Online Economics Degree Programs

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WHAT IS AN ECONOMICS DEGREE?

An online degree in economics studies trends and theory. So as an online student, you may study labor, wealth and the markets. Plus, the things like goods and services we pay for. Some economics students use their degree to go for a career as an Economist. These pros need to know how banks operate and why cost inflation occurs. This may in turn help to impact public policy.

They also use this info to solve problems using math. Some of these problems relate to unemployment. Others to stagnant wages and income inequality. When looking into online learning, there may be degrees at all levels. Bachelor’s, master’s and PhDs. All these programs may cover the above kinds of coursework. Just, in a different way.

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TYPES OF ONLINE DIGITAL MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science in Business Economics

This program features a business core. Plus a side focus on economics. You’ll study areas like cost and inflation theories. Also, market structure, and capital budgeting. These areas may help you learn to think critically. And solve issues in business, finance, and beyond.

Course Examples:

  • Business Statistics
  • Political Economics
  • Macroeconomics

MA in Behavioral Economics

This program helps students understand economics from a psychological perspective. You’ll examine subjects like decision-making, negotiation, and how consumers make choices. And, you’ll apply theories to solve socioeconomic problems.

Course Examples:

  • Choice Architecture
  • Brain and Behavior
  • Consumer Motivation

MBA in Business Economics

The MBA covers core business knowledge, from managerial problem solving to global commerce. The Business Economics specialization adds three additional courses that apply economics to the business world.

Course Examples:

  • Macroeconomics of Financial Markets
  • Managerial Economic Analysis
  • Market Structure & Firm Strategy

ECONOMIC DEGREE ONLINE PROGRAMS

One may find economics online at two main degree levels. Undergraduate or graduate. What most programs have in common is a focus on math. Like calculus and statistics. When looking into school search results, some schools offer niche economics majors. These may be a useful path for graduate study where you might have a sense of career plans. Each area adds core courses that may refine skills and knowhow. A few are:

  • International Economics
  • Environmental Economics
  • Economic Development

Bachelor’s in Economics Programs

If going for an online bachelor’s degree there may be two options. A bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BA). Of the two, a BA may focus on social science and liberal arts. While a BS tends to be more technical. Both programs may entail 120 credit hours including a final capstone.

Common programs include:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics – This program takes a liberal arts approach. You may focus more on economic theory than applied economics. And, you may take more electives or language courses.
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics – This program tends to emphasize applied economics. That means you’ll apply economic theory to practical problems – often using business case studies or simulations. You may also focus more on math and quantitative analysis.

Bachelor’s programs include courses like:

  • Introductory Econometrics
  • Money and Banking
  • Applied Economic Statistics
  • Global Economic Policies
  • Economic History and Modern Development
  • Current Issues in American Economic Policy
  • Basics of Business

Some programs also offer concentrations. For instance, you could focus on managerial economics, finance, or marketing.

Master’s in Economics Programs

A master’s in economics is a graduate degree. There may be master of arts (MA), master of science (MS) and MBAs with an economics focus. These programs build on prior knowledge and go deeper. As a result, you may learn how to research and use analytical methods.

Common programs include:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Economics – This program may cover both theory and applied economics. As a STEM program, it may emphasize quantitative courses.
  • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics – The M.A. is also a STEM program, with a focus on quantitative and analytical skill areas. But, it may offer more flexibility to take electives that promote critical thinking, research, and problem-solving.
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Economics – The MBA is a business degree. So, the program involves a broad overview of business topics, along with concentration courses in economics.

Master’s programs include courses like:

  • Behavioral Economics
  • Survey of Economic Development
  • Labor Economics
  • Economic Analysis of Multinational Corporations
  • Game Theory
  • Open Economy Macroeconomics

Master’s in Economics programs often include concentrations that could help you narrow your focus. For instance, a concentration in financial economics covers portfolio management and other skill areas. A concentration in advanced theory may be great for those considering a PhD program down the road.

Economics Doctoral Programs

A PhD is a research degree and the highest award in economics. It tends to go broad and deep. You may study the theories and history of economic thought through time. Plus, study other areas that impact the field. Such as political science and more financial analyst themes. Then go deeper into your own research to complete a dissertation.

  • Theoretical and Applied Econometrics
  • Health Economics
  • Game Theory
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Public Finance
  • Energy Economics

Earning a PhD in economics usually means writing one or more major research papers. In the final years of the program, students also write and defend a dissertation.

WHAT DO ECONOMICS DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?

Some common courses include:

Comparative Economic Systems: How do economies around the world compare? This course may explore resources and income. Also fiscal growth in many places.

Econometrics: In this course, you may learn how to use statistics to forecast. You may study tools, theories, and how to model data.

