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John Niles JD M.A. john.niles@duke.edu
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| How have the flexibility, inter-disciplinary programs of study, and range of concentrations in the Economics master's program enriched your experience? | |||
| The flexibility of Duke's M.A.-economics program is one of the program's true strengths. Because many courses from outside the economics department count toward the econ degree, I am free to take classes from professors who know the subjects best. I learn math from math professors, statistics from statistics professors, and economic theory from economics professors. Also, taking courses in other departments means that I cooperate with and compete against students who specialize in those fields. When working together, I learn a lot from students in other departments because we often approach problems from very different angles. When competing against each other, I learn a lot because students in other departments have better backgrounds in those subjects; I have to work harder to keep up with the course. Although the process is challenging, I end up with a deeper understanding of each subject than I would if I had to take most classes from one department. | |||
| Best advice for prospective students. | |||
| Duke's econ program emphasizes math. Problems involving multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations pop up in class every day. Students who know calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations often have little problem solving them. Other students struggle. A lot. The best thing a prospective student can do is to build a solid foundation in math. | |||
| Outside of economics what courses have been most beneficial? | |||
| Math, math, math, math, and math. | |||
| Of all the programs available why did you choose to come to Duke? | |||
| I chose to come to Duke because its J.D./M.A. program allows me to both earn a law degree and a master's degree in three years. Similar programs at other schools usually take four years. | |||
| "Bests" of Duke, Durham, NC | |||
| Best store to buy textbooks: The Book Exchange Best cheap restaurant: Elmo's Diner Best BBQ: Bullock's (which offers all-you-can-eat!!!) Best Indian food: Dale's (also all-you-can eat!!!) Best Mediterranean food that you can afford on a student budget: Baba Ghannouj restaurant Best place to watch the game: CAMERON INDOOR STADIUM. Grad students can buy season tickets to Duke basketball games. |