What Is an Online Economics Degree?
Earning an economics degree strengthens analytical and problem-solving skills. Students complete complex assignments and projects that require economic analysis and forecasting, preparing them for many different careers.
During an economics degree, majors study economic decision-making, the role of public policy in the economy, and the evolution of financial markets. Some programs incorporate internships to help enrollees gain practical experience. Students may also specialize their coursework through concentrations or electives.
An online economics degree prioritizes flexibility and accessibility. At many schools, online learners complete the same curriculum as on-campus students. However, the distance learning format allows students to complete their coursework around work or personal responsibilities, which appeals to busy adults and working professionals seeking career advancement.
What's the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science?
Many colleges and universities offer both a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS) in economics. Generally, BA and BS programs require the same major coursework, but differ in terms of general education requirements. At most schools, BA students complete more humanities and social science courses, including a foreign language, while BS enrollees take more math and natural sciences classes.
BA and BS degrees in economics take around four years of full-time enrollment to complete. Majors in both options build strong analytical skills, which lead to job opportunities as economic researchers, financial analysts, and forecasters.
Choosing an Online Economics Program
When choosing an online economics degree, prospective students should consider factors such as cost, degree requirements, and program length. Applicants can also research whether schools offer accelerated courses, summer sessions, and economics concentrations. Learn more about how to choose an online degree with the links below.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Bachelor of Economics Online
During a bachelor of economics online program, undergraduates take courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and applied economics, building strong analytical and research skills. Many programs also offer concentrations. Online learners can usually complete internship requirements locally.
Economics Curriculum
- Macroeconomics: Macroeconomics studies economic systems on a large scale, including issues like economic output, financial growth, and employment. Students learn about fiscal policies, international economics, and government regulations.
- Microeconomics: Microeconomics courses consider the economic behavior of individuals and small groups, including topics like supply and demand, pricing, and behavioral economics.
- Financial Economics: In financial economics courses, students learn about financial systems and markets. They study national and international financial institutions while also learning about theories in financial economics.
- Public Economics: This course explores the impact of regulation on the economy and the interplay between the government, the financial markets, and private businesses.
- Labor and Industrial Organizations: Labor economics examines supply and demand issues, the role of taxes in markets, and the effects of minimum wage laws. Topics may also include income distribution, the impact of unemployment on labor markets, and public policy about labor.
Economics Concentrations
Behavioral economics blends economics with psychology to understand how individuals and organizations make decisions. Students explore topics like optimal decision-making, rational choice theory, and how scarcity influences behavior. The concentration can lead to careers in risk analysis, market research analysis, and research.
A financial economics specialization examines the distribution of resources, including the economic theory behind financial risk, opportunity costs, and financial incentives. Economics majors learn about forecasting and decision-making using uncertain information. The concentration prepares majors for careers in financial services.
The field of industrial organization explores strategic behavior in a corporate- or industry-scale context. Learners study the impact of market competition, regulatory policies, and other factors that influence firms' strategies. Graduates pursue careers in finance, tourism, and agriculture.
Students examine the connections between the international economy and governmental policies, the role of international relations in the economy, and global policymaking. The concentration prepares graduates for careers in international business and research.
Coursework analyzes the links between policy and economic behavior. Students examine the influence of laws on individuals and organizations to prepare them for roles working in the public sector and in public policy firms.
Economics Organizations
Professional economics organizations can help students network and prepare to join the workforce. These organizations host conferences and events, offer professional development and career resources, and grant certifications.
Aspiring economists can join specialized organizations that align with their career goals, like the National Association for Business Economics, which emphasizes business economics. Similarly, the Global Association of Economics Education focuses on economic literacy for marginalized communities. Students can also benefit from the career resources offered by the American Economic Foundation.
Economics Careers
The quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills gained during online economics degrees help graduates in many different career paths. Professionals with economics degrees can find work as actuaries, financial risk analysts, economic researchers, and data analysts.
Many federal agencies hire economics majors for careers in data analysis and economic forecasting. Economics majors can also work in the financial services industry as analysts or in marketing as market researchers.
What Kind of a Salary Can I Earn With an Economics Degree?
An online economics degree prepares graduates for high-paying careers, including management consultant, financial analyst, or budget analyst. Economists earned a median salary of $105,020 in 2019. The information below highlights the highest-paying careers available for graduates with a bachelor's degree in economics.
Highest-Paying Careers With a Bachelor's Degree in Economics
| Career |
Median Annual Salary (2019) |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers |
$122,270 |
| Personal Financial Advisors |
$87,850 |
| Management Analysts |
$85,260 |
| Management Consultants |
$85,260 |
| Financial Analysts |
$81,590 |
| Financial Examiners |
$81,090 |
| Budget Analysts |
$76,540 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
