Math Preparation for the Study of Economics

The study of economics requires a good understanding of mathematics. Especially for those who are interested in graduate programs in economics, solid preparation in math is essential for successful applications. Typically, courses in college level Calculus I, II, & III, Linear Algebra, Introduction to Statistics are required for graduate study in economics. Other courses like Differential Equations, Probability Theory, Analysis are highly recommended by most of the graduate programs. More information about math preparation for graduate schools can be found in the American Economic Association website https://www.aeaweb.org/resources/students/grad-prep/recommended-math

Textbook Recommendations for Math Learning

Calculus I & II: Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 8th Edition, James Stewart. ISBN-13: 978-1285741550

Calculus III: Vector Calculus, 6th Edition, J.E. Marsden and A. Tromba. ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-1508-4.

Linear Algebra: Linear Algebra with Applications, Fifth Edition, Otto Bretscher. ISBN: 978-0321796943.

Introduction to Statistics: Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis, 2nd Edition, John A. Rice. ISBN-13: 978-8131519547.

Differential Equations: Elementary Differential Equations, 10th Edition, Boyce, William E. and DiPrima, Richard C. ISBN-13: 978-0470458327.

Econometrics: Introductory Econometrics, 4th Edition, Wooldridge, Jeffrey M. ISBN-13: 978-0324660548.

Probability Theory: Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists, 5th Edition, Sheldon M. Ross. ISBN: 9780123948113.

Analysis: The Way of Analysis, Revised Edition, Robert S. Strichartz. ISBN-13: 978-0763714970.

Useful Links

In addition to taking courses at traditional universities, some websites provide good supplements for math learning.

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/find-by-topic/#cat=mathematics

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu

https://www.khanacademy.org/math