How math heavy is the UCSD Econ Major?

iTransfer
Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:07:56 +0000

The degree requires up to calculus 3 but you won’t be using intense math in your econ classes.

Remember that it is economics and not math. You won’t be getting really ugly functions in economics like you did in calculus. They will most likely be linear, exponential, or cobb-douglas form. Really quick and simple to differentiate/integrate. Classes will emphasize on economic theory more than the math.

Things you should know how to do:
Basic derivatives/integrals (calculus 1)
Optimization (finding max/min) (calculus 1)

Partial derivatives (calculus 3)
Lagrange multiplier (calculus 3)
Solving a system of equations with linear algebra.

These three things are not covered in calculus 1 or 2 but are very easy to learn. Should take only 5-10 minutes to learn.

Honestly, I think knowing your statistics is more important than your calculus. The most difficult class will probably be econometrics. Knowing your statistics well will help you a whole lot in that class.