[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]A bachelor’s degree in economics introduces degree-seekers to topics like economic financing, supply and demand, and economic decision-making.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online economics degree prepares graduates for careers as actuaries, financial analysts, market research analysts, and operations research analysts. Many of these career paths pay above-average salaries and have strong job growth projections.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, professionals with bachelor’s degrees in economics earn an average salary of over $70,000 per year, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor%27s_Degree%2C_Economics/Salary/”]according to PayScale[/hen-ui-link]. They can also find work as economists — a field that reported a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm/”]median annual salary[/hen-ui-link] of over $105,000 in 2019.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our list ranks the top online bachelor’s programs in economics to help prospective students find the best fit for their professional goals. This article also introduces economics concentrations, career paths, and earning potential for economics graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Bachelor’s in Economics Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is an Online Economics Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an economics degree strengthens analytical and problem-solving skills. Students complete complex assignments and projects that require economic analysis and forecasting, preparing them for many different careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During an economics degree, majors study economic decision-making, the role of public policy in the economy, and the evolution of financial markets. Some programs incorporate internships to help enrollees gain practical experience. Students may also specialize their coursework through concentrations or electives.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online economics degree prioritizes flexibility and accessibility. At many schools, online learners complete the same curriculum as on-campus students. However, the distance learning format allows students to complete their coursework around work or personal responsibilities, which appeals to busy adults and working professionals seeking career advancement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many colleges and universities offer both a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS) in economics. Generally, BA and BS programs require the same major coursework, but differ in terms of general education requirements. At most schools, BA students complete more humanities and social science courses, including a foreign language, while BS enrollees take more math and natural sciences classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BA and BS degrees in economics take around four years of full-time enrollment to complete. Majors in both options build strong analytical skills, which lead to job opportunities as economic researchers, financial analysts, and forecasters.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Economics Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing an online economics degree, prospective students should consider factors such as cost, degree requirements, and program length. Applicants can also research whether schools offer accelerated courses, summer sessions, and economics concentrations. Learn more about how to choose an online degree with the links below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How to Choose Your Major” href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”What to Look for in an Online College” href=”/resources/what-to-look-for-online-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How to Pick a College” href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-to-expect”]What to Expect When Pursuing a Bachelor of Economics Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During a bachelor of economics online program, undergraduates take courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and applied economics, building strong analytical and research skills. Many programs also offer concentrations. Online learners can usually complete internship requirements locally.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Economics Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading]

• Macroeconomics: Macroeconomics studies economic systems on a large scale, including issues like economic output, financial growth, and employment. Students learn about fiscal policies, international economics, and government regulations.
• Microeconomics: Microeconomics courses consider the economic behavior of individuals and small groups, including topics like supply and demand, pricing, and behavioral economics.
• Financial Economics: In financial economics courses, students learn about financial systems and markets. They study national and international financial institutions while also learning about theories in financial economics.
• Public Economics: This course explores the impact of regulation on the economy and the interplay between the government, the financial markets, and private businesses.
• Labor and Industrial Organizations: Labor economics examines supply and demand issues, the role of taxes in markets, and the effects of minimum wage laws. Topics may also include income distribution, the impact of unemployment on labor markets, and public policy about labor.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Economics Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”tertiary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Behavioral Economics”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavioral economics blends economics with psychology to understand how individuals and organizations make decisions. Students explore topics like optimal decision-making, rational choice theory, and how scarcity influences behavior. The concentration can lead to careers in risk analysis, market research analysis, and research.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Financial Economics”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A financial economics specialization examines the distribution of resources, including the economic theory behind financial risk, opportunity costs, and financial incentives. Economics majors learn about forecasting and decision-making using uncertain information. The concentration prepares majors for careers in financial services.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Industrial Organization”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The field of industrial organization explores strategic behavior in a corporate- or industry-scale context. Learners study the impact of market competition, regulatory policies, and other factors that influence firms’ strategies. Graduates pursue careers in finance, tourism, and agriculture.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”International Economics”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students examine the connections between the international economy and governmental policies, the role of international relations in the economy, and global policymaking. The concentration prepares graduates for careers in international business and research.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Public Policy”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework analyzes the links between policy and economic behavior. Students examine the influence of laws on individuals and organizations to prepare them for roles working in the public sector and in public policy firms.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”organizations”]Economics Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional economics organizations can help students network and prepare to join the workforce. These organizations host conferences and events, offer professional development and career resources, and grant certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring economists can join specialized organizations that align with their career goals, like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nabe.com/”]National Association for Business Economics[/hen-ui-link], which emphasizes business economics. Similarly, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://gaee.org/”]Global Association of Economics Education[/hen-ui-link] focuses on economic literacy for marginalized communities. Students can also benefit from the career resources offered by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aeaweb.org/”]American Economic Foundation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Economics Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills gained during online economics degrees help graduates in [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/economics-degree/”]many different career paths[/hen-ui-link]. Professionals with economics degrees can find work as actuaries, financial risk analysts, economic researchers, and data analysts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many federal agencies hire economics majors for careers in data analysis and economic forecasting. Economics majors can also work in the financial services industry as analysts or in marketing as market researchers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”salary”]What Kind of a Salary Can I Earn With an Economics Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online economics degree prepares graduates for high-paying careers, including management consultant, financial analyst, or budget analyst. Economists earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm/”]median salary[/hen-ui-link] of $105,020 in 2019. The information below highlights the highest-paying careers available for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in economics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2019)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Compensation and Benefits Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/compensation-and-benefits-managers.htm/”]$122,270[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Personal Financial Advisors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm/”]$87,850[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Management Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm/”]$85,260[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Management Consultants[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm/”]$85,260[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm/”]$81,590[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Examiners[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-examiners.htm/”]$81,090[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Budget Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm/”]$76,540[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/home.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Economics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Get an Economics Degree Online?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Many colleges and universities offer online economics degrees, including both bachelor’s and master’s programs in economics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Which Is the Best Economics Degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in economics prepares graduates for entry-level careers as analysts, researchers, and forecasters. Some careers, including economist, require a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an Economics Degree Hard?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Economics students need strong skills in math, finance, and statistics. An economics enrollee with strong analytical and logical thinking skills will thrive.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a Degree in Economics Worth It?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an economics degree often pays off. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor%27s_Degree%2C_Economics/Salary/”]According to PayScale[/hen-ui-link], the average salary for professionals with bachelor’s degrees in economics exceeds $70,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Can I Do With a BA in Economics?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An economics degree prepares graduates for careers like financial analyst, actuary, management consultant, and budget analyst. The federal government often hires economics graduates, as do private sector companies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1404,332,378″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]