get into a PhD program in econ in the states.</p>