Online Economics Degree

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Brandon Mario D’Souza

Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Last Updated: February 12, 2023

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The obvious first step for those who want to work as an economist is to get a bachelors in economics degree. Although economics students have a variety of educational options for starting their careers, most employers favor applicants with a bachelor’s or higher degree in a field related to economics. Individuals can work as economists, data analysts, researchers, or management consultants, among other jobs, after completing the online economics degree. Operations research analysts, business reporters, and insurance underwriters are also career options for economics majors. Jobs for economists are expanding quickly and are expected to grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030. This guide describes the online bachelor’s degree in economics and answers questions such as what does majoring in economics mean, what do economics majors do, what can you do with a degree in economics, the best graduate degrees for economics majors, and more. In this guide, you will find all details about getting an Online Economics Degree.

Best Online Economics
Degree Programs

Just as a competent body must accredit the best online economics bachelor’s degree programs, the top econ grad schools too must be recognized and valued for their infrastructure, quality & experience of the faculty, availability of student support services, graduation rates, affordability, etc. To that end, Find Best Degrees (FBD) teams have combed the country for some of the best graduate degrees for economics majors after carefully considering critical components for ranking. Accordingly, here is the list of the best grad schools for economics/best graduate degrees for economics majors in the U.S: *

San Diego State University

Pennsylvania State University

Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Oregon State University

Florida International University

University of Utah

University of Wisconsin, Whitewater

Washington State University

Regent University

Liberty University

Utah State University

University of Maine

Fort Hays State University

University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

West Texas A & M University

University of West Georgia

Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern Oregon University

Arizona State University

SUNY Empire State College

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.

What to Expect from the Online
Economics Degree Programs

So, what is an economics degree? A bachelor degree in economics is an undergraduate-level program that investigates issues such as resource allocation, supply, demand, incentives, and wealth, among other things. Economics is relevant to graduate and professional studies in fields such as business management, public affairs, and law and is helpful for a variety of career paths. Students frequently begin their studies by building a solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and calculus, which they can apply to more advanced coursework and research opportunities.

Along with various specializations available for students to choose from, the bachelor of science degree in economics can be pursued on-campus, online, or as a blend of both, known as the hybrid model. The program usually lasts 4 years, requiring about 160-165 credits. At the end of their programs, students are generally required to complete a thesis or project.

What do you learn in economics degrees? Apart from classes that examine the principles of micro and macroeconomics included in the introductory course sequence for economics majors, students can expect the following courses in their programs:

Principles of Microeconomics

This is a typical introductory microeconomics course. It focuses on the operation of the market system, emphasizing economic interactions between individuals, businesses, and the government. Social efficiency, market failures, the role of the government in the economy, supply & demand, economic decision-making of consumers and firms, and competitive, oligopolistic & monopolistic markets are among the topics covered.

Principles of Macroeconomics

This is a typical introductory macroeconomics course. It focuses on the aggregate economy’s behavior and performance. The measurement and determination of national income, inflation & interest rates, employment, the causes of business cycles, the sources of economic growth, and how monetary and fiscal policies stabilize the economy are some of the topics covered.

Price Theory

This course examines more advanced microeconomic problems, focusing on understanding how consumers behave, how markets influence business and consumer behavior, and how companies make pricing and output decisions.

Intermediate Macroeconomics

This course investigates the factors that influence an economy’s level of aggregate income and the decision-making that leads to the identification of consumption, investment, or employment levels. Students examine the effects of various government fiscal policies and the behavior of business cycles & patterns in different countries.

