Best Online Economics Degree Programs

Intrigued by the impact economics has on human behavior? If you want to advance your knowledge and work in this field, consider an online economics degree. It’s also ideal if you’re going to further your education in economics, business law or a related field. 

Let Benzinga help identify the perfect program for you. 

Why Choose an Online Economics Degree

There are many benefits to earning an online economics degree. You can dive into economic issues plaguing countries around the globe and have a better understanding of key contributing factors. 

A degree in economics also prepares you for a career in both the private and public sectors. You will have the knowledge to excel in administrative, analytical, banking managerial and sales roles. 

If you want to continue your education, an online economics degree is an ideal way to prepare. Many economics majors have pursued law degrees, MBAs and master’s degrees in economics and public policy analysis. 

How to Choose an Online Economics Degree Program

When searching for an online economics degree program, keep the following in mind: 

Reputation

Is the degree program or college accredited and recognized by employers and industry leaders? Do the professors hold prestigious accolades? These are just a few questions to ask when evaluating the reputability of the program. 

Online Support 

Does the institution offer academic and technical support available to online students? You want a program that provides assistance with enrollment, registration and technical issues when you need it most. The university should also lend virtual financial aid support to distance learning students. 

Affordability 

The decision to pursue an online economic degree can pay large dividends over time. That doesn’t mean you should choose a program that’s more pricey than all the others. Also, avoid institutions with a history of steep tuition price hikes each year. 

Jobs Waiting for You With an Economics Degree

Take a look at the top opportunities for economic degree holders.

Economist

What role is more fitting for an economics major than an economist? There are several, but this career path tends to be at the top of the list. 

As an economist, you will research economic issues, conduct surveys, collect data, use mathematical models and statistical techniques to analyze data and forecast market trends. You may also be tasked with brainstorming solutions to both common and complex economic problems. 

Economists with a master’s degree earn around $104,340 per year, according to BLS.gov. And the demand is slated to grow 8% through 2028, which is faster than average. However, you can land a well-paying entry-level role with a bachelor’s degree and work your way up to more lucrative positions. 

Credit Analyst 

Credit analysts help financial institutions decide which applicants are a good fit for their credit card and loan products. Job responsibilities include gathering pertinent financial data, reviewing the applicant’s credit and employment history, analyzing spending patterns and making recommendations to approve or deny loans. 

Individuals in these roles possess solid quantitative, multitasking and communication skills. They are attentive to detail and do their due diligence to identify well-qualified applicants. Industry knowledge is also essential to help your company mitigate risk and minimize losses. 

The median wage for credit analysts in 2018 was $82,300 according to BLS.gov. 

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts help companies create sales forecasts for products and services. You will examine key factors that influence purchase decisions and compile data on consumers, competitors and market conditions to gain insight. Market research analysts also compile research-backed reports and present their findings to key decision-makers within the organization. 

Market research analysts in the U.S. earn around $63,120 per year notes BLS.gov.

Best Online Colleges for an Economics Degree

We’ve scoured the web to bring you the best online economic degree programs. Below, you will find Benzingas’s top picks, a description of each program and the cost of attendance to help you find the best fit. 

1. Arizona State University 

Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in economics through its W.P. Carey School of Business. Instructors teach the basics of business and economic theory, along with accounting, data analytics, finance, management, marketing and supply chain management. 

Courses are led by award-winning faculty from around the world. Some have won nobel laureate awards and others are published authors and National Academy of Sciences members. 

When you finish the program, you will possess the skills to succeed in business intelligence, financial analysis, regulatory compliance, statistics and a host of other fields. 

Tuition and fees are between $530 and $728 per credit hour. 

Enroll now.

2. West Texas A&M University  

Planning to earn your MBA, law degree or enroll in a business-related graduate program? Or maybe you want to prepare for a career that requires you to apply economic principles on the job? 

Consider an online economics degree from West Texas A&M University. They have 3 programs to choose from: 

• Bachelor of Arts in economics
• Bachelor of Science in economics
• Bachelor of Business Administration in economics

The programs delve into ways to describe organizations and society from an analytical perspective, how to make cost-benefit decisions and the application of policy analysis derived from quantitative and qualitative research. You will also complete an internship to get real-world experience with government agencies and industries. 

Scholarships are available to help offset the cost of attendance. 

Enroll now.

3. Eastern Oregon University 

Learn qualitative and quantitative skills that get you noticed in a crowded sea of applicants with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Eastern Oregon University. 

Students delve into economic and social issues that impact everyday life. The courses also shed light on economic development, financial markets, environmental issues, job creation and money. And you will be tasked with conducting research on issues that negatively impact rural communities in eastern Oregon. 

You are required to complete the following core courses: 

• Intermediate Principles of Microeconomics
• Intermediate Principles of Macroeconomics
• History of Economic Thought 
• Econometrics Capstone

The cost of attendance for EOU Online is $252 per credit hour. There’s also a one-time $350 enrollment fee for all new and transfer students. 

