Online Economics Degree Programs

AA, BA, BS in economics by distance learning

An online economics degree from an accredited university prepares students for a career in economics, business, or finance.

The skills gained during an economics degree program vary with the degree and specialization. Economics students learn basic economics and mathematical concepts. Economics involves dealing with resources such as land, raw materials, labor or money and how people use these scarce resources (supply) in an attempt to satisfy their unlimited wants (demand).

In an economics class, learners also develop real-world skills, such as analytical reasoning, data analysis and writing. These skills provide students with valuable abilities important for most positions in business and government. Economics majors also acquire technical abilities, such as with computers and electronic research. Overall, distance learning economics degrees prepare students for a variety of careers.

Specializations with an economics degree online program

A bachelor's general economics track prepares students for graduate school, and is best suited for individuals in becoming professional economists. A business economics specialization provides students with more exposure to the practical applications of economic theory. Students following this course will generally find positions in businesses or government agencies. Other available specializations include finance economics, mathematical economics, macro-economics, micro-economics, business economics, banking systems and international economics.

Featured Colleges with Economics Degree Online Programs

Strayer University is an accredited online college offering flexible learning programs. Strayer also provides students with several financing options to choose from, including federal grants and loans, active-duty military scholarships, veterans' educational benefits, employer tuition assistance and private loans.

• Associates of Arts in Economics
• Bachelor of Science in Economics

Benefits of pursuing economics degree by distance education

Online learning opens students to opportunities that they might otherwise never experience. Through e-learning technology systems, students are able to connect from anywhere with talented economics instructors and researchers. The online learning format also provides students with ample opportunities to interact with economics students from a variety of backgrounds, both working professionals and new students.

Most importantly, online economics courses are geared toward working professionals, and emphasize real-world applications. This provides students with practical skills for their new career.

Misconceptions about economics education

In spite of its popularity at top Ivy League colleges, the economics major is often misunderstood. Students considering a degree in business or finance would do well to take another look at an economics online program.

• Economics involves mathematics and statistics, but not as much as other majors. A bachelor's degree in economics often requires only one mathematics and statistics class.
• An economics degree earned entirely online is just as marketable as a business or finance major. Economics students learn many practical skills that businesses are looking for. Students interested specifically in business careers can also specialize in business economics, which includes more courses relevant to that area.
• While a doctoral degree is required for a career as a professional economist, many other career options are open to graduates with a bachelors or masters degree in economics.

Varied career options with an economics degree

Economics graduates are among the highest earners right after college, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. These graduates enter a variety of careers in finance, consulting, and investment banking companies. They may work as financial analysts, auditors, or purchasing managers. Graduates of doctorate programs in economics can work as professional economists at universities, government agencies, and other organizations.

Job prospects vary with degree and specialization. In addition, graduates entering business careers will have better opportunities if they also have useful technical skills such as computers, writing, and project management. The number of professional economist positions is expected to increase slowly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with many professionals finding positions outside of economics. Opportunities for financial analysts and auditors will increase faster than average, with more competition for the financial analyst jobs.

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