Some of the other courses and electives in the bachelors in economics degree program are:

Economic Growth
Economic Development: Macroeconomic Perspectives
Economic and Business Forecasting
Strategic Behavior
Experimental and Behavioral Economics
Economic History and Development
Financial Economics and Investment Behavior
Linear Algebra
International Trade
Monetary Economics
Environmental Economics
Econometrics
Law and Economics
Calculus
Foundations of Financial Economics

State and Local Government
Health Economics
Labor Economics
Decision-Making Under Uncertainty
Economics of Education
Departmental Distinction in Economics
International Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
Theory of Industrial Structure
Statistical Methods
Economics of Regulated Industries

Degree Types for Online Economics
Degree Programs

Areas of Specializations in Online
Economics Degree Programs

Choosing a specialization within the bachelor’s degree in economics can lead to better job prospects and higher pay. Specializations narrow the study to one specific area within economics, allowing students to become specialists in that area. Here are a few examples of concentrations students on an online economics degree can choose from:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Predictive Analytics Degree Online	This specialization teaches students to predict future outcomes and performance using statistics and modeling techniques. It examines current and historical data patterns to understand whether they are likely to reappear.	Graduates can work in accounting, retailing, banking, finance, sales, marketing, insurance, management, manufacturing, consulting, auditing, operations, and the public and nonprofit sectors.
Behavioral Economics Online Degree	This specialization provides an overview of the insights from incorporating psychology into economic modeling. Students investigate the effects of psychological, cognitive, emotional, cultural, and social factors on individual and institutional decisions and how those decisions differ from those implied by classical economic theory.	Graduates can work in retailing, sales, marketing, management, consulting, insurance, manufacturing, operations, and the public and nonprofit sectors.
Economic Development Degree Programs Online	This specialization focuses on the development of sustainable communities and the enhancement of local and regional economies. Students study planning & community development, public affairs, and cultural planning & urban development.	Graduates can work in retailing, sales, marketing, management, consulting, manufacturing, operations, and the public and nonprofit sectors.
Health Economics Degree Online	This specialization analyzes the impact of a policy action on major macroeconomic variables using standard macroeconomic models. Students will be able to use advanced microeconomic models to analyze consumer and firm behavior and the impact of public policy on economic welfare.	Graduates can work in the health and insurance sectors, consulting, manufacturing, urban welfare, and the public and nonprofit sectors.
Home Economics Degree Online	This specialization teaches real-world economic skills required for prudent personal and family finance management. It draws on several related fields in the humanities to provide its students with a broad base of knowledge.	Graduates can work in retailing, sales, marketing, management, consulting, personal finance, portfolio management, stock trading, operations, and the public and nonprofit sectors.
Bachelor Degree In Economics And Management	This specialization examines how the economy and organizations work, as well as how resources are allocated and coordinated to achieve the organization’s goals.	Graduates can work in accounting, retailing, banking & finance, sales, marketing, management, consulting, auditing, and operations and the public and nonprofit sectors.
International Economics	This specialization teaches students to make critical decisions and to develop the skills necessary to keep up with the volatile economic changes. It emphasizes international finance, international trade, and international development.	Graduates can work in retailing, sales, marketing, management, banking, finance, consulting, insurance, real estate, construction, international trade, manufacturing, operations, and the public and nonprofit sectors.
Business Economics	This specialization gives students a solid understanding of how economic principles and theories apply to businesses. Students learn about supply & demand and production and how these concepts affect businesses and governments.	Graduates can work in retailing, sales, marketing, management, banking, finance, consulting, insurance, real estate, construction, manufacturing, operations, and the public and nonprofit sectors.

A few more examples of economics specializations include:

Politics Philosophy and Economics
Economics and Law
Financial Economics
Environmental Economics
Public Economics
Labor Economics
Econometrics
Regional and Urban Economics
Economic History
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics

Why should I get an Online
Economics Degree?

So, what is economics major, and why should you consider it? An economics major is a degree option concerned with the creation, consumption, and distribution of wealth and investigates issues such as resource allocation, incentives, supply, demand, etc. The study of economics fosters a wide range of analytical and critical thinking skills, opening a host of career opportunities. Economic analysis improves one’s ability to comprehend and influence today’s policy debates. A bachelor’s degree in economics prepares students for a career in areas such as policy analysis, education, urban planning, journalism, the nonprofit sector, and international development, in addition to banking, business, and government. An economics degree is also an excellent choice for those preparing for graduate study.

