Preparation
An undergraduate degree in economics is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program, provided that applicants have achieved an adequate background in economics and mathematics at the undergraduate level.
Math
Applicants must have knowledge of multivariate calculus, basic matrix algebra, and differential
equations; completion of a two-year math sequence, which emphasizes proofs and
derivations, should provide adequate preparation. Descriptions of the
Math courses offered at UC Berkeley which fulfill this requirement are as follows:
MATH 1A: An introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions.
MATH 1B: Continuation of 1A. Techniques of integration; applications of integration. Infinite sequences and series. First-order ordinary differential equations. Second-order ordinary differential equations; oscillation and damping; series solutions of ordinary differential equations.
MATH 53: Parametric equations and polar coordinates. Vectors in 2- and 3-dimensional Euclidean spaces. Partial derivatives. Multiple integrals. Vector calculus. Theorems of Green, Gauss, and Stokes.
MATH 54: Basic linear algebra; matrix arithmetic and determinants. Vector spaces; inner product spaces. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; linear transformations. Homogeneous ordinary differential equations; first-order differential equations with constant coefficients. Fourier series and partial differential equations.
Economics
All applicants are expected to have completed intermediate math-based economic
theory courses. Further education in economics and economic theory is helpful,
but not required.
Additional preparation
Some knowledge of statistics and elementary probability is highly
desirable. Those applicants who intend to specialize in economic theory or econometrics
will need to take additional courses in algebra, real analysis and statistics.