Economics and Mathematics

Directors of undergraduate studies: Giovanni Maggi (Economics), 115 Prospect St., Rosenkranz Hall, Rm. 334; Sebastian Hurtado-Salazar (Mathematics); Miki Havlickova (Mathematics); Math DUS 

The Economics and Mathematics major is intended for students with a strong interest in both mathematics and economics, and for students who may pursue a graduate degree in economics.

Prerequisites 

The major has prerequisites in both mathematics and economics: MATH 1200; ECON 1110 or 1115; and ECON 1111 or 1116. A prerequisite economics course can be replaced by an extra Economics course numbered above 2000 (beyond the 12 courses required for the major). Substitution of MATH 3020 for 1200 is permitted; students without prior experience with multivariable calculus must consult with the Math DUS before selecting this option. Note that MATH 3020 requires 2250 and 2550 to be taken first. Upper-level courses substituted for prerequisites do not count toward the total of twelve term courses required for the major.

Requirements of the Major

See Links for the YC ECON Theory Seminar attribute.

A total of twelve term courses is required beyond the introductory level in economics and in mathematics: seven ECON courses numbered above 2000, and five MATH courses numbered 2250–4690 (exceptMATH 2410 and MATH 2420 - see below). These courses must include:

  1. One intermediate microeconomics course (ECON 2125 is preferred, but ECON 2121 is also acceptable) and one intermediate macroeconomics course (ECON 2126 is preferred, but ECON 2122 is also acceptable).
  2. Two mathematical economics courses: one of ECON 3351 or 4425, and one of ECON 3350 or 4433.
  3. Two courses in econometrics, ECON 2135 and ECON 2136. ECON 2135 can be replaced by S&DS 2410 and 2420, in which case they count as one economics course and not as mathematics courses. Neither S&DS 2410 nor 2420 can be counted toward the major in parallel to ECON 2135. 
  4. One economics elective (waived if senior requirement is fulfilled with an economics course). 
  5. One proof-based linear algebra course (MATH 2250 or 2260) and one real analysis course (MATH 2550 or 2560). 
  6. Three mathematics electives (reduced to two, if senor requirement is fulfilled with a mathematics course). 
  7. A senior seminar as described in the "Senior requirement" section below. 

A course cannot be used to fulfill the mathematical economics requirements and the senior requirement at the same time.

A course must be listed with a MATH number to count toward the mathematics requirements—substitutions from other departments are not permitted. Graduate mathematics courses numbered 5000-5999 may be counted as electives; graduate mathematics courses numbered 6000 or above may not be counted. 

Distinction in the Major To be considered for Distinction in the Major, students must meet minimum grade standards, as specified under "Honors" in The Undergraduate Curriculum, and submit a senior essay in Economics that earns a grade of A or A–. For details on the senior essay in Economics see Economics. All courses beyond the introductory level in Mathematics and Economics are counted in the computation of grades for Distinction.

Credit/D/Fail No course taken Credit/D/Fail may be applied toward the requirements of the major, including the prerequisites. 

Outside credit Courses taken after matriculation at Yale at another institution or during an approved summer or term-time study abroad program may count toward the major requirements with DUS approval. 

Senior Requirement

Students must take either a senior seminar in mathematics, MATH 4800 or 4810, or an Economic theory seminar, designated as YC ECON Theory Seminar in Yale Course Search. A senior essay in Economics is optional.

Advising 

Students interested in the major should consult both DUSs, and verify with each that their proposed program meets the relevant guidelines.

SUMMARY OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites MATH 1200; ECON 1110 or 1115; ECON 1111 or 1116

Number of courses 12 term courses beyond prerequisites

Distribution of courses 7 economic courses above 2000 and 5 math courses above 2250 (excluding MATH 4700, 2410, and 2420)

Specific courses required  ECON 2125 or 2121; ECON 2126 or 2122; ECON 2135; ECON 2136; ECON 3350 or 4433; ECON 3351 or 4425; MATH 2250 or MATH 2260; MATH 2550 or MATH 2560, as specified; senior requirement, as specified

Substitution permitted S&DS 2410 and 2420 for ECON 2135; MATH 3020 for MATH 1200

Senior requirement Senior seminar in math (MATH 4800 or MATH 4810) or an Economics theory seminar

 

Prerequisites 

Requirements 

12 courses (12 credits) beyond the prerequisites: 7 economics courses above 2000 and 5 mathematics courses above 2250, excl MATH 4700, 2410, and 2420. These courses must include:

​Senior requirement MATH 4800 or MATH 4810 or Economic Theory Seminar

​OR

  • 1 additional economics course if the senior requirement isn't an Economics course  

Economics essay is optional (mandatory to be considered for Distinction in the Major)

See the Roadmap Library for a visual representation of the major.