The conventional view of Economics often associates it with money, jobs, and the stock market. However, its true essence lies in the knowledge of goods and services production, consumption, wealth transfer, and affordability in society. As a social science, Economics encompasses Macroeconomics, focusing on global and national levels, and Microeconomics, focusing on individuals and families. A master’s in Economics enables students to comprehend economic development health and fosters career paths as economists, analysts, and advisors, with most institutions and government agencies requiring a master’s for these roles.
The team at Online Master’s Colleges has created a custom methodology to determine the best higher education programs in economics in the United States. Several factors, such as – the quality of each program, graduation rates, program structure and curriculum, the quality and experience of the faculty, flexibility of online courses, etc., have been carefully considered. Based on this methodology and a thorough school search, here are the top 15 school rankings for an online economic degree:
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $55,350 | 93% |
#2 University of Missouri 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $13,325 | 54% |
#3 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 80% |
#4 West Texas A&M University 2501 4th Ave, Canyon, Texas 79016-0001 | $4,823 | 56% |
#5 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202-8193 | $13,415 | 48% |
#6 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016-8001 | $30,351 | 83% |
#7 University of Detroit, Mercy 4001 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, Michigan 48221-3038 | $35,344 | 88% |
#8 Georgia Southern University 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8126 | $4,977 | 30% |
#9 Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106-1045 | $19,141 | 40% |
#10 Northeastern University 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115-5005 | $31,317 | 80% |
#11 Youngstown University One University Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44555-0001 | $6,058 | NA |
#12 Thomas Jefferson University 1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 | $29,154 | 73% |
#13 Penn State World Campus 128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-1503 | $29,387 | NA |
#14 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 325 N Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654 | $22,727 | 69% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
In the USA, pursuing a Master’s in Economics can be costly, making enrollment challenging for many students. Recognizing the significance of affordability, Online Master’s Colleges experts employed a custom methodology, considering factors like tuition fees (in and out-of-state), course availability, scholarships, and financial assistance. The result is a ranking of the 15 most affordable online Master’s in Economics programs, offering students a guide to pursuing their academic goals without undue financial burden.
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 West Texas A&M University 2501 4th Ave, Canyon, Texas 79016-0001 | $4,823 | 44% |
#2 Georgia Southern University 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8126 | $4,977 | 50% |
#3 Youngstown University One University Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44555-0001 | $6,058 | 37% |
#4 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $,9208 | 81% |
#5 University of Missouri 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $13,325 | 69% |
#6 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202-8193 | $13,415 | 55% |
#7 Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106-1045 | $19,141 | 54% |
#8 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 325 N Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654 | $22,727 | NA |
#9 Thomas Jefferson University 1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 | $29,154 | 81% |
#10 Penn State World Campus 128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-1503 | $30,351 | 29% |
#11 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016-8001 | $31,317 | 80% |
#12 Northeastern University 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115-5005 | $35,344 | 88% |
#13 University of Detroit, Mercy 4001 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, Michigan 48221-3038 | $55,350 | 65% |
#14 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $22,727 | 93% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Online Master’s in Economics programs comprehensively study various economic aspects. Offering different branches to choose from, the curriculum includes core courses tailored to the selected specialization. Applied economics, quantitative economics, and a capstone course are typically integral components, ensuring students thoroughly understand economic principles. The credit hours may vary based on the program’s structure and the chosen specialization in economics.