The online economics bachelor’s degree allows students to understand how ordinary people, businesses, schools, charitable organizations, and governments make decisions with the limited resources they may have. It also provides insights on social problems such as poverty, pollution, human rights, inflation, health care, and unemployment.

Students who graduate from the best colleges for bachelors in economics will have a solid understanding of the country’s economy and be able to think critically, communicate effectively, and manage and use data. Among the many skills they would have acquired, they would have the ability to:

recognize the application of the scientific method to economics and create hypotheses that can be empirically tested;
interpret economic data, evaluate economic claims made using empirical data, and draw the right conclusions from economic studies;
explain economic concepts in both written and spoken form and use mathematical, graphical, or statistical techniques to support an economic argument;
utilize economic analysis to assess potential public policy decisions;
analyze how institutions and norms at home and abroad affect how economies develop and discuss the fundamental ideas that underlie comparative advantage;
analyze controversies surrounding the use of government tax and transfer policies to redistribute income critically from the perspectives of economic efficiency and distributional equity;
analyze arguments for and against government regulation’s proper reach and methods in situations where markets fail;
use graphs, algebra, and quantitative statistical techniques to frame and analyze economic problems in accordance with economic theory;
determine how supply and demand affect the distribution of income to the various producers and the allocation of resources in a market economy; and
identify the main macroeconomic measures used to track economic development, growth, and change.

Free Courses for Online Economics
Degree Students

Students frequently seek additional material that can provide them with more knowledge or deeper insights into a specific topic as they pursue their studies. Although some free online bachelors in economics courses are available, it is essential to note that they are not always accredited and do not always lead to certification. Here are a few free economics courses to consider:

Course	Description	Provided by
Topics on Economics	Open Culture claims to have over 1,700 free online courses from prestigious universities. Their free economics courses online can be downloaded in audio and video formats for later use.	Open Culture
Topics on Economics	edX has over 100 economics courses, many of which are free and appropriate for bachelor-level students. Economics: Consumer Demand, Introduction to Corporate finance, Finance Essentials, and other topics are covered.	edX
Topics on Economics	Coursera has over 300 courses on economics-related topics, most of which are free and suitable for bachelor-level studies. Top universities such as Yale University, Stanford University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provide content.	Coursera

How to get into the Online Economics
Degree Programs?

How Long does it take to complete the Online
Economics Degree Programs

Accelerated Online Economics
Degree Program

Several schools offering the economics bachelor’s degree online allow students to enroll in the accelerated bachelor’s + master’s degree program. Undergraduate students in these fast-paced programs must complete the bachelor’s and master’s requirements, enabling them to earn both degrees in 5 years instead of the standard 6. The University of North Dakota, Binghamton University, and Southern Methodist University are fine examples of such programs. Another option to complete a bachelor’s quicker is to transfer from a 2 year economics degree, such as an associate’s degree.

Accreditations for Online Economics
Degree Programs

How to Pay for Online Economics
Degree Programs?

Pursuing an online bachelors in economics degree can be an expensive proposition. With degrees usually costing tens of thousands of dollars, students are often left wondering how to finance them. Fortunately, several types of financial aid are available to those who may be looking for external sources of funding. The most common and popular ones are listed below:

Scholarships

Scholarships are popular among students because they are easy to obtain and do not require repayment. They are given to deserving and meritorious students, with academic achievement serving as the primary criterion for selection.

Grants

Grants, like scholarships, are not required to be repaid. As opposed to scholarships, which are merit-based, grants are frequently awarded based on the applicant’s financial need and can be used to pay for tuition or other education-related expenses.

Work-Study Programs

Work-study programs assist students in covering school tuition and fees through part-time employment. Most work-study positions are related to the student’s academic program or may include volunteer work. These programs help students earn money and help them gain valuable real-world experience.

Student Loans

Another viable option for students seeking external funding is a student loan. Many banks and financial institutions, as well as the federal government, offer educational loans on interest. Students should be aware that because loans incur interest, the overall cost of their education will be higher than usual. Read about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans to understand how one can apply for loan forgiveness to avoid repaying student loans.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a federal financial aid application prospective and current college students must complete to determine their eligibility for aid and obtain the best financial assistance package possible. The FAFSA Student Aid guide explains more.