Enroll now.

4. Colorado State University 

The online economics program from Colorado State University focuses on technical knowledge and the influence human behavior has on economic systems. You will explore perspectives that can be adopted to analyze complex problems and make you a valuable prospect to potential employers. 

Other learning objectives include: 

• Understanding how businesses, communities, governments, households and individuals make production and consumption decisions related to goods, resources and services
• Developing fact-based decision making skills
• Gaining a better understanding of the human aspect of economics
• Understanding how groups influence each other
• Understanding the role of gender and the environment in economics

To complete the Bachelor of Arts in economics, you will also select and complete coursework for a minor. Choose from agricultural business, anthropology, business administration, gerontology, global and environmental sustainability, media studies, political science and sociology. 

Online undergraduate students pay $350 per credit hour. 

Enroll now.

5. Oregon State University 

Earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in economics online from Oregon State University. Both programs equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in the public and private sectors. They also lay a solid foundation if you wish to continue your studies in a business, economics, law or public policy graduate program.

You will sharpen your analytical, logical thinking and quantitative skills as you work through the program. The program also helps you gain a more in-depth understanding of how humans are incentivized to behave a certain way. 

Courses are led by world-renowned faculty members, and you will earn the same diploma as your peers who study on-campus. As an eCampus student, you will also receive free online tutoring, career and success coaching, library services and several other online resources. 

Tuition is $309 per credit, and you need 180 credits to reach the finish line.

Enroll now.

6. Liberty University 

The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Economics from Liberty University delves into the mechanics of economics and business. It also covers foundational financial systems and international business trade. 

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Also, know that instructors are experienced in the industry and draw from real-life experiences to teach you practical skills and economic theory. 

Most students complete the program in 3.5 years. The cost per credit hour is $390, and you can transfer up to 75% of the 120 required credits to reduce costs. Electronic textbooks can also save you $800 to $2,000 annually on the cost of attendance. 

Enroll now.

7. Pennsylvania State University 

A Bachelor of Science in economics from Penn State world campus helps you develop analytical and problem-solving skills. They can be leveraged to devise logical recommendations, allocate resources, minimize challenges and help organizations across many industries operate more efficiently. 

This program focuses on the qualitative component of economics. You will complete the following core courses: 

• Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
• Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
• Statistical Foundations for Econometrics
• Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis 
• Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis 
• Introduction to Econometrics 

There are other classes on vital subjects, like labor and industrial organizations, money, banking, calculus, statistical analysis and computer programming. 

Alumni have landed rewarding careers as economists, financial advisers, market research analysts, statisticians and commodities sales agents. You can do the same if you work hard and capitalize on networking opportunities.  

Tuition per credit hour is $576 for residents and $617 for nonresidents. You need 120 hours to earn your degree. 

Enroll now.

8. Washington State University 

Washington State University Global offers a bachelor’s degree in economics to prepare you for a career as an economist, advisor, data analyst, loan officer or revenue agent. Many students also complete this program to prepare them for a graduate economics program, MBA or law school. 

The courses are led by accomplished faculty members who are active in the professional community. They can help you forge connections with distinguished alumni and business professionals to give you a leg up in the recruitment process.

When you complete the program, you will know how to apply quantitative methods and economic concepts, implement these concepts and effectively communicate the results.

Washington residents pay $518 per credit hour. The fee increases to $578 for nonresidents. 

Enroll now.

9. University of North Carolina at Pembroke 

Consider a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from the University of North Carolina – Pembroke to hone your skills for the work world. 

The core classes equip you with common business knowledge in many subjects, like accounting, business law and ethics, organization and management, marketing, international business, finance and more. Students who choose the economics track complete a course in managerial economics, intermediate economics and 4 related electives. 

Prefer to skip the workforce for now to continue your education? Your new found knowledge and skills lay a solid foundation to help you excel in a graduate degree program.

North Carolina residents pay just $53.21 per credit hour for tuition and fees. This figure is $188.34 for nonresidents.

Enroll now.

10. The University of Utah

The University of Utah features an online Bachelor of Science in Economics from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In this program, you will gain an in-depth understanding of economic theory, along with commonly used mathematical and statistical methods. 

All students must take these core courses: 

• Principles of Microeconomics
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Mathematics for Economists
• Probability and Statistical Inference for Economists
• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Intermediate Macroeconomics

Instruction is delivered through video lectures which are accessible through the online portal. You will also complete group assignments, peer reviews and contribute to discussion forums. If you need assistance, instructors offer email support. 

Tuition is $260 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state residents.

Enroll now.

Find the Best Online Economics Degree for You

Consider an online program from our list of top recommendations. Compare your options and be sure to review their tuition, fees and online support options before making a decision.