The decision to study economics may come from a variety of motivations. In fact, the reasons that compel one to study the subject of economics are as diverse as the field itself. Economics, as a subject of study, speaks to persons, families, businesses, organizations, governments and world relations and affects banking, law, politics, and homes. The evaluations that are made by an economist on a daily basis affect choices which, in turn, affect available resources and finances and how to effectively allocate them.
In order to discover efficient, successful approaches to the exchange and use of resources, various economic theories have been derived and refined for current and future generations to discover and build upon. Studying economics helps those ideas to continue to be evaluated, refined and transmitted. According to a March, 2020 article published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, economics has become more integrated with other subjects as well as becoming more empirical, making it better and more useful than ever before. These top online degrees in economics help potential students to learn these theories and apply them to real life and the future.
In the development of this list, the OnlineSchoolsCenter.com researcher/writers utilized the following criteria in their selection process:
- Online bachelor’s degrees in Economics that prepares graduates for a career in economics;
- Proper regional accreditation and recognition of the school’s and/or program’s reputation for excellence;
- Satisfaction of students, expressed especially in high graduation numbers;
- Faculty members with strong credentials and field experience in economics;
- Strong student support and small class sizes;
- And clear and convenient course delivery and interface system with faculty, staff, and course resources.
For a deeper understanding into our methodology beyond the degree specific criteria listed above, please visit our Methodology Page.
PENN STATE GLOBAL CAMPUS
Program Standouts: Two of the best online bachelor of economics degree programs are offered to potential students at Pennsylvania State University. Both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science in Economics are offered online at Penn State to students from around the world. The economics degree programs at Penn State are designed to assist students in developing critical thinking and analytical skills to apply to both the psychology of human behavior as well as the mathematical and statistical side of economics. Penn State boasts one of the highest graduation rates on this list at 85% as well as one of the lowest student to faculty ratios at 14:1.
Campus Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education – 3624 Market St #2w, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Graduation Rate: 85%
Course Sample:
Bachelor of Science in Economics:
- Statistical Foundations for Econometrics
- Techniques of Calculus 1
- Labor Economics
Bachelor of Arts in Economics:
- International Economics
- Money and Banking
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the online Bachelor of Arts or Science in Economics from Penn State will expand their job opportunities and thinking skills through learning to think about economics from an analytical perspective. Career opportunities could include work in quantitative analysis, following economic trends, solving complex economic problems and using resources effectively and efficiently.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE OR BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREES IN ECONOMICS FROM PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Program Standouts: The University of Utah offers one of the top economics degree programs 100% online. According to the University of Utah website, the program provides high-quality core economic theory along with a diverse range of areas on which to focus and elective coursework that corresponds to the individuality of each student. The University of Utah also has one of the highest graduation rates on this list which speaks to positive student satisfaction.
Campus Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities – 8060 165th Ave NE #100, Redmond, WA 98052
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Course Sample:
- Mathematics for Economists
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- Marxian Economics
Degree Outcomes: According to their website, graduates from the economics program at the University of Utah “go on to take jobs in fields like banking and finance” as well as many other fields of work such as law and business. Graduates work in public as well as non-profit sectors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF ECONOMICS DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA
Program Standouts: With an exceptionally low online tuition of $6,200 for in-state students, the University of West Georgia offers a top Bachelor of Business in Economics degree program. The program gives students a foundation in the social science of economics as well as an understanding of business, analytics, and empirical methods. Students in the program focus on learning about the interaction of nations, business enterprises, and resource allocation. Delivered mostly online, students may be required to attend a few classes on campus.
