Undergraduate · MIT Course 14-2

MIT Course 14-2 Mathematical Economics: real analysis and a mathematics seminar

MIT does not admit applicants to a course. Applicants apply to the university as a whole and all first-year students begin undeclared. The degree chart for Mathematical Economics (Course 14-2) is what its name suggests: the economics core of statistics and econometrics plus real analysis, differential equations or linear algebra, and a communication-intensive mathematics seminar in analysis, logic or number theory. It is the version of economics for students who want proof-based mathematics inside the degree.

Official information · read 31 October 2026, no entry-year label

What MIT says about MIT Course 14-2

Taken from the MIT Course Catalog's degree chart for Course 14-2 and MIT Admissions' Majors & Minors, Tests & Scores and International pages, read on 31 October 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check MIT's pages for the 2028-entry details.

Applied to MIT, not to a course

MIT says you apply to the entire university, not to a specific major, and all first-year students begin undeclared.

Real analysis is required

The chart lists Real Analysis among the required subjects.

A mathematics seminar

Students choose a communication-intensive seminar in analysis, logic or number theory.

Economics core retained

Principles, statistical methods and econometric data science remain required.

The SAT or ACT is required

MIT requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year students and asks that predicted grades be sent if available.

Official sources

Read on 2 November 2026 on the MIT Course Catalog's degree chart for Course 14-2 and MIT Admissions' Majors & Minors, Tests & Scores and International pages, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. The department's own website, the subject descriptions, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.

The degree

What the degree chart says Course 14-2 is

The degree chart lists principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, statistical methods, econometric data science, real analysis and differential equations or linear algebra as required, then choices in microeconomic theory, macroeconomics and a mathematics seminar, and three further subjects in mathematics and economics with at least one in each. The chart totals 144 units in the major.

Is it the right course?

Course 14-2 beside Course 14-1 and Course 18-C

The catalogue lists these as separate degrees, so the choice is made after admission. Avandy's comparison is general and relies on the degree titles and charts.

Course 14-2 fits if

you want proof-based mathematics and economics in one degree.

Course 14-1 fits if

you want economics with a less mathematical required core. Avandy's guide to Course 14-1 covers it.

Course 18-C fits if

you want mathematics with computer science. Avandy's MIT Course 18-C guide covers it.

Admission and testing

An MIT application, an SAT or ACT and A levels or the IB

MIT requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year students. It asks that transcripts include the results of external examinations such as the IB or A Levels required for university entrance in your home country, and that predicted grades be sent if available; only admitted students are required to send final grades. Course 14-2 is not a separate application. This guide states no score.

A decision framework

Three questions before you commit

This is Avandy's own framework, not MIT's.

Are you ready for real analysis?

It is a required subject on the chart.

Which seminar would you pick?

Analysis, logic and number theory seminars are listed.

Can you plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB?

MIT requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year students.

Planning for 2028 entry

Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication

MIT's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check MIT's own pages for the 2028-entry details.

The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 31 October 2026, which carry no entry-year label

These are the best guide to what to prepare. MIT has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.

Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated

This guide has not read them. Check MIT for the values that apply to your application year.

What to do now

Read the Course 14-2 degree chart and plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB.

Support

Independent support with planning your own application

Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. No outcome is promised.

Questions

Questions applicants ask

Can I apply directly to MIT Course 14-2?

No. MIT says you apply to the entire university, not to a specific major or school, and all first-year students begin undeclared.

Can I apply directly to Mathematical Economics at MIT?

No. MIT says you apply to the entire university, not to a specific major, and all first-year students begin undeclared.

Is real analysis required?

Yes. The degree chart lists 18.100A Real Analysis among the required subjects.

Do I need the SAT or ACT?

MIT says it requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year students.

Do A levels and the IB count?

MIT asks that transcripts include external examination results such as the IB or A Levels and that predicted grades be sent if available.

Are these the rules for 2028 entry?

No. They are MIT's wording with no entry-year label. Check MIT's pages again when MIT publishes its 2028-entry requirements.

Students and families

Talk to us about MIT Course 14-2

Tell us about the student's curriculum, how much pure mathematics they want, which analysis or logic seminar suits them and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.