Public Finance and Fiscal Policy: This course explores how financial policy impacts the public. You may look at areas like tax, social welfare, and public goods.

Financial Crisis: What can we learn from events like the Great Depression? This course covers the hows and whys of a crisis. And how to keep it from happening again.

Game Theory: Curious about how games play a role? This course may cover how to make models that predict based on game play.

Behavioral Economics: In this course, you may learn about the brain and behavior. In other words, find out the feelings behind the choices we make about money.

Statistical Analysis: Study how statistics applies to this field. You may learn methods, tools, and theories that help solve problems.

Microeconomics: This course looks at the impact of smaller factors. You may study areas like buyer choices and workers’ wages.

Macroeconomics: Big picture factors are the focus of this course. You could explore ideas like national income, output, and fiscal policy. Or labor economics and how it impacts other areas.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE AN ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAM?

Full time students may earn a Bachelor’s degree in about four years. A Master’s may take about two more years. And a PhD often calls for at least four more.

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ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAM EXAMPLES

School# of Credits RequiredStart DatesMinimum Months to Complete
Ashford University42Multiple22
The Chicago School of Professional PsychologyN/AN/A24
Regent University42N/A16

THE AVERAGE COST OF AN ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAM

DataUSA put the average cost of attending a public, four year school at $7,427 per year. Private and for-profit schools had higher average tuition: $40,259 per year. Of course, you could find schools that cost more or less than these averages. Compare tuition costs for these online programs:

School# of Credits RequiredCost Per CreditTotal Tuition Cost
Regent University42$650$27,300
Ashford University120$485$58,200
The Chicago School of Professional PsychologyN/A$1,164N/A

TOP SCHOOLS FOR ONLINE ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAMS

According to DataUSA, 881 institutions offered general economics programs. From those schools, 45,704 degrees were awarded to students.

School2021 Degrees awarded2022/23 Tuition (out of state unless *)
University of California Los Angeles884$43,473
University of California Berkeley808$44,467
University of California San Diego480$44,978
University of Wisconsin Madison864$39,427
University of California Santa Barbara723$44,689
University of California Davis661$44,930
The University of Texas at Austin430$41,070
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign563$33,686
New York University548$58,168*
University of Michigan Ann Arbor728$55,334

Estimated for full time, beginning undergrad students

CHOOSING AN ACCREDITED ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAM

Accreditation is one way to check quality standards. There are two kinds – school and program. Accredited schools tend to take part in state and federal federal financial aid. (Financial aid may be available for those who qualify.)

Economics degree programs often fall under “business”. So, the same agencies may accredit both kinds of programs. These include:

GETTING A JOB WITH AN ECONOMICS DEGREE

Per the most recent data, there were 3.96 million economics grads in the work force. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the field is growing.

One area they report on are Economist roles. These show promise to grow 6% by 2032. Market Research Analyst roles show an even brighter outlook. The field expects 13% growth in the same time frame. That’s much faster that average for all occupations.

Do you see yourself in the field of economics? There was a moderate gender gap, with 67.3% of economics graduates identifying as male. The average age of a graduate in the workforce was 42.9.

TOP SALARIES BY STATE FOR ECONOMICS DEGREE HOLDERS

The following information is for Economists. Salary and employment numbers will differ for other career paths.

StateEmploymentAnnual Mean Wage
District of Columbia3,910$151,850
New York940$144,780
Illinois610$141,460
California1,360$137,090
Massachusetts(8)$130,460

WHAT KIND OF JOBS CAN YOU GET WITH AN ECONOMICS DEGREE?

Business and financial careers may grow 10% from 2016 to 2026. That’s faster than average for all occupations! Here are a few career paths to consider if you plan to earn an economics degree.

ECONOMISTS

Economists delve into the production and distribution of goods and services while exploring solutions to economic issues such as unemployment. While the federal government is the largest employer of economists, many also specialize in various industries like healthcare or energy.

According to 2022 BLS Data:

Median Salary: $113,940 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 6% (Much faster than average)

Typical Entry level Education: Master’s degree

MARKET RESEARCH ANALYSTS

Market Research Analysts aid companies in comprehending effective marketing strategies for their products and services. They achieve this by examining market conditions, trends, and consumer behavior. These skills are invaluable across numerous industries and for various employers.

According to 2022 BLS Data:

Median Salary: $68,230 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 13% (Much faster than average)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s degree

CHIEF EXECUTIVES

Chief Executives lead companies and organizations, providing strategic direction, setting goals, and overseeing other top executives. While many CEOs are entrepreneurs and work for themselves, others are employed by organizations across various industries such as healthcare and technical services.

According to 2022 BLS Data:

Median Salary: $189,520 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 6% (As fast as average)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s degree.

© Education Connection 2024. All Rights Reserved.

*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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