Preparing for research-focused careers
Students follow the requirements listed in the major map to earn a BS in economics. Below you will find faculty tips and recommendations, as well as advice from PhD students and recommended coursework. Students interested in PhD programs in economics or research-oriented careers should consider selecting higher-level math and statistics and choose additional math, statistics and writing courses as electives.
>> Related reading: Learn more about research assistantships and internships
Faculty tips and recommendations
In this video Professors Bart Hobijn and Cara McDaniel provide course recommendations for students interested in pursuing research-oriented careers.
Prof. Hobijn provides information on the timeline (starting your junior year) and materials needed for the application process for a PhD program and research assistantships.
Student advice to support your next steps
Featuring faculty and PhD students, the following videos provide advice and answer questions about research assistantships and PhD programs — including how current ASU economics students can prepare to be competitive candidates.
- Introduction to research assistantships and PhD programs
- What classes should I take?
- When should I start preparing applications?
- What should I know about the transition from undergraduate to research assistant or PhD student?
- Should I find mentors?
- How should I decide on my path (researcher or non-researcher)?
Recommended coursework
The following courses will help prepare students for PhD programs or research-focused careers.
Recommended math courses
- MAT 270 - Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
- MAT 271 - Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
- MAT 272 - Calculus with Analytic Geometry III
- MAT 275 - Modern Differential Equations
- MAT 300 - Mathematical Structures
- MAT 342 - Linear Algebra
- MAT 343 - Applied Linear Algebra
Advanced math courses
- MAT 371 - Advanced Calculus I
- MAT 372 - Advanced Calculus II*
- MAT 410 - Introduction to General Topology*
- MAT 442 - Advanced Linear Algebra
- MAT 472 - Intermediate Real Analysis I*
- MAT 473 - Intermediate Real Analysis II*
Recommended Statistics Courses
- STP 420 - Introductory Applied Statistics
- STP 421 - Probability
- STP 425 - Stochastic Processes
- STP 427 - Mathematical Statistics
- ECN 425 - Introduction to Econometrics
Recommended English courses
- ENG 215 - Strategies of Academic Writing
- ENG 302 – Business Writing
Recommended programming courses
- CSE 110 - Principles of Programming
- CSE 205 - Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
*Ambitious courses