Campus Location: Carrollton, West Georgia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 42%
Course Sample:
- Principles of Accounting
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
Degree Outcomes: The Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics prepares graduates for jobs in marketing, banking and government as well as a future in law or moving on into an M.B.A. program. Students in the program are also provided with a foundation for work in international business, financial analysis, and public administration.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS IN ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Program Standouts: The University of North Carolina Pembroke has one of the lowest tuition costs on this list for in-state students at only $3,400 a year, which combined with their exceptional graduation rate of 74%, earns them a place among top online economic degree programs. The University of North Carolina Pembroke offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Economics which emphasizes a strong foundation in business. The program also offers electives in economics for those who choose to focus more primarily on the study of economics.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Campus Location: Pembroke, North Carolina
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 74%
Course Sample:
- Business Communications
- Principles of Marketing
- Economics Electives
Degree Outcomes: The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Economics at the University of North Carolina Pembroke gives graduates a strong core knowledge of business and economics in order to prepare them for success in the work world as well as to give service to the surrounding business community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – ECONOMICS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA PEMBROKE
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News and World Report, Arizona State University’s online programs include an online Bachelor of Science in Economics. The degree program is offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and is designed for students to complete rigorous classes in micro and macroeconomic theory, applied statistics and broad electives covering topics such as labor economics, money and banking, and international economics.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604
Campus Location: Tempe, Arizona
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Course Sample:
- Business Statistics
- Natural Science
- Literacy and Critical Inquiry
Degree Outcomes: Career outcomes for those who graduate from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics include:
- Economics Professor
- Environmental Economist
- Market Research Analyst
- Statistician
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS FROM ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
INDIANA UNIVERSITY – EAST
Program Standouts: Indiana University East offers an affordable online Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Economics. The program is specialized to assist students in developing a firm but diverse foundation in many economic fields which include economic development, money, and banking as well as environmental and natural resources economics. The program also trains students in analytics and logical reasoning.
Campus Location: Richmond, Indiana
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 41%
Course Sample:
- Law and Economics
- International Economics
- Introduction to Macroeconomics
Degree Outcomes:
According to the website of Indiana University East, “students of economics can find employment opportunities for many entry-level positions in business or government, or pursue graduate degrees in business, economics, law, and public policy.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE OF BUSINESS – ECONOMICS AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY EAST
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: The online Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis on Finance and Economics at Eastern New Mexico University answers basic questions for those students who seek to understand economic problems and theories. The degree program can be completed entirely online. The program Mediasite connects students with each other and with professors. Students complete assignments, readings, tests and projects at their own pace while developing and honing their business and economic skills.
Campus Location: Portales, New Mexico
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 35%
Course Sample:
- Principles of Management
- Business and Law
- Introduction to Statistics
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance and Economics degree from Eastern New Mexico University may pursue:
- Economic Consulting
- Work in a Non-profit sector
- Law School
- Becoming a Professor
- Research
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION APPLIED ECONOMICS AND FINANCE FROM EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN WHITEWATER
Program Standouts: The University of Wisconsin Whitewater offers one of the most affordable bachelor of economics degrees on this list. The school also offers the degree entirely online. The curriculum for their online Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics is designed for students who are interested in studying the various interactions of government, businesses, and individuals along with related social problems. The degree program consists of a combination of the theory of economics, quantitative methods and also subfields which are tailor-designed to students’ interests. Also available in this degree program is a minor in mathematics or a double major in economics and mathematics.
Campus Location: Whitewater, Wisconsin
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Course Sample:
- Econometrics
- Intermediate Microeconomics Analysis
- Short Calculus
Degree Outcomes: The University of Wisconsin Whitewater Bachelor of Economics program boasts a 100% job placement rate based on a survey response from 2016-2017 graduates. Career opportunities include:
- Business Analyst
- Client Service Analyst
- Statistical Analyst
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ECONOMICS DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN WHITEWATER
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Program Standouts: The Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The University of Massachusetts is one of the best online bachelor of economics degree programs. Students in the program will collect and analyze data through developing their research and analytical skills, understand and translate the trends in the data that they gather in order predict social and economic change as well as evaluate the evidence that they find in terms of its importance and relevance. The goal of the program is to assist graduates to be in a position to advise governments and business on sound economic principles and data.
