Economics and Mathematics
Adviser (Economics): Herbert Scarf, 30 Hillhouse Ave., 432-3693, herbert.scarf@yale.edu; director of undergraduate studies (Mathematics): Yair Minsky, 448 DL, 432-4018, yair.minsky@yale.edu
The Economics and Mathematics major is intended for students with a strong intellectual interest in both mathematics and economics.
Prerequisites. The major has prerequisites in both mathematics and economics: MATH 120a or b; one term from ECON 110a or 115a or b; and ECON 111b or 116a or b. With permission of the adviser, upper-level courses may be substituted for prerequisite courses.
Requirements of the major. A total of twelve term courses is required beyond the introductory level in economics and in mathematics, with at least five in mathematics and at least seven in economics. These courses must include:
1. One intermediate microeconomics course chosen from ECON 150a or b or 152a, and one intermediate macroeconomics course chosen from either ECON 153b or 154a or b
2. A year of mathematical economics, ECON 155a and 156b
3. Two term courses of econometrics, ECON 162a and 163b (with permission of the Economics adviser, STAT 242b may be taken instead of ECON 162a)
4. Senior seminar in mathematics, MATH 480a or b
5. A term course in linear algebra, MATH 222a or b or 225a or b (or 230, which counts for two courses)
6. An introductory term course in analysis, MATH 300b or 301a
Because optimization is an important theme in mathematics and is particularly relevant for economics, OPRS 235a is recommended for students majoring in Economics and Mathematics and can be counted toward either the Mathematics or Economics course requirements. Other related courses, such as those in accounting, cannot be used to meet the requirements of the major.
To be considered for Distinction in the Major, students must meet specified grade standards (see chapter I) and submit a senior essay written in either an Economics departmental seminar or in ECON 491a or in 491a and 492b to the Economics department by April 7, 2008. Students who fail to submit such a paper will not be considered for Distinction in the Major. (The paper must be written in a course taken in the senior year.) The senior essay prospectus form, signed by the adviser, is due October 8, 2007. All courses beyond the introductory level in Mathematics and Economics are counted in the computation of grades for distinction.
Students interested in the major should consult the director of undergraduate studies in Mathematics and the Economics adviser for the program.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites: MATH 120a or b; ECON 110a or 115a or b; ECON 111b or 116a or b
Number of courses: 12 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior essay)
Distribution of courses: ECON 150a or b or 152a; ECON 153b or 154a or b; ECON 155a and 156b; ECON 162a and 163b; MATH 222a or b or 225a or b (or 230 for 2 course credits); MATH 300b or 301a
Specific courses required: STAT 242b for ECON 162a, with permission of Econ adviser
Senior requirement: Senior sem in math (MATH 480a or b); optional senior
essay
