A Master’s in Economics covers topics like:
- micro- and macroeconomics
- job growth
- international trade
- taxes
People in the field work in pretty much every sector of business, as well as in the nonprofit world. Once trained in their chosen fields, these economists work:
- as consultants
- in management
- as professors
- a host of other related jobs
- However, many of these jobs require job applicants to hold a Master’s in Economics. If these professionals are already working at a job and don’t have the time to go to school full-time, they can look for an online master’s degree in the subject.
Online Economics Degrees
The short answer is, yes, it is possible to earn a master’s degree in economics online. Schools like American University, Northwestern, Regent University, University of Southern Mississippi and Xavier University, to name but a few, Many schools have programs that allow students to earn a Master’s in Economics online. Just a few are:
- American University
- Northwestern
- Regent University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Xavier University
According to US News and World Report, these programs require about two years to complete. Students in a master’s degree in economics must take between 30 and 36 graduate credits in economics to earn their degrees.
Would-be graduate students should do careful research to find the program that provides the best match for the students’ goals. Economics is a broad subject which allows for specializations in subjects like:
- behavioral economics
- economic development and commerce
- financial economics
- agricultural economics
- entrepreneurship.
Additionally, some online programs offer their student’s graduate-level certificates in economics. While these programs don’t lead to a Master’s in Economics, they do allow a graduate student to study one subject – sustainability, for example – for their master’s degree. They then to go on and earn a certificate in a subject, like economics, that complements their graduate degree goals.
What Students Learn
A master’s program in economics covers many relevant subjects. These include coursework in:
- Micro- and macroeconomics
- Financial market forecasting and analysis
- Economic growth and modeling
- Economic indicators, like job growth and unemployment
- Related subject coursework in a specialization, like courses in agriculture, sustainability and other pertinent topics.
- etc.
Job Outlook
The cost of these degrees will vary, depending on a number of factors. It’s not unusual to see graduate students in these programs paying between $800 and $1,500 or so per credit. However, the income that an economist can earn can outweigh the cost of the degree. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the average salary of an economist is $104,340.
From 2018 until 2028, the demand for economists is expected to grow by eight percent. Economists who hold advanced degrees, like a Ph.D. or a Master’s in Economics, have the best chances of landing jobs.
Related Resource: 10 Best Deals on Online Master’s in Economics
Online education has opened up many possibilities for students who want to earn advanced degrees, like a Master’s in Economics. These programs allow students to study and learn when it’s convenient for them. They teach the same materials that traditional programs do. However, to deliver the course content they use tools like:
- online classrooms
- social media
- email and other digital tools
Once these students graduate, they can move into the field, providing support and analysis in institutions like:
- government programs
- universities
- corporations
The job outlook is good, and it becomes even better for those who hold a Master’s in Economics.