Campus Location: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Accreditation:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges – 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA, 01803
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Course Sample:
- State and Local Public Economics
- Labor Economics
- Health Economics
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the bachelor of economics degree program at the University of Massachusetts have a foundation in economics that enables them to pursue work in business, government, non-profit organizations or international associations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
WEST TEXAS A&M
Program Standouts: West Texas A&M offers three bachelor degree programs in economics: a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics. Of these three, the Bachelor of Business Administration in Law and Economics is offered completely online. The degree program is one of the very best offered in an online setting and provides students with the knowledge to apply analytical research to society and organizations. Also emphasized in the curriculum at West Texas are mathematics, statistics, and historical analysis.
Campus Location: Canyon, Texas
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Course Sample:
- Accounting Communications
- Math for Business and Economics
- Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Degree Outcomes: The degree objectives of the Bachelor of Business Administration from West Texas A&M are to give students a legal and economic foundation in order to prepare them to enter law school or pursue careers in business management.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN LAW AND ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAM FROM WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Colorado State University offers a top online Bachelor of Economics degree program. The school has one of the highest graduation rates on this list as well as one of the lowest student to faculty ratios. The curriculum for the degree in economics covers a broad range of topics that enable students to analyze complex economic problems from different perspectives. Colorado State offers quite a few minors for the Bachelor of Economics degree which include Sociology, Political Science, Media Studies, Gerontology, Anthropology and others
Campus Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Course Sample:
- Calculus for Physical Scientists
- History of Economic Institutions and Thought
- Gender and the Economy
Degree Outcomes: A bachelor’s in economics from Colorado State University will prepare graduates to work in many different kinds of organizations and careers which require economic business analysis. These include:
- Real estate
- Consulting
- Banking
- Education
- Government
- Public policy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF ECONOMICS DEGREE PROGRAM FROM COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Oregon State University’s online bachelor’s degree programs are ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News and World Report. OSU offers both a bachelor of science and bachelor of arts in economics 100% online. The programs assist students in gaining analytical and quantitative skills, understanding what motivates and influences human behavior. The curriculum also helps them to grow in logical skills and connects students with faculty in order to conduct economics research.
Campus Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities – 8060 165th Ave NE #100, Redmond, WA 98052
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Degree Focus Options:
- Managerial economics
- Law, economics and policy
- General economics
Degree Outcomes: Graduates from the economics program at Oregon State University “go on to work professionally in the public (federal, state and local government) and private (banking, consulting, retail, and corporate) sectors.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF ECONOMICS FROM OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
LAKELAND UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Lakeland University’s Business Administration program offers a concentration on business economics. The business administration degree is the central program of Lakeland’s J.Garland Schilcutt School of Business and Entrepreneurship. The graduates who come out of the program have a diverse range of expertise and have been exposed to the major fields within business and economics while still focusing on a particular area of interest such as business economics.
Campus Location: Plymouth, Wisconsin
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Course Sample:
- Business Policy and Strategy
- Management Principles
- International Economics
Degree Outcomes: The combination of basic and specific knowledge in the degree program at Lakeland University provides opportunities for graduates to work in marketing and finance, government positions and nonprofit organizations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN EMPHASIS ON BUSINESS ECONOMICS AT LAKELAND UNIVERSITY
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Economics degree program among its top online undergraduate programs. Professors in Liberty’s online program have real business experience and focus on teaching students economic theory along with practical skills in order to be successful in the business economic world.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Course Sample:
- Money and the Financial System
- Business and Economic Forecasting
- International Market Integration and Trade Agreements
Degree Outcomes: Graduates from the Bachelor of Business Administration – Economics from Liberty University are equipped to work in fields such as:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management
- Statistics
- Logistics
- Marketing
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – ECONOMICS FROM LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: The Economics Program at Eastern Oregon University offers one of the best and most affordable online bachelor of economics degree programs. The Bachelor of Economics degree at EOU provides “a rigorous understanding of economic and social issues that affect us all.” The degree program is designed to allow students to explore topics such as environmental issues, money and financial markets and job creation. Students also have the option to do research on issues that are affecting rural life in Eastern Oregon.