Read about what financial aid is and find out everything there is to know about college funding in the How to Pay for College guide.

Scholarships for Online Economics
Degree Programs

A scholarship can go a long way in reducing the costs of one’s undergraduate studies. Several individuals, families, community groups, corporates, and even educational institutions give scholarships to deserving students. It is always advisable to look for scholarships for which one may be eligible. Here are a few to explore:

Scholarship	Description	Amount/Award	Application Deadline
David M. Rubenstein Scholarship Program	The David M. Rubenstein Scholarship Program is a large-scale scholarship initiative only open to students who have graduated from D.C. public and charter schools. Each year, scholarships are awarded to bright, motivated students who have excelled academically.	$20,000 x 50 awards	Closed for 2023 \| TBA for 2023
National FFA Scholarship Program	The National FFA Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students with a wide range of higher education and career objectives, from pursuing a specialized training program to a four-year degree or higher.	Up to $1,500 x several awards	Closed for 2023 \| TBA for 2023
Mas Family Scholarship Award	Mas Family Scholarship Award is meant for students of Cuban descent studying economics, business, journalism, communications, or international relations.	Varies	Closed for 2023 \| TBA for 2023

FAQs Related to the Online Economics
Degree Programs

What is economics?

How long does it take to get an economics degree

What can I do with an economics degree?

What does an economics degree get you?

What type of degree is economics?

Is there an MBA in economics?

Where to do the best bachelors in economics?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Economics Degree Programs

What can you do with an economics degree? With the analytical and critical thinking skills they would have acquired, students who graduate with a bachelors degree in economics can pursue a variety of careers in sectors including government, education, business, international development, banking, journalism, policy analysis, and non-profit. Positions are also available in diplomacy, environmental studies, public administration, labor relations, healthcare administration, global studies, and other fields as well. Some of the typical roles across industries include but are not limited to:

Budget Analyst
Financial Analyst
Marketing Analyst
Project Administrator
Loan Officer
Assistant Project Manager
Research Assistant
Operations Research Systems Analyst
Statistician
Economist
Industry Analyst
Leasing Consultant
Administrative Assistant
Systems Analyst
State Policy Analyst

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 13% between 2020 and 2030 for economists – an indicator of the potential for economics graduates. Listed below are some careers a bachelors degree in economics may lead to, along with their reported median annual salaries and job growth:

Occupation	Job Description	Skills Required	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)
Financial Analysts	Financial analysts advise businesses and individuals on how to spend money to maximize profits. They examine a company’s financial statements to determine its value and evaluate the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.	Decision-making skills, math skills, computer skills, analytical skills, communication skills, detail-oriented	$81,410	6% (as fast as average)
Economists	Economists study and analyze the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services through data collection and analysis, trend research, and economic issue evaluation. They analyze data and propose solutions to economic problems using software, statistical methods, and mathematical models.	Critical thinking skills, analytical skills, speaking skills, writing skills	$105,630	13% (faster than average)
Financial Managers	Financial managers oversee an organization’s financial health. They create financial reports, direct investment activities, and plan for their organization’s long-term financial goals.	Organizational skills, math skills, analytical skills, communication skills, detail-oriented	$131,710	17% (much faster than average)
Actuaries	Actuaries investigate the monetary costs of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the risk of potential events and assist clients and businesses in developing policies that reduce the cost of that risk.	Interpersonal skills, communication skills, analytical skills, math skills, computer skills, problem-solving skills	$105,900	24% (much faster than average)
Personal Financial Advisors	Personal financial advisors help individuals manage their finances by providing advice on taxes, mortgages, investments, insurance, estate planning, and retirement. They educate and answer clients’ questions about investment options and potential risks.	Interpersonal skills, analytical skills, speaking skills, sales skills, math skills	$94,170	5% (slower than average)

Certifications and Licensing for Online
Economics Degree Students

Additional Resources for Online
Economics Degree Students

Since economics is relevant to almost every aspect of life, it is essential for both students and working professionals to stay current on new trends, policy changes, preferences, and consumer wants & demands. They should also network with others to broaden their knowledge and expertise in the field of economics. Here are some resources to use that might be of great benefit:

Econometric Society (ES)

The Econometric Society (ES) describes itself as a global society for advancing economic theory in its connection with statistics and mathematics. The organization has publications & journals, conducts research, and organizes scientific meetings all over the world.