An economics degree involves the study of various economic models, theories, and their practical implementation in the real world. Students will also learn about the history of economic theory and how it has evolved, along with learning about the economy of various countries and its impact on their populations. While each master’s program at the degree level has its own courses that vary by school, here are some that are usually found in economic master’s programs:
Course | International Economics |
Description | Students are introduced to the economic policies of different countries around the world and the changes in the economies of the countries after the Cold War. Some schools also go through the impact of globalization on various economies, along with an analysis of global production and consumption of goods and services. |
Course | Econometrics |
Description | This course teaches students about various statistical methods and their application to economic data and analysis. Students can expect to go through linear regression models, understand economic theories, and learn how to measure and forecast. |
Course | Macroeconomic Theory |
Description | Macroeconomic theory teaches students about market structures, failures, and microeconomic principles and their effects on markets and larger entities. Students are introduced to consumer behavior and the impact of economic policies on society. |
Course | Microeconomic Theory |
Description | This course introduces students to advanced microeconomic theories and their applications. Students will look into the decision-making process of individuals in various economic situations and highlight the difference between rational and irrational decision-making. Students can also expect to learn about economic optimization models. |
Course | Economic Development |
Description | Economic Development exposes students to fundamental problems in economic development across the world. This course also discusses how it could be rectified by changing the economic policies of the nations for better economic growth, along with analysis. |
Apart from these core courses, examples of some others include
Upon graduating, students from the Master’s in Economics program will gain the following skills:
Master’s in Economics programs offer various degree types that cater to different career goals and academic focuses. Whether pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Economics online or opting for a Master of Arts (MA) in Economics online, students have opportunities to enhance their understanding of economic principles and gain valuable expertise for diverse professional paths in the field of economics. Students can select between an MS in Economics and an MA in Economics. For detailed information, read our comparison of MS vs. MA in Economics.
A Master of Science in Economics program emphasizes quantitative and analytical skills, equipping students to conduct in-depth economic research and apply data-driven approaches to problem-solving. This degree type is ideal for individuals seeking careers in data analysis, research, or positions that require strong statistical and mathematical competencies.
The Master of Arts in Economics program takes a broader approach, focusing on economic theory, policy analysis, and the societal implications of economic decisions. This degree type suits those interested in economic policy development, consulting, or careers that require a solid understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications.
The MBA in Economics combines core business principles with advanced economic knowledge. Students comprehensively understand economic analysis, financial decision-making, and market dynamics. Graduates excel in roles requiring economic insights for strategic business planning, financial analysis, and managerial positions.
Universities offer a Master’s in Economics program in different formats. Some offer the program as a Master of Science (MS) in Economics, while others offer the program as a Master of Arts (MA) in Economics. It is also not uncommon to find universities that add economics as part of their MBA programs, focusing on applied economics and economic analysis.
While all three formats prepare students to be economists, there are some differences between the formats. Typically, an MBA program is designed to focus on business aspects of an organization, such as leadership, managerial skills, the day-to-day running of an organization, etc. There would be some economic-related courses in the MBA program, but the emphasis is largely on business and leadership rather than economics. On the other hand, both the MS and MA in economics programs are designed to focus purely on courses and subjects in economics. While the MA in economics focuses on the study of economics, the MS focuses on the scientific principles of economics. Some universities may insist on a thesis to be submitted in an MS Economics program, whereas MA Economics programs typically do not have this requirement.
A Master’s in Economics opens diverse career pathways in economics, investment, and financial management. Graduates can select specializations aligned with their interests and career prospects. Here are some specializations students pursuing a master’s in economics online can opt for.
