<p>This does depend on whether you're looking to do applied econometric work, in which case statistics is definitely the way to go or something theoretical, in which case a good understanding in the maths you listed will go a long way. Of course it's always better if you understand both - since you're doing a master's in math, you should already be quite fluent with the math required, so I'd go with econometrics.</p>

<p>There's a growing amount of literature available, but if you have time to spare, I'd give the topics in Nafziger's "Economic Development" a glance: <a href="http://tabesh.edu.af/Books/economic/Economic%20Development.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://tabesh.edu.af/Books/economic/Economic%20Development.pdf</a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-12-07T16:55:26.833Z
I see thank you, and thank you very much for the pdf link too it looks like a superb introduction to this! :D
Sunhwa
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-12-08T07:23:50.523Z
No problem. Hopefully it'll help you get started with some ideas for research. :)
John L.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-12-07T16:49:31.510Z
2015-12-07T16:49:31.510Z
John L.
<p>I would like to ask what kind of math is used in Development Economics?  </p>

<p>I have one more semester in my Master of Math programme before hopefully entering a PhD in Economics and am considering specializing in this; so I would like to know what I should take or review next semester.  Are the topics listed on the wiki-page for Mathematical Economics applicable?  Being differential equations, linear algebra, optimization, and analysis.  Or would statistics or data science be more applicable?  </p>

<p>Thank you</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-12-07T18:40:36.637Z
Most research in development economics is empirical nowadays. Especially randomized control trials are very in, so I would look into that as well as into microeconometrics in general. I would definitely give statistics and econometrics (not necessarily time series or macroeconometrics) priority. However your math skills will come very much in handy in getting through the first year of a phd program, during which you won't have much time for research.
BB King
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-12-09T02:41:39.137Z
There isn't any. None.
Michael
<mathematical-economics><development-economics>
What Math is used in Development Economics?
Sunhwa
# What Math is used in Development Economics?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-12-07)

I would like to ask what kind of math is used in Development Economics?

I have one more semester in my Master of Math programme before hopefully entering a PhD in Economics and am considering specializing in this; so I would like to know what I should take or review next semester. Are the topics listed on the wiki-page for Mathematical Economics applicable? Being differential equations, linear algebra, optimization, and analysis. Or would statistics or data science be more applicable?

Thank you

**Tags:** mathematical-economics, development-economics

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Most research in development economics is empirical nowadays. Especially randomized control trials are very in, so I would look into that as well as into microeconometrics in general. I would definitely give statistics and econometrics (not necessarily time series or macroeconometrics) priority. However your math skills will come very much in handy in getting through the first year of a phd program, during which you won't have much time for research.  
> **username_2**: There isn't any. None.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2015-12-07. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

This does depend on whether you're looking to do applied econometric work, in which case statistics is definitely the way to go or something theoretical, in which case a good understanding in the maths you listed will go a long way. Of course it's always better if you understand both - since you're doing a master's in math, you should already be quite fluent with the math required, so I'd go with econometrics.

There's a growing amount of literature available, but if you have time to spare, I'd give the topics in Nafziger's "Economic Development" a glance: <http://tabesh.edu.af/Books/economic/Economic%20Development.pdf>

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: I see thank you, and thank you very much for the pdf link too it looks like a superb introduction to this! :D  
> **username_3**: No problem. Hopefully it'll help you get started with some ideas for research. :)  

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