CAS Calculus & Mathematics for Economics (MFE) Information

Below are the prerequisites, placement policies, and curriculum guidelines for the Calculus and Mathematics for Economics (MFE) course sequences. For detailed descriptions and syllabi of individual courses, please refer to our undergraduate course descriptions.

Comparing the Calculus and Mathematics for Economics sequences

The Department of Mathematics offers two distinct three-semester introductory calculus sequences designed to serve different academic paths:

Degree & Major Requirements

  • Economics Majors: Must take MFE I and II (MATH-UA 131 and 132) or the full Calculus sequence (MATH-UA 121, 122 and 123).
  • Joint Math/Economics Majors: Must take the full MFE sequence (MATH-UA 131, 132 and 133) or the full Calculus sequence (MATH-UA 121, 122 and 123).
  • Mathematics Majors & other STEM Majors (excluding Economics): The Calculus sequence (MATH-UA 121, 122 and 123) is the recommended sequence for all Mathematics Majors & other STEM Majors (excluding Economics). 
    • The Math Department will accept the MFE sequence for Mathematics Majors, so long as the full MFE sequence (MATH-UA 131, 132 and 133) is completed AND the student has not already taken any courses in the Calculus sequence.

Important Policy on Credit and Sequence Restrictions:

Students cannot receive degree credit for overlapping courses across both sequences. Credit will not be awarded for both MATH-UA 121 and 131; both MATH-UA 122 and 132; or both MATH-UA 123 and 133. Furthermore, students cannot mix-and-match, combine, or alternate between sequences. If you have questions about which sequence to take, please contact Math Undergraduate Advising.
 

Why are the topics ordered differently?

The Mathematics for Economics (MFE) sequence is specifically structured to support the course progression and co-requisites of the NYU Department of Economics. Most notably, the Economics curriculum requires students to have command of partial derivatives and multivariable optimization in their very first semester (as a co-requisite for Intermediate Microeconomics, ECON-UA 10). In the traditional calculus sequence, multivariable calculus is deferred until the third semester in Calculus III (MATH-UA 123).

To meet this need, the MFE sequence introduces multivariable calculus immediately in Semester 1, defers integration to Semester 2, incorporates foundational Linear Algebra tools directly into the coursework, and omits certain non-economic geometric applications (such as solids of revolution and arc length).

Course Level Calculus sequence Mathematics for Economics (MFE) sequence
Semester 1 MATH-UA 121 Calculus I
  • Limits and continuity
  • Single-variable differentiation & optimization
  • Introduction to definite/indefinite integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  • Trigonometric differentiation and integration
 MATH-UA 131 Math for Economics I
  • Limits and single-variable differentiation
  • Functions of several variables & partial derivatives (Calculus III topic)
  • Unconstrained multivariable optimization (Calculus III topic)
  • Economic applications (marginal analysis, elasticity, profit maximization); omits trigonometric calculus and integration
Semester 2 MATH-UA 122 Calculus II
  • Techniques of integration (parts, partial fractions, trig substitution)
  • Geometric applications (volumes of revolution, arc length, surface area)
  • Introduction to differential equations
  • Infinite sequences, infinite series, and Taylor series
  • Parametric and polar curves
 MATH-UA 132 Math for Economics II
  • Constrained multivariable optimization (Lagrange multipliers)
  • Essential Linear Algebra (matrix algebra, determinants, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues)
  • Single-variable integration techniques with economic applications (consumer/producer surplus, continuous income streams)
  • First-order and second-order differential equations with economic stability analysis
Semester 3 MATH-UA 123 Calculus III
  • Vectors and geometry of space (3D coordinate systems)
  • Vector-valued functions and motion in space
  • Multivariable differentiation, directional derivatives, and Lagrange multipliers
  • Multiple integrals (double/triple integrals in Cartesian, polar, cylindrical, spherical coordinates)
  • Vector calculus (vector fields, line integrals, Green's, Stokes', and Divergence Theorems)
 MATH-UA 133 Math for Economics III
  • Infinite sequences, series, and Taylor series (bridges the Calculus II requirement)
  • Advanced multivariable integration and vector calculus
  • Vector spaces, matrix analysis, and quadratic forms
  • Linear and non-linear programming with applications to game theory and economic modeling

What if you change majors or need to switch sequences?

Scenario A: You completed MATH-UA 121 (Calculus I) and wish to switch to Economics
Students who completed Calculus I cannot transition directly into MATH-UA 132 (MFE II), because Calculus I does not cover multivariable functions and partial optimization taught in MFE II.
Recommended Path: Continue in the Calculus track by enrolling in MATH-UA 122 Calculus II and subsequently MATH-UA 123 Calculus III. The Department of Economics accepts Calculus I–III as fulfilling all math requirements for the Economics major.

