Department
of Economics > Undergraduate Programs
> Preparation
Preparation
for Graduate Studies in Economics (MA/PhD)
Begin by looking at our graduate program website. The website provides information on our graduate program and basis for evaluating graduate programs at other universities.
The first-year curriculum in any economics graduate program (M.A. or Ph.D.) requires knowledge of mathematics and statistics far beyond the training of a typical undergraduate economics student. If you are considering a graduate degree in Economics, we strongly recommend the following courses.
I. Statistics: Take Math 371 (Elementary Probability Theory) and 373 (Elementary Statistics) instead of Econ 321 (Introduction to Statistics). Our Econ 321 does not require knowledge of calculus while Math 371 and 373 do. These two courses will provide you with the statistical skills needed during your first year of graduate school.
II. Calculus: Take at least two of the courses in the calculus sequences (Math 241-244: Calculus I-IV or Math 251A-253A: Accelerated Calculus I-III). You will be very well prepared if you take the entire 3- or 4-course sequence. Techniques on differentiation, integration, differential equations, optimization and more are covered, all skills that you will need in the first year of graduate school.
III. Linear Algebra: Take Math 311 (Introduction to Linear Algebra). Knowledge of linear algebra is a must for first-year graduate students; it is used in microeconomics and econometrics courses.
IV. Upper Division Economics Courses: We also recommend that you take Economics courses from our Upper Division II 400-level offerings to strengthen your analytical and theoretical skills. See the UHM Economics Department's "Majoring in Economics" Guide for a listing of these courses. It is available on the web as the "Guide to the Undergraduate Program," available for download here.
These courses cover more advanced theory or extensions of the basic micro/macro theories and develop your ability to understand and use economic theory in various fields of economics. These courses may also help you choose which areas of economics to specialize in during your graduate career.
V. Mathematical Economics and Econometrics. You should also strongly consider taking Econ 420 (Mathematical Economics) and Econ 425 (Introduction to Econometrics). Please refer to the catalog for topics covered and the prerequisites.
VI. Graduate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. In addition, very advanced undergraduates may receive permission from the department to audit Economics 606 and 607, the first-year graduate microeconomics and macroeconomics theory courses.
For further information about our graduate program, please contact the Chair of the UHM Economics Graduate Program.
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