Area of Focus | Applied Economics |
Description | The Applied Economics specialization is a branch of Economics that teaches about applying economics theories and metrics to address the issues in various fields and communicating the results. A graduate from an online master’s in Applied Economics program can expect careers in public and private institutions, solving real-world problems using economics theory. Here are some universities that offer an Online Master’s in Applied Economics: The University of North Dakota1 Georgia Southern University2 |
Careers | Economic Researchers, Economic Analysts, Applied Economists, and Industry Economists |
Area of Focus | Behavioral Economics |
Description | This is a branch of economics that deals with the study of psychological, emotional, social, and cultural factors that play a role in the process of the economic decision-making process by individuals and organizations. This program would educate students about the theory of rational choice, nudge theory, and overall reasoning of why and how entities make various economic choices. Here are some universities that offer behavioral economics master’s degree programs online: The Chicago School3 |
Careers | Market Research Analysts, Behavioral Economics, Researchers Political Scientists |
Area of Focus | Health Economics |
Description | This branch of Economics is a relatively new subject that studies the theory of applied economics for the healthcare industry. Graduates from this master’s degree will learn how to analyze the behavior of healthcare providers, organizations within the healthcare industry, and individuals to promote health for all. Here are a couple of universities that offer online health economics master’s degrees: University of Colorado, Denver4 Thomas Jefferson University5 |
Careers | Healthcare Economists, Healthcare Research Analysts, Public Health Professionals, Health Data Managers |
Area of Focus | Finance and Economics |
Description | Finance and Economics is a branch that deals with financial principles and economic theories for various industries. In this specialization, students will learn the correlation between changes in financial metrics and their economic impact and how they both are knitted together. Graduates with a master’s in financial economics online will work across various bodies, like governmental agencies, law enforcement, policy groups, private organizations, etc. Here are some universities that offer the best master’s in economics and finance online: West Texas A&M University6 , The University of Detroit, Mercy7 |
Careers | Financial Analysts, Budget Analysts, Economic Advisors, Financial Examiner |
Area of Focus | Environmental Economics |
Description | This branch of economics studies the economic effects of environmental policies of national, regional, or local entities around the world. A graduate of economics master’s can expect to design appropriate environmental policies and measure their impact, along with advocating better policies. Here are some universities that offer environmental economics master’s online programs: University of New Hampshire8 University of Delaware9 |
Careers | Environmental Economist Environmental Economic Policy Analyst Environmental Economic Consultant Economic Research Analyst |
Area of Focus | Energy Economics |
Description | Energy Economics is a specialized field within economics that examines the production, distribution, and consumption of energy resources. This discipline explores the economic factors affecting energy markets, energy policies, and the environmental impacts of energy production. Energy economists analyze energy pricing, energy security, and the transition to sustainable and renewable energy sources. Here are some universities that offer energy economics master’s online programs: Rice University10, University of Aberdeen11 |
Careers | Energy Economists, Energy Analysts, Policy Analysts, Energy Consultants |
Typical Timeline: 2 years
Credits to Completion: 30
When it comes to economics programs, one of the essential questions that many prospective students have is, “How long does it take?”. An online master’s in economics program, just like other graduate programs, takes between 12-24 months to complete. The duration depends on factors like the institution, student background, self-paced study, and prerequisite course load. Graduation requirements often include completing a set number of credit hours, maintaining a minimum GPA, and successfully completing a thesis. The exact timeline may vary depending on the program and whether students pursue additional opportunities, such as research assistantships or international experiences.
In today’s fast-paced world, people who want to improve their careers in economics look for flexible and efficient education choices. One-year online Master’s in Economics programs offer a great solution by providing rigorous academic training through online learning. These programs are perfect for ambitious individuals who want to improve their economic knowledge and career opportunities without spending two years on a traditional degree. The Johns Hopkins University12 is an excellent example of a university offering a one-year fast-track master’s in economics.
Let’s create this section to help students understand their admission requirement needs. Discuss this section in its topic entirety. About 75-100 words
Applicants to online master’s in economics programs must satisfy certain admission requirements specific to the program offering school. Although these requirements might vary from school to school, a significant majority of schools need the following from the applicants:
Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. This bachelor’s degree may be in business, management, or economics-related fields.
Applicants must submit transcripts from their bachelor’s degree programs or related courses completed. Most schools typically want this submission in an unopened official transcript.
Depending on the school that is offering the master’s in economics program, an applicant may be required to have a minimum of one year of related experience and a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score as well.
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. Letters should be written by other professionals, past teachers, past mentors, seniors, etc., and they should attest to the applicant’s professional skills and character.
