Topology for Economics PhD? Math Preparation and General Trajectory Questions

Graduate School
1

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had insight on recommended math preparation for an economics PhD with specific focus on game theory? I am a sophomore mathematics/economics double major. The courses I am have taken/plan on taking include the following, and I am wondering if they seem sufficient:

Q: Is it an issue that I am not able to take topology? Due to my course load and the specific semesters it is available, I’ll be unable to take it during the time it is offered before I graduate (although I could potentially audit). Additionally are there any other courses I should prioritize in place of ones I have listed (ex: complex analysis, more econometrics courses, a combinatorics class, PDE, etc.)?

Q2: Would a mathematics REU look competitive for economics graduate school? Or would experience at a think tank/as an economics research assistant over the summer be preferable, even if it didn’t directly involve the areas of economics I am interested in?

  • Calculus I, II
  • Calculus III advanced track (covered material offered in higher level Vector calculus)
  • Linear Algebra
  • Foundations
  • Graph Theory
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Intro Real Analysis
  • Abstract Algebra
  • Probability (with proof)
  • Discrete Probability (covers stochastic processes and Markov chain models)
  • Real Analysis II

Also (relevant economics courses beyond intro and intermediate level)

  • Advanced microeconomics
  • Econometrics
  • Time series econometrics
  • Game Theory
  • Economics honors thesis
  • Economics RA (current)
  • Independent probability research project with professor (current)
2

Not really, beyond basic knowledge of homeomorphisms and continuous functions (which you should have easily gained anyway from your other math coursework). Frankly, most economics PhD students at even the top programs have never studied topology. {Heck, even most economics professors at top programs have never studied topology.}

On the other hand, the more math coursework you can take, the better.

I suspect that the difference, if any, is minor.

The courses you have listed are certainly more than sufficient, although if you can do more math coursework, that would be even better.