colberTreporT

My plans are to eventually go to a top graduate school and major in economics. I know mathematics is essential to economics, and I know finance can help with getting internships and such. So I was curious, is it better to double major econ+math, econ+finance, or should I just concentrate solely on economics while taking a bunch of math classes as well? Which combination will help me get into a good school, and eventually help me get a satisfying career? Will double majoring make my work load to heavy, and lead me to suicide (though I am a good time-budgeter and do work very hard)?

Rob54

For grad school econ-math would be the best option. Yes, it will probably be difficult and time consuming. But if you want it, you can do it, right?

Sachmoney

For Graduate School economics programs (PhDs), you definitely need a strong background in math. I believe these programs think they could teach the economics once you're in.

colberTreporT

"For grad school econ-math would be the best option. Yes, it will probably be difficult and time consuming. But if you want it, you can do it, right?"

Yes, I can certainly do it if it is worth the effort. And from what I have been reading lately, it appears for grad school econ, math in undergrad is actually more important than econ in undergrad, so I think I will definitely have to double major math+econ.

I still have a few questions though? Will double majoring like this set me apart from most of the other competition? Or does most of the other competition also double major?

nauru

I think economics + math will open the most doors for you. However, whether you choose a double major in econ and math, or major in econ with minor in math, will depend on how you get on with the material. There is no point in doing a double major in math and econ if you are going to end up with a garbage GPA as a result.

Econ single majors with great GPAs get into econ ph.ds all the time. Econ + math double majors with garbage GPAs get their applications tossed in the trash. If you think you can handle the econ + math double major and get a great GPA then go for it, because that would open the most doors.

Rob54

Just make sure you take Calc 1-3, linear algebra and an upper division probability/stats course. Also, an introductory proofs class and differential equations can be beneficial. Anything beyond that is probably unnecessary, so don't feel compelled to major in math.

Milton Roark

"Econ single majors with great GPAs get into econ ph.ds all the time. Econ + math double majors with garbage GPAs get their applications tossed in the trash. If you think you can handle the econ + math double major and get a great GPA then go for it, because that would open the most doors."
If you can't handle the coursework of a double major in mathematics and economics should you really be shooting for graduate level economics? Especially considering that a good number of international applicants often have masters in mathematics or statistics when applying to top programs. You don't have to have math as your declared second major, but you should be taking as many classes (maybe even more than necessary to double major) for graduate school. You need to take as many proof-based mathematics classes as possible. It would go a long way towards making graduate school less overwhelming.

worried_mom

Milton is correct in saying that it does not matter if you have a formal declared double major, or a minor in math, or just take lots of rigorous math classes. What does count is that you do have a strong math background in order to show you are prepared for graduate-level work.