Most economic programs require students to submit competitive GRE scores (or GMAT) along with the application. GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test assessing verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills for graduate admissions. Some universities waive the GRE for applicants with strong academic or professional backgrounds, recognizing diverse indicators of potential success. This acknowledges that test scores may not universally reflect an individual’s qualifications or abilities. (For those applying to a school that requires GRE or GMAT, read OMC’s GRE Prep Guide and GMAT Prep Guide.) Here are some programs that do not need a GRE/GMAT for Online Master’s in Economics:
Southern New Hampshire University13
Accreditation is important when choosing a university for a master’s program. Accreditation is a process where an independent body reviews the offered program and certifies it for quality. An online master’s in economics is generally offered by business schools within a university, and independent bodies nationally or regionally accredit most business schools. It is always advisable for students to enroll in a program that is programmatically accredited or at least in a regionally accredited school. Some of the accreditations available programmatically are:
Universities can often also be accredited by one of the six regional accreditation authorities, which are:
Find out more about accreditation in the Accreditation Guide.
While there are no accredited free master’s degree programs in economics, some universities provide various free courses that are part of typical master’s in economics programs. Here is a list of some free online courses in economics:
Course | Introduction to Economics19 |
Offered by | Udemy |
Description | This course is designed for those seeking to learn basic economic principles. Topics covered include economics fundamentals, marginal analysis, production possibility curve, market demand and supply dynamics, market failures, and the welfare impact of government taxes. |
Course | Managerial Economics: Economic Analysis and Optimization20 |
Offered by | Alison |
Description | This comprehensive course on managerial economics covers economic analysis and optimization, focusing on concepts like marginal and incremental analysis, revenue maximization, and cost minimization. It explores economic functions, differential calculus, substitution, and Lagrange multiplier techniques. Ideal for business owners, entrepreneurs, sales managers, and finance students seeking a practical understanding of economics. |
Course | Microeconomics Principles21 |
Offered by | Coursera |
Description | Microeconomics Principles is a course offered by Coursera that explores the fundamental concepts of microeconomics. It delves into how individuals and firms make economic decisions, supply and demand dynamics, market structures, and consumer behavior factors. Learners gain a strong foundation in microeconomic principles applicable to real-world situations. |
One of the most important factors when choosing economic programs in higher education is – how to pay for them. Many organizations offer various kinds of financial aid, scholarships, and assistance for master’s students. Read the Best Financial Aid Guide to learn more about financial aid and how to fund one’s advanced degree in economics.
Several institutions offer scholarships, financial aid, and other forms of assistance to online economic master’s students. Here are some of those organizations:
Scholarship | Dr. Helen D. Snow Memorial Scholarship Fund22 |
Description | Dr. Helen D. Snow Memorial Scholarship is administered by Phi Chi Theta Fraternity for master’s or doctoral degree students who have enrolled in business or economics fields. Scholarship applicants must be national members of the Phi Chi Theta. The scholarship is based on a student’s contributions to the chapter, community service involvement, and scholarly achievements. |
Award/Amount | Varies |
Application Deadline | Varies |
Scholarship | Hsiao Memorial Economics Scholarship23 |
Description | The Hsiao Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Asian Pacific Fund to students who are pursuing a graduate degree in economics. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate a financial need. |
Award/Amount | $1000 |
Application Deadline | Varies |
Scholarship | FWSF Scholarship24 |
Description | The Financial Women of San Francisco (FWSF) provides a scholarship for women in the San Francisco Bay Area who are pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree in financial careers. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.4. |
Award/Amount | $15,000 |
Application Deadline | TBA |
Scholarship | James Kindahl Award for Excellence in Economics25 |
Description | This award is created by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for full-time undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in economics. The Department of Economics at UMASS administers this award, and preference is given to students who exhibit a commitment to social issues, public policy advocates, and those who demonstrate excellent academic achievements. |
Award/Amount | $1000 |
Application Deadline | TBA |
Please be cautious about scholarship scams and verify the legitimacy of all received offers.