Campus Location: LaGrande, Oregon
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities – 8060 165th Ave NE #100, Redmond, WA 98052
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Course Sample:
- History of Economic Thought
- Public Finance
- American Labor and Unions
Degree Outcomes: The bachelor of economics degree at Eastern Oregon University “provides a rigorous program of quantitative and qualitative skills that translate exceptionally well to many future paths, including the financial field, law school, the public sector, private enterprise, or pursuing graduate study.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF ECONOMICS DEGREE AT EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: The Bachelor of Economics at Washington State University is geared toward those who wish to learn about economic systems in a rigorous environment. Students learn to do basic problem solving and analytic data analysis. They also make valuable career connections through Washington State’s network of business professionals. Students in the economics degree program at WSU learn from faculty members who are active in research and acclaimed in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus Location: Pullman, Washington
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities – 8060 165th Ave NE #100, Redmond, WA 98052
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Course Sample:
- Introductory Econometrics
- Labor Economics
- Special Problems
Degree Outcomes: Graduates from the Bachelor of Economics program at Washington State University are equipped to move into careers as statisticians, data analysts, economists, loan officers, and other careers. They are also prepared adequately to enter graduate school in the areas of economics, business or law.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS FROM WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY
Program Standouts: The University of Detroit Mercy is one of the best economic degrees on this list for their student to faculty ratio of 11:1. Their Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Economics degrees are offered completely online and provide a study of economic analysis along with a basic understanding of theory and economic principles. The programs provide students with a knowledge of history, world economy, and institutions. Emphasized in the programs are teaching the ability to analyze moral and ethical issues in economics as well as applied practical knowledge.
Campus Location: Detroit, Michigan
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Course Sample:
- Labor Economics
- International Finance
- Business Forecasting
Degree Outcomes: According to the University of Detroit Mercy website, the Financial Economics major “provides students with the foundation for a career in the fields of investment banking, asset management, commercial banking, consulting and management in financial institutions. Inside the financial functions in manufacturing or service industries, and in various levels of government or non-profit organizations, students will be well prepared to provide corporate financial management services.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR DEGREE IN ECONOMICS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY
REGENT UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Regent University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business – Economics from a Christian perspective. The program builds on the basics of Regent’s business degree program in order to prepare students for successful careers in finance and banking. Specialties of the program include cost and inflation theories, market structure and capital budgeting.
Campus Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Course Sample:
- Critical Thinking and Analysis
- Global Studies
- Political Economy
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics from Regent University will be able to:
- Solve problems and make decisions ethically
- Improve analytical skills
- Enter a career in banking, market research finance and more
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS FROM REGENT UNIVERSITY
BRENAU UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: Brenau University offers one of the best online bachelor of business administration degree programs. Students in the program build their knowledge of basic business principles through the application theory to real-world problems. Students have the option of choosing a general major, accounting, human resource management, marketing, operations management or financial economics. All majors are available 100% online and can be completed in the same amount of time.
Campus Location: Gainesville, GA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Course Sample:
- Legal Environment of Business
- Organizational Behavior
- Managerial Finance
- Value Chain Management
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the Bachelor of Business Administration from Brenau will be equipped to:
- Apply accounting principles
- Reason ethically
- Create budges
- Manage personnel
- Analyze business situations
JOHNSON AND WALES UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: With coursework offered entirely online, Johnson and Wales University provides a top Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree. Students will study economic theory and use it as an analytical tool to apply to behavioral patterns, institutions, and real-world business and markets. Also emphasized in the curriculum are topics such as economic organization, market process, entrepreneurship, and public policy.
Campus Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges – 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA, 01803
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Graduation Rate: Information not available
Course Sample:
- Contemporary Economic Issues
- Microeconomics
- Econometrics
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the online Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree program from Johnson and Wales University learn from experienced faculty how to participate in real-world economic analysis and prepare for a variety of careers in business economics.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS FROM JOHNSON AND WALES UNIVERSITY
Why study economics?
