Duke v. Northwestern

biomed6
Fri, 16 May 2008 15:00:17 +0000

I can clearly only speak for Duke econ (my minor), but I can assure you it’s quite strong and I have all-in-all enjoyed the curriculum, especially once you get through the intro macro/micro material (Econ 51 and 55). However, it is true that Duke econ is indeed quantitative. You’ll need to at least take through multivariable calculus (Math 102 or Math 103), which is somewhat of a rarity for undergraduate econ programs. But, I would also claim that 1) even multivar isn’t too difficult for a serious student to master (which it sounds like you are) and 2) a higher level of math knowledge will surely give you fuller insight and a deeper understanding of the material if you really want to consider yourself a true economist. It may be a “social science”, but that doesn’t mean it’s not intrinsically quantitative. Econ without heavy math would be like physics without math, and that’s really not too much of an exaggeration when you’re talking about advanced levels of the respective subjects.