Mathematical Economics | Schools, Research & Experiences

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the intersection of mathematics and economics, particularly focusing on how physics and mathematics can be applied to create economic models. Participants explore educational pathways, research opportunities, and specific mathematical areas relevant to economic analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in using physics and mathematics to develop economic models and inquires about schools that focus on this area.
  • Another participant suggests looking into Financial Engineering and Econophysics as relevant subfields.
  • A different participant clarifies that Mathematical Economics is not a distinct branch of economics but rather a method of economic analysis that employs mathematical proofs and theorems.
  • Specific models, such as the Solow's Growth Model, are mentioned as examples of mathematical applications in economics.
  • There is a suggestion that science majors, particularly physicists and engineers, tend to perform well in economics graduate programs.
  • One participant shares a resource for a top economics graduate program, emphasizing the importance of a strong mathematics background for prospective students.
  • Another participant expresses interest in pursuing a Master's in Economics followed by a PhD in Economics, Mathematics, or Applied Mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relevance of mathematics in economics and the potential for science majors to succeed in this field. However, there are varying perspectives on the structure and classification of Mathematical Economics, with some participants emphasizing its methodological nature while others discuss it in terms of specific models.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of a strong mathematical foundation for entering economics graduate programs, but the discussion does not resolve the specifics of how different mathematical areas apply to economic modeling.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students considering a transition from science to economics, those interested in mathematical modeling in economics, and individuals exploring graduate programs in related fields.

Artus
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
Hi:

I've been interested since long time ago in Economics. Also, I've heard there are science majors working in Economics/Finance firms and I've read some of the threads on physicists turned "quants". I'm actually interested in using Physics & Mathematics to create economical models. I know about places like:

http://www.imw.uni-bielefeld.de/home/home.php

http://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/disciplines/economics/postgraduate/phdareas/

http://college.usc.edu/econ/graduate/fields.cfm

Working on that.

I think there are mathematical areas like:

* Discrete math
* Dynamical Systems
* Game Theory

And others, being used to construct models. My questions are:

1. Are there any other schools working on them?
2. How easy would be for a science major get into Economics graduate degree programs?
3. How much useful would be to do research on this area?
4. Do any of you have experiences doing research on this?

Thanks, in advace.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello,

I am not sure I can help here, but I think those two might be worth looking at:

1. Financial Engineering ( a subfield of Finance/Economics & Mathematics).
2. Econophysics (a subfield of physics)
 
Last edited:
Hi Artus, Mathematical Economics is not a separate branch of Economics like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International Trade, etc. It is just a way of economic analysis, where the mathematical proofs and theorems are used heavily to make the economic models, for instance Ct + It = Yt = F(Kt,L), It = Kt+1 - (1-δ)Kt, It = sF(Kt,L) is the most fundamental model in macroeconomics called the Solow's Growth Model, which was build upon using mathematics, thus it can be called as mathematical economics, eventually economic analysis.

If you are interested doing research in this area i would higly recommend you to visit this site http://econ.lse.ac.uk/study/grpr.html that is the best-in-the-world economics graduate program in that specific area which would help you get into an elite PhD program anywhere in the world. But you must know that unlike Physics or other Science fields, in economics you can do research in any area of your fancy if you have a good bachelors degree in economics(with a very good math courses in it) and a graduate program in some cases.

And yes, science students do very well in Economics graduate programs, especially Physicists and Engineers.

Good luck, PM me if you need any help!
 
physiker_192 said:
Hello,

I am not sure I can help here, but I think those two might be worth looking at:

1. Financial Engineering ( a subfield of Finance/Economics & Mathematics).
2. Econophysics (a subfield of physics)

Thank you. I wasn't aware of Econophysics and looks interesting:

Code:
[PLAIN]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Econophysics
[/PLAIN]

I can see Statistical Physics is important.

doodle_sack said:
Hi Artus, Mathematical Economics is not a separate branch of Economics like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International Trade, etc. It is just a way of economic analysis, where the mathematical proofs and theorems are used heavily to make the economic models, for instance Ct + It = Yt = F(Kt,L), It = Kt+1 - (1-δ)Kt, It = sF(Kt,L) is the most fundamental model in macroeconomics called the Solow's Growth Model, which was build upon using mathematics, thus it can be called as mathematical economics, eventually economic analysis.

If you are interested doing research in this area i would higly recommend you to visit this site http://econ.lse.ac.uk/study/grpr.html that is the best-in-the-world economics graduate program in that specific area which would help you get into an elite PhD program anywhere in the world. But you must know that unlike Physics or other Science fields, in economics you can do research in any area of your fancy if you have a good bachelors degree in economics(with a very good math courses in it) and a graduate program in some cases.

And yes, science students do very well in Economics graduate programs, especially Physicists and Engineers.

Good luck, PM me if you need any help!

Thank you. LSE looks great and from the link you gave us I can see the have a great Mathematics department. And yes, models like Solow's get my interest becaude their mathematical nature and economical application.

Maybe I'm going to look for a Master in Economics and after that a PhD in Economics, Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K