Mathematical Economics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Mathematical Economics is an advanced interdisciplinary field that integrates rigorous mathematical techniques with core economic principles to analyze and solve complex economic problems. This program equips students with the analytical tools needed to construct, test, and interpret economic models, enabling data-driven insights into market behavior, policy outcomes, and resource allocation.
- Calculus: Explores rates of change and accumulation, essential for modeling dynamic economic systems and optimizing decision-making processes.
- Linear Algebra: Provides the foundation for understanding vector spaces and matrix operations used in economic modeling and data representation.
- Probability Theory: Focuses on the mathematical analysis of random phenomena, critical for risk assessment and uncertainty in economic forecasting.
- Statistical Methods: Involves techniques for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data to draw meaningful conclusions about economic trends.
- Econometrics: Applies statistical models and computational methods to test economic theories and estimate relationships using real-world data.
- Microeconomic Theory: Examines individual and firm-level decision-making, including consumer behavior, market structures, and equilibrium analysis.
- Data Analysis: Emphasizes systematic approaches to extracting insights from large datasets, supporting evidence-based economic research and policy evaluation.
- Applied Business Economics: Bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications in business strategy, pricing, and market analysis.
Mathematical Economics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Mathematical Economics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Mathematical Economics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians and Economics Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 165,850 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Mathematicians 15-2021 | $121,680 | $63,430 - $187,660 | 2,220 | $58.50 |
| Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1063 | $119,980 | $57,550 - $217,160 | 12,420 | N/A |
| Economists 19-3011 | $115,440 | $62,340 - $212,710 | 15,880 | $55.50 |
| Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other 15-2099 | $71,490 | $40,330 - $154,140 | 4,660 | $34.37 |
Mathematical Economics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $80,780 in Louisiana to $147,408 in California—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and New Hampshire. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 165,850 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Mathematical Economics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Mathematical Economics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Mathematical Economics is found at Boston University (BU) (51 graduates), United States Naval Academy (USNA) (27 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (21 graduates), Lafayette College (16 graduates), and Barnard College (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 141 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
|
51 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| United States Naval Academy (USNA) |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Annapolis, Maryland | Public | usna.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
21 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Lafayette College |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Easton, Pennsylvania | Private | lafayette.edu |
| Barnard College |
Bachelor's
|
11 | New York, New York | Private | barnard.edu |
| Marquette University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | marquette.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Oswego, New York | Public | oswego.edu |
| Albion College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Albion, Michigan | Private | albion.edu |
| Western Oregon University (WOU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Monmouth, Oregon | Public | wou.edu |
| Whitman College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Walla Walla, Washington | Private | whitman.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Mathematical Economics programs
How much can I earn with a Mathematical Economics degree?
Salaries for Mathematical Economics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Mathematicians earn around $121,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $147,408 compared to $80,780 in Louisiana. Approximately 165,850 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Mathematical Economics programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Mathematical Economics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Boston University (BU) (51 graduates), United States Naval Academy (USNA) (27 graduates), and Texas A & M University, College Station (21 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Mathematical Economics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians, and Economics Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 165,850 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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