Economics is the study of the production and exchange of wealth and resources within a given economy or community of persons. Because money is the basic means of exchange, usually those who study economics have a fairly good head for math and an interest in business concerns. However, because economics inevitable involves relationships between people, those studying economics may also be very interested in psychology and sociology. The study of economics is incredibly diverse because of the complex nature of various influencing factors in a given economic situation
Because of the diversity of the subject of economics, those who study it may come at it from different angles, all of which are necessary to have a healthy economic system. Economists are needed in the world of healthcare, banking, law, government, every organization and even families. Some economists may want to devote their time to assisting those in poorer economic systems to develop and grow their economy. Others may be interested in numbers, banking and statistics. In each of these endeavors, the economist must be trained in gathering data, using their imagination along with analytical skills to find the most efficient and effective solution to economic problems.
What is the difference between micro and macroeconomics?
Microeconomics, originating from the Greek word Mikros, meaning small, deals with the smaller or more specific and particular aspects of economics. These areas of economics deal with the analysis of specific markets, businesses, organizations or persons. Some examples of specific economic systems would be health care, elementary education, a non-governmental organization, a small business or a corporation. Microeconomics is basically the study of supply and demand within given markets. One of the main employers of those working in microeconomics is the government, however, any business needs microeconomics specialists.
Macroeconomics, also originating in the Greek from the word makros, meaning long or large, is the study of an entire economy, not just a market analysis. Macroeconomics study the factors that affect inflation, employment, the stability of an economy and its growth. Those working in the field of macroeconomics need to be skilled at working in the big picture with complex problems and multiple strands of information at once. Employers of those working in macroeconomics are places such as world banks, and researchers for economic foundations and research institutes. Macroeconomics specialists assist to make big policy changes that affect the health and growth of entire countries.
What are the various career options for one with a degree in economics?
One of the attractive aspects of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in economics is the diversity and wide availability of jobs. Because the study of economics touches on many aspects of our daily life it is a highly marketable skill.
Banking – A very popular choice for graduates with economics, banks and financial institutions are in need of consultants, data analysts, financial planners, risk analysts and many other positions which help keep banking on task.
Business and Finances – Both large and small institutions require economists and are largely made up of economists who keep things running smoothly and do a great deal of research. Consultants are also necessary to work with multiple and individual clients.
Government – Though the average person may take for granted the working of government, many economists are required to analyze spending, evaluate risk, plan and consult. Areas in which economists may find a successful career in the public arena are as diverse as waste services and public taxation. Transportation, energy, wages, and politics are also areas in which government economists can earn a living.
Data Analysis – Data analysts are required in government, business and banking. However, their services are so valuable that they are in high demand in other areas such as healthcare, insurance and pensioning. Data analysts must be able to quickly and accurately compile data, interpret the results and communicate their findings to others.
Other – A degree in economics seems to prepare one for a role just about anywhere. A career as a stockbroker, auditor, salesperson, journalist, politician or even President may be in the future for someone with a degree in economics.
What is the average salary of those who hold a bachelor’s in economics?
The average salary of a job that can be acquired with a bachelor’s degree in economics will vary depending on the type of work one pursues within the field. Though all potential economics job options for won’t be listed here, below are a few salaries that are gleaned from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and represent the mean wage per year.
- Economist – $104,000
- Financial Analyst – $101,000
- Market Research Analyst – $63,120
- Credit Analyst – $82,300
- Personal Financial Advisor – $89,000
- Brokerage Clerk – $53,000
- Loan Officer – $63,000
- Accountant – $65,000
- Insurance Underwriter – $106,000
What are the focus options in economics degree programs?
Because of the wide subject range of economics, the minors or focus areas of a bachelor’s degree are also diverse. For example, Northwestern University’s economics department has interdisciplinary research centers that economists have access to. These centers include the Transportation Center, the Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science and also the Institute for Policy Research. Students at schools with a range of research centers can focus on the area of economics that interests them the most.
Other schools may offer different focuses within an economics major such as financial economics, operations management, human resource management, marketing, accounting, managerial economics, law, economics and policy, and general economics. Electives available in a bachelor of economics degree program also can help students to focus their specific economic interests. Electives such as Game Theory, Economics of Sports, Health Economics and Economic Growth can help prepare students for the specific area of economics that they plan to either continue studies in or work with.