Accredited Online Economics Degrees
An online economics degree is designed for students to understand how politics, psychology, and history impact economic well-being. Using analytical and critical thinking skills, graduates may fulfill their career goals as public servants or in private sectors, including banking, healthcare, and nonprofits. Some become entry-level economists for the federal government or financial managers for large corporations. Others may work as actuaries in insurance companies, earning an annual median salary between $99,550 and $111,030.
Below our rankings list of 25 popular accredited online economics bachelor's degree programs, we have provided information about accreditation, common courses, careers that graduates can pursue, and whether this degree is worth it.
Most Popular Accredited Online Schools for Economics Bachelor's Degrees
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Recommend Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Learn more about how we make money. "> | $24,413 | Arizona State University. "> 64% (112 reviews) | |
| Grand Canyon University Learn more about how we make money. "> | $17,800 | Grand Canyon University. "> 50% (535 reviews) | |
| Liberty University Learn more about how we make money. "> | $11,700 | Liberty University. "> 58% (326 reviews) | |
| The University of Arizona Global Campus | Not Provided | The University of Arizona Global Campus. "> 67% (684 reviews) | |
| Regent University Online | $18,620 | Regent University Online. "> 38% (24 reviews) | |
| University of the Southwest Learn more about how we make money. "> | $16,200 | University of the Southwest. "> 50% (6 reviews) | |
| University of Arizona Learn more about how we make money. "> | $11,800 | University of Arizona. "> 75% (4 reviews) | |
| Colorado Christian University Learn more about how we make money. "> | $33,434 | Colorado Christian University. "> 47% (17 reviews) | |
| Spring Hill College | $40,648 | Add Review | |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | $7,490 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke. "> 0% (1 review) | |
| Graceland University Learn more about how we make money. "> | $13,050 | Add Review | |
| American InterContinental University | Not Provided | American InterContinental University. "> 71% (210 reviews) | |
| New England College | $38,670 | New England College. "> 29% (7 reviews) | |
| University of North Dakota | $15,895 | University of North Dakota. "> 67% (3 reviews) | |
| Eastern Oregon University | $21,729 | Eastern Oregon University. "> 80% (5 reviews) | |
| University of New Mexico | $23,292 | University of New Mexico. "> 100% (2 reviews) | |
| University of North Carolina at Wilmington | $21,246 | University of North Carolina at Wilmington. "> 100% (1 review) | |
| The University of West Florida | $19,241 | The University of West Florida. "> 80% (5 reviews) | |
| Cardinal Stritch University | $31,798 | Cardinal Stritch University. "> 100% (1 review) | |
| Indiana State University | $20,160 | Indiana State University. "> 83% (6 reviews) | |
| Ottawa University Online | $12,316 | Ottawa University Online. "> 100% (4 reviews) | |
| Cedar Crest College | $40,374 | Cedar Crest College. "> 100% (1 review) | |
| Park University | $11,190 | Park University. "> 73% (15 reviews) | |
| Southern Wesleyan University | $25,516 | Add Review | |
| Western Illinois University | $13,256 | Add Review |
Overview of Online Bachelor's Degrees in Economics
Earning an online bachelor's degree in economics can provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between the economy and society. Students can develop their math, statistics, and research skills to solve problems and make informed economic decisions. To graduate, students are required to complete approximately 120 credit hours of this coursework, and in some programs, a senior capstone project is generally required. Programs often take full-time students four years to complete and longer for part-time students.
An online bachelor's degree in economics can provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between the economy and society.
Large corporations may prefer to hire economists with a master's degree or doctorate in economics. However, many government agencies hire economists with undergraduate degrees. Skills gained in an economics program may prepare students for work across different industries and occupations to evaluate economic health and identify factors for risk.
Admission Requirements
Admissions requirements for online bachelor's programs in economics are similar across schools and may include:
- High school diploma or GED test scores.
- Official high school or college transcripts.
- Minimum GPA, usually between 2.0 and 3.0.
- Completed application.
- Application fee of approximately $50.
An increasing number of schools are eliminating the submission of standardized test scores as part of their enrollment policy, but check with your program to confirm whether they are required.
The Importance of Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education recognize 19 national and seven regional boards awarding accreditation based on academic quality. Most nonprofit universities are regionally accredited, preferred over national accreditation because of its prestige and age.
Students can verify an online school's accreditation status at the Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Students should choose an accredited institution not only for its verified academic quality, but also because accreditation is generally necessary to transfer credits and qualify for federal financial aid.
In addition to university accreditation, economics degree programs may be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB recognizes colleges and universities that meet specific standards of quality in their business and business-related educational programs. The AACSB website also maintains a directory of accredited programs.
Common Economics Courses
The curriculum in an online economic bachelor's degree program explores economic philosophy, how financial markets function, and the economy's impact on society. Economics majors usually study subjects such as intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, international trade, and supply and demand. While the titles of required courses and electives may vary from program to program, learning objectives for these online courses are similar:
Concentrations within Economics Programs
A concentration is appealing because it demonstrates expertise and may make you more competitive in the job market. There are several concentrations in economics for online students to choose from:
- Banking and financial economics focuses on the fundamental business, economic theory, and practices of financial institutions. This concentration also examines changes in policy or economic outlook that can affect the world's economy.
- Business economics explores the financial situations and challenges corporations face and how the economy impacts an organization, its management, potential expansion, and implementing strategies for economic development.
- International economics studies how countries interact economically with each other. It includes international trade, global investments, and the scientific prediction of production patterns around the world.
- Political economy examines the relationship between a nation's population, its government, and how officials administer public policy with respect to the economy. It also includes the study of wealth and income across various populations.
Careers with an Online Economics Degree
Graduates with this degree can help companies weather economic ups and downs and evaluate financial risk. Businesses often rely on these individuals' data analysis skills to inform financial decisions for the health of the company. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies several occupations that require skills gained through an online economics degree program:
Interested in learning about employment outcomes for alumni of online programs? OnlineU studied ten popular online colleges across the country and found strong career results.
Associations for Economics Graduates
Economics graduates and professionals can join associations that help build community in the industry by offering networking opportunities, discussion forums, and continued online learning. Members can take advantage of an association's resources, including best practices, job listings and academic journals.
Is an Online Economics Degree Worth It?
Pursuing an online economics degree may be worth it if you are curious, reflective, and enterprising by nature and are looking for a satisfying career. If you also enjoy math, statistics, and problem-solving, it may make this degree and career path a natural fit. However, a degree's worth ultimately comes down to your career and financial goals.
Potential Benefits
Earning an economics degree can help you sharpen strategic thinking skills. Analytical, critical thinking, communication, and statistical analysis skills can be applied across occupations, industries, and even your own financial situation.
An online bachelor's degree in economics has social relevance. Individuals skilled in economics and data interpretation who hold a broader perspective of the relationships between the economy and society are needed to help advance economic and social progress.
Enrolling in an online program may suit your schedule. If you juggle multiple responsibilities, the flexibility of asynchronous courses may be appealing.
Potential Drawbacks
Economics involves a lot of numbers and math. While completing complex calculations may be stimulating for some, it may not be for everyone. You'll be working with equations, graphs, data tables, money, and statistics, which could present some obstacles.
Earning your economics bachelor's degree online can be isolating. It may be difficult to network with others for future job opportunities or find support. Distance learning can be difficult to navigate if you are trying to complete complex assignments and need immediate help.
Interested in learning about similar degrees? Explore online bachelor's degrees in accounting, business, and finance.
This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.
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