Written By - Daniel D'Souza

Edited By Darryl S.

Review & Contribution By Dr. Jay Connell

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. 

Online Master's in Economics

Table Of Contents

Featured Online Programs

Southern New Hampshire University

PROGRAM: Online MS in Applied Economics

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.

SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.

The Best Online Master’s in Economics Programs

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:

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-economics/">Online Master's in Economics</a>

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College Name & AddressTuitionGraduation Rate
#1
Johns Hopkins University
3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
$55,35093%
#2
University of Missouri
105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211
$13,32554%
#3
Purdue University
Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
$9,20880%
#4
West Texas A&M University
2501 4th Ave, Canyon, Texas 79016-0001
$4,82356%
#5
University of North Dakota
264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202-8193
$13,41548%
#6
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016-8001
$30,35183%
#7
University of Detroit, Mercy
4001 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, Michigan 48221-3038
$35,34488%
#8
Georgia Southern University
1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8126
$4,97730%
#9
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106-1045
$19,14140%
#10
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115-5005
$31,31780%
#11
Youngstown University
One University Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44555-0001
$6,058NA
#12
Thomas Jefferson University
1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
$29,15473%
#13
Penn State World Campus
128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-1503
$29,387NA
#14
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
325 N Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654
$22,72769%

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

The Most Affordable Online Master’s in Economics Programs

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.

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-economics/">Online Master's in Economics</a>

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College Name & AddressTuitionGraduation Rate
#1
West Texas A&M University
2501 4th Ave, Canyon, Texas 79016-0001
$4,82344%
#2
Georgia Southern University
1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8126
$4,97750%
#3
Youngstown University
One University Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44555-0001
$6,05837%
#4
Purdue University
Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
$,920881%
#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
$13,41555%
#7
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106-1045
$19,14154%
#8
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
325 N Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654
$22,727NA
#9
Thomas Jefferson University
1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
$29,15481%
#10
Penn State World Campus
128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-1503
$30,35129%
#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
$35,34488%
#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
$22,72793%

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

What Online Master’s in Economics Programs Entail

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.

Curriculum and Skills You’ll Gain

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:

CourseInternational Economics
DescriptionStudents 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.
CourseEconometrics
DescriptionThis 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.
CourseMacroeconomic Theory
DescriptionMacroeconomic 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.
CourseMicroeconomic Theory
DescriptionThis 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.
CourseEconomic Development
DescriptionEconomic 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

  1. Economic Analysis
  2. Financial Economics
  3. International Corporate Finance
  4. Economics Programs
  5. Applied Economics
  6. Public Economics
  7. Economic Models
  8. Labor Economics
  9. Quantitative Economics
  10. International Trade
  11. Natural Resource Economics
  12. Business and Data Analytics
  13. Spatial Economics
  14. Global Economy
  15. Quantitative Methods
  16. Monetary and Fiscal Policy
  17. International Finance
  18. Business Forecasting
  19. Economic Thought
  20. Economic Principles
  21. Development Economics
  22. Industrial Organization
  23. Quantitative Analysis
  24. Quantitative Data Analysis

Upon graduating, students from the Master’s in Economics program will gain the following skills:

  • Develop advanced analytical and quantitative skills for economic modeling and data analysis.
  • Enhance critical thinking abilities to analyze and interpret complex economic issues.
  • Acquire strong research skills to conduct in-depth studies and contribute to economic literature.
  • Gain expertise in evaluating economic policies and their implications on various sectors.
  • Hone effective communication skills for presenting economic findings and recommendations.
  • Develop skills for informed decision-making based on economic principles and data.
  • Acquire specialized knowledge in chosen areas such as applied economics, quantitative economics, or other branches.
  • Apply learned skills through a capstone project, integrating theoretical knowledge into practical applications.
  • Master advanced statistical and econometric techniques for economic modeling and forecasting.
  • Develop problem-solving skills to address real-world economic challenges.
  • Foster an interdisciplinary understanding by exploring the intersection of economics with other fields.

Degree Types

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.

Master of Science (MS) 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.

Master of Arts (MA) in Economics

 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.

MBA in Economics

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.

Difference Between a Master’s in Economics and an MBA in Economics

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.

Specializations for Economics Students

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 FocusApplied Economics
DescriptionThe 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
CareersEconomic Researchers, Economic Analysts, Applied Economists, and Industry Economists
Area of FocusBehavioral Economics
DescriptionThis 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
CareersMarket Research Analysts, Behavioral Economics, Researchers Political Scientists
Area of FocusHealth Economics
DescriptionThis 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
CareersHealthcare Economists, Healthcare Research Analysts, Public Health Professionals, Health Data Managers
Area of FocusFinance and Economics
DescriptionFinance 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
CareersFinancial Analysts, Budget Analysts, Economic Advisors, Financial Examiner
Area of FocusEnvironmental Economics
DescriptionThis 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
CareersEnvironmental Economist Environmental Economic Policy Analyst Environmental Economic Consultant Economic Research Analyst
Area of FocusEnergy Economics
DescriptionEnergy 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 University10University of Aberdeen11
CareersEnergy Economists, Energy Analysts, Policy Analysts, Energy Consultants

Graduation Timeline

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.

One-Year Online Master’s in Economics Programs

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.

Admission Requirements for Online Master’s in Economics Programs

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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:

Undergraduate Degree

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.

Academic Transcripts

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.

Prerequisites

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.

Recommendations

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.

Online Master’s in Economics No GRE or GMAT Programs

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

Purdue University14

The University of Missouri15

Accredited Programs

Find out more about accreditation in the Accreditation Guide.

Free Online Master’s in Economics Courses

How to Pay for Online Master’s in Economics Programs

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.

Scholarships

Several institutions offer scholarships, financial aid, and other forms of assistance to online economic master’s students. Here are some of those organizations:

Please be cautious about scholarship scams and verify the legitimacy of all received offers.

Career Paths and Average Salaries for Economics Graduates

Certifications and Licensing for Economics Graduates

Certified Economic Developer31

Economic Development Finance Professional32

Certified Business Economist33

Certified Cost Professional (CCP)34

Additional Resources for Students

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.

  1. International Economic Association (IEA)35 
    The IEA is an economics organization that enables networking with other economists at a global level. IEA hosts several meetings and conferences, organizes economics research activities, and maintains a website with the latest information about research papers, topics, etc.
  2. National Association of Business Economics (NABE)36 
    NABE is a premier association for economics professionals that provides leadership in using and understanding economics. NABE organizes conferences, educational and career development offerings, industry surveys, etc.
  3. American Economic Association (AEA)37
    AEA has more than 130 years of track record in economic research and is a non-profit organization. AEA comprises more than 20,000 professionals dedicated to economic research and teaching.
  4. National Economic Association (NEA)38
    Founded in 1969, The National Economic Association (NEA) is a nonprofit organization promoting economic diversity and equity. It fosters research, professional development, and networking opportunities for economists from underrepresented communities.

FAQs About Online Master’s in Economics Programs

Is a master’s in economics better than an MBA in economics?

A master’s in economics is more specialized and focused on economic theory, research, and policy analysis. It is ideal for those seeking careers in economic research, analysis, and academia. An MBA in economics offers a broader business perspective, suitable for individuals interested in managerial roles, consulting, and strategic decision-making within the economic context. The choice depends on career goals and interests.

What job opportunities are available for economic professionals?

Which economic jobs have the highest average salary?

How fast can you do a master’s in economics?

How do online master’s in economics programs differ from traditional on-campus programs? 

Is an economics master’s degree worth it?

Can I work while pursuing an online master’s in economics?

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