Scenario B: You completed MATH-UA 131 (MFE I) and are no longer an Economics major
Students who completed MFE I cannot transition directly into MATH-UA 122 (Calculus II), because MFE I does not cover single-variable integration or trigonometric calculus.
Recommended Path: If your new major requires calculus through multivariable (e.g., Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics), the most efficient path is to complete the MFE sequence through MATH-UA 133, which fully satisfies the Calculus requirement. 

Prerequisites and Placement Policies

ACT and SAT scores must be officially submitted to NYU and posted in your Albert academic record to satisfy prerequisites. Screenshots and unofficial score reports are not accepted.

1. Entry-Level Course Prerequisites

To register for MATH-UA 120 Discrete Math, MATH-UA 121 Calculus I or MATH-UA 131 Math for Economics I, and MATH-UA 140 Linear Algebra, students must satisfy only one (1) of the following:

  • SAT score of 670 or higher on the Mathematics portion
  • ACT / ACTE Math score of 30 or higher
  • Valid AP Score:
    • AP Precalculus score of 4 or higher
    • AP Calculus AB score of 3 or higher
    • AP Calculus BC score of 3 or higher
  • A-Level Mathematics score of C or higher (Students who took A-Level Further Maths should contact the Math Department)
  • AS-Level Mathematics score of B or higher
  • IB Exam Result from 2021 – 2027:
    • IB Analysis and Approaches HL score of 5 or higher
    • IB Applications and Interpretations HL score of 5 or higher
    • IB Analysis and Approaches SL score of 7
  • IB Exam Result from 2014 – 2020:
    • IB Mathematics HL score of 5 or higher
    • IB Mathematics SL score of 6 or higher
    • IB Mathematical Studies SL score of 7
  • Completion of MATH-UA 009 Algebra, Trigonometry and Functions with a grade of C or higher (Grades of Incomplete or Pass/Fail do not satisfy the prerequisite)

2. Intermediate-Level Course Prerequisites

To enroll in MATH-UA 122 Calculus II, students must meet one (1) of the following:

  • Completion of MATH-UA 121 Calculus I with a grade of C or higher
  • AP Calculus AB score of 4 or higher
  • AP Calculus BC score of 4 or higher
  • A-Level Mathematics score of B or higher (contact department if you took Further Maths)
  • IB Exam (2021–2027): Analysis & Approaches HL score of 6 or higher, or Applications & Interpretations HL score of 6 or higher
  • IB Exam (2014–2020): Mathematics HL score of 6 or higher (without Topic 9)
  • Passing the Calculus II Placement Exam

To enroll in MATH-UA 132 Math for Economics II, students must meet one (1) of the following:

  • Completion of MATH-UA 131 Math for Economics I with a grade of C or higher
  • Passing the Math for Economics II Placement Exam
  • Note: AP Calculus examination scores and MATH-UA 121 do not directly place into MFE II due to the multivariable optimization content covered in MFE I.

3. Advanced-Level Course Prerequisites

To enroll in MATH-UA 123 Calculus III, students must meet one (1) of the following:

  • Completion of MATH-UA 122 Calculus II with a grade of C or higher
  • AP Calculus BC score of 5
  • SEAB A-Level H-2 Mathematics score of B or higher
  • Certain A-Level Further Maths Exams with score of B or higher (contact the department as it varies by exam board)
  • IB Exam (2021–2027): Analysis & Approaches HL score of 7
  • IB Exam (2014–2020): Mathematics HL score of 6 or higher with Topic 9, or Further Mathematics HL score of 6 or higher
  • Passing the Calculus III Placement Exam

To enroll in MATH-UA 133 Math for Economics III, students must meet one (1) of the following:

  • Completion of MATH-UA 132 Math for Economics II with a grade of C or higher (Grades of Pass/Fail or Incomplete do not satisfy this prerequisite)
  • Passing the Math for Economics III Placement Exam

Advanced Standing & AP Credit Guidelines

Please refer to the CAS Bulletin Guide to Advanced Placement Credit for complete university policies:

  • AP Calculus AB: A minimum exam score of 4 awards test credit for MATH-UA 121 Calculus I (4 credits).
  • AP Calculus BC:
    • An exam score of 4 awards test credit for MATH-UA 121 Calculus I (4 credits).
    • An exam score of 5 awards test credit for both MATH-UA 121 Calculus I and MATH-UA 122 Calculus II (4 credits each, 8 credits total).
  • AP Precalculus: A minimum exam score of 4 satisfies the prerequisite for MATH-UA 120, 121 or 131, and 140. These AP credits award general elective degree points, but cannot count toward any Math major/minor requirements or College Core Curriculum requirements.
  • Credit Forfeiture Policy: If you receive AP credit for a calculus course and subsequently register for and complete the equivalent course at NYU, you will forfeit your AP credits.

**These guidelines are specifically for students enrolled in the College of Arts and Science (CAS). Students enrolled in Stern, Tandon, Gallatin, Steinhardt, or other NYU schools should consult their home school academic advisors regarding degree requirements and transfer credit policies.