Having a master’s in economics opens up a lot of senior roles for graduates. Corporations, research organizations, policymakers, government agencies, and consulting organizations prefer individuals with master’s degrees in economics. According to labor statistics, for graduates of an economics degree program – be it the MS in Economics or MA in Economics, the job outlook is promising, with a good median annual salary and scope for growth. The following section reviews the salaries, jobs, and outlook across various industries for graduates of economics master’s programs:
Job Title | Economists26 |
Median Annual Salary | $113,940 |
Job Growth (2022- 2032) | 6% (faster than average) |
Description | Economists analyze the current economic environment and the production and distribution of goods, services, and resources. Economists find trends from data to figure out economic issues and develop solutions. |
Job Title | Market Research Analyst27 |
Median Annual Salary | $68,230 |
Job Growth (2022- 2032) | 13% (much faster than average) |
Description | Market Research Analysts study markets and their conditions to examine the transaction of products and services. They analyze consumer behavior and help corporations produce products and services that consumers like. |
Job Title | Statistician28 |
Median Annual Salary | $59,766 |
Job Growth (2022- 2032) | No Data Available |
Description | Statisticians use quantitative data and apply mathematical and statistical models to solve real-world problems for businesses, corporations, countries, etc. |
Job Title | Financial Analyst29 |
Median Annual Salary | $96,220 |
Job Growth (2022- 2032) | 8% (faster than average) |
Description | Financial Analysts guide businesses and individuals with investment decisions. They analyze economic policies and their impacts as well. |
Job Title | Economic Data Analyst 30 |
Median Annual Salary | $94,000 |
Job Growth (2022- 2032) | No Data Available |
Description | The role of the Economic Data Analyst involves organizing data into report format and creating graphical illustrations of research findings. They conduct research and analysis on economic data and trends, providing interpretations and preparing reports for management. Additionally, they analyze economic conditions using their professional knowledge and expertise. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for this position, and they report to a Supervisor or Manager. |
Certification in Economics provides professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in economic analysis, research, and decision-making. These certifications are offered by reputable organizations and societies and signify a commitment to excellence in the field. A certification in economics enhances career opportunities and demonstrates expertise in various economic disciplines.
Certified Economic Developer31
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is a prestigious certification by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). It validates expertise in economic development and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field. CEcDs possess the knowledge and skills to create prosperous communities and drive sustainable economic growth.
Economic Development Finance Professional32
Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) is a specialized certification the National Development Council (NDC) offers. It equips professionals with expertise in economic development finance, including tax credits, public finance, and project analysis. EDFPs play a crucial role in driving economic growth and revitalization in communities.
Certified Business Economist33
Certified Business Economist (CBE) is a valuable certification offered by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). It showcases expertise in applied economics, data analysis, and business forecasting. CBEs are equipped to make informed decisions in various business sectors, contributing to successful economic strategies and growth.
Certified Cost Professional (CCP)34
Certified Cost Professional (CCP) is a renowned certification for professionals specializing in project cost estimation, control, and management. Offered by AACE International, CCP credential holders demonstrate mastery in cost engineering, enhancing their ability to optimize project financial performance and contribute to successful project outcomes.
Students pursuing an economics degree will do well to register, participate, and network with associations that are in economics. Doing so will not only increase one’s knowledge about the field but also open up career opportunities for economics majors. Here are some organizations that will enhance economics careers.
Getting an Accelerated online MBA degree is worth it. An MBA will undoubtedly help careers; an online MBA is the most flexible way to get an MBA degree. By enrolling in an Accelerated online MBA, the timeline to graduate will be significantly faster, preparing students for career growth opportunities faster before thousands of new graduates are added to the competition each year.
The University of North Dakota
University of Colorado, Denver
The University of Detroit, Mercy
Southern New Hampshire University
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Udemy- Introduction to Economics
Alison- Managerial Economics: Economic Analysis and Optimization
Coursera- Microeconomics Principles
Dr. Helen D. Snow Memorial Scholarship Fund
Hsiao Memorial Economics Scholarship
James Kindahl Award for Excellence in Economics
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Outlook for Economists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Market Research Analyst
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Financial Analyst
Salary.com- Economic Data Analyst I
Economic Development Finance Professional
Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
International Economic Association (IEA)
National Association of Business Economics (NABE)