National Economic Association (NEA)

The National Economic Association (NEA) promotes minority economics professionals’ professional lives. To promote economic growth, the organization creates and disseminates knowledge about economic issues of particular interest to native and immigrant African Americans, Latinos, and other people of color.

The National Association for Business Economics (NABE)

The National Association for Business Economics (NABE) is a professional organization for business economists and others who use economics in their daily work. NABE conducts surveys and events, provides publications, and certifies its members.

American Institute for Economic Research (AIER)

The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) is well-known for its nonpartisan economic research and advocacy. Through advanced economic research, accessible media outreach, and educational programming, AIER is dedicated to developing and promoting pure freedom and private governance.

American Economic Association (AEA)

The American Economic Association (AEA), a non-profit, non-partisan scholarly organization, provides over 20,000 established and prospective economists with a variety of career-enhancing programs and services, including journals, publications, career support, meetings, and more.

Author Bio:

Brandon Mario D’Souza

Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
San Diego State University	5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, California 92182	$8,136	76%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Pennsylvania State University	128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802	$14,338	NA

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Colorado State University, Fort Collins	102 Administration Building, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523	$12,331	69%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Oregon State University	1500 SW Jefferson Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon 97331	$12,188	68%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Florida International University	11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199	$6,565	67%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
University of Utah	201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112	$8,893	67%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater	800 W Main St, Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190	$7,730	63%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth	285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747	$14,408	54%

Online Economics Degree

By Brandon Mario D`Souza

Updated February 12, 2023

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

On this page

Back to top

Best Online EconomicsDegree Programs

What to Expect from the OnlineEconomics Degree Programs

Principles of Microeconomics

Principles of Macroeconomics

Price Theory

Intermediate Macroeconomics

Degree Types for Online EconomicsDegree Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Bachelor of Science in Economics

Areas of Specializations in OnlineEconomics Degree Programs

Why should I get an OnlineEconomics Degree?

Free Courses for Online EconomicsDegree Students

How to get into the Online EconomicsDegree Programs?

How Long does it take to complete the OnlineEconomics Degree Programs

Accelerated Online EconomicsDegree Program

Accreditations for Online EconomicsDegree Programs

How to Pay for Online EconomicsDegree Programs?

Scholarships for Online EconomicsDegree Programs

FAQs Related to the Online EconomicsDegree Programs

What is economics?

How long does it take to get an economics degree

What can I do with an economics degree?

What does an economics degree get you?

What type of degree is economics?

Is there an MBA in economics?

Where to do the best bachelors in economics?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after OnlineEconomics Degree Programs

Certifications and Licensing for OnlineEconomics Degree Students

Additional Resources for OnlineEconomics Degree Students

Author Bio:

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

Disclaimer:

Best Online Economics
Degree Programs

What to Expect from the Online
Economics Degree Programs

Degree Types for Online Economics
Degree Programs

Areas of Specializations in Online
Economics Degree Programs

Why should I get an Online
Economics Degree?

Free Courses for Online Economics
Degree Students

How to get into the Online Economics
Degree Programs?

How Long does it take to complete the Online
Economics Degree Programs

Accelerated Online Economics
Degree Program

Accreditations for Online Economics
Degree Programs

How to Pay for Online Economics
Degree Programs?

Scholarships for Online Economics
Degree Programs

FAQs Related to the Online Economics
Degree Programs

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Economics Degree Programs

Certifications and Licensing for Online
Economics Degree Students

Additional Resources for Online
Economics Degree Students