2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Economics

Georgia Southern University (Georgia Southern) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Applied Economics totaling 30 credit hours. It can take one year to complete the program.

At Georgia Southern, online students complete coursework, delivered asynchronously and synchronously, on the learning management system (LMS) Folio. An economics curriculum can help students improve their business and analytical skills. Sample coursework includes Microeconomics, Math for Applied Economics, and Applied Econometrics. Potential careers for graduates of the program include financial analysts, accountants, and management consultants.

Youngstown State University (YSU) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Arts in Financial Economics requiring 33 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to complete the program within one year if they maintain that pace.

YSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the Blackboard LMS. This program is designed to prepare students to make financial decisions for their future organizations. Some of the program’s courses are Microeconomic Theory, Econometrics, and Financial Statement Analysis. Additionally, students are required to take a seminar and have the option to choose a thesis or non-thesis track. Prospective careers for graduates include economists, statisticians, and actuaries.

At Emporia State University (ESU), a public institution, students can pursue an online Master of Science in Informatics - Quantitative Economics. Totaling 36 credit hours, the program typically takes full-time students at least one year to finish.

ESU's remote students complete coursework asynchronously on Canvas, meaning that they can work at their own pace. The informatics program delivers a STEM-focused curriculum that's focused on data transformation. Sample courses are Econometrics, Programming and Data Analysis for Informatics, and Economic Theory. The program graduates often enter careers as legal documents analysts, market researchers, and account managers.

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Applied Economics and Predictive Analytics requiring 30 credit hours. It takes full-time students at least two years to complete this program.

UND facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through Blackboard. A master’s in economics program is designed for students seeking data analytics and research expertise. Some of the program’s courses are Mathematics for Economists, Econometrics, and Macroeconomic Theory and Applications. Students are also required to take an Independent Study course. Some potential career opportunities for graduates include data analysts, market research analysts, and economists.

Idaho State University (ISU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Business Administration - Applied Economics totaling 30 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend one year completing the program.

At ISU, distance learners complete coursework, delivered asynchronously and synchronously, on the LMS Moodle. The curriculum covers the foundational topics of business administration combined with economics fundamentals. Courses include Applied Economics, Marketing, and Business Policy and Strategy. Students are also often required to complete a thesis and internship. Prospective careers for graduates are economic researchers, data scientists, and financial managers.

At Murray State University, a public institution, prospective students can pursue two online master’s degrees in economics: (1) Master of Science in Economic Development (30 credit hours) and (2) Master of Public Administration - Economic Development (36 credit hours). It can take full-time students at least one year to complete either of these programs.

Murray State facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via the popular LMS Canvas. Both programs provide students with the skills to pursue careers in economics. Sample courses are Research Methods, Introduction to Economic Development, and Cost-Benefit Analysis. The first program requires a directed study course and an internship, while the latter requires a capstone course. Potential careers include city planners, economists, and economic developers.

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Business Administration - Economics, and this degree program totals 33 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend one year completing it.

WIU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through D2L Brightspace. The school's economics curriculum provides the foundation for students to pursue advanced careers in economics, with classes like Economic Development, International Trade, and Econometrics. Further, students can expect to take an economics seminar. The program’s graduates generally seek careers like economists, economic researchers, and financial planners.

SUNY Empire State College (ESC) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Arts in Community and Economic Development totaling 30 credit hours. It can take full-time students one year to finish the program.

At ESC, virtual students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through D2L Brightpspace. The program’s online curriculum has students examine theoretical concepts in economic and community development. Some of the core courses include Public Policy Analysis, Research Methods, and Stakeholder-sensitive Business Models. Students must also complete a final project before they can graduate and become financial risk analysts, compensation managers, and data analysts — to name a few options.

At the University of Missouri (UM), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Arts in Economics, totaling 30 credit hours. It can take full-time students at least two years to complete this program.

Through Missouri Online, students participate in asynchronous and synchronous distance learning through Canvas. The program’s curriculum combines economic theory with data analytics, including courses such as Quantitative Economics, Macroeconomic Theory, and Applied Economics. Students are also required to complete a research workshop. Some potential careers for alumni include data scientists, energy market managers, and quantitative modeling analysts.

Wright State University - Main Campus (Wright) is a public institution offering an online Master of Business Administration in Business Economics totaling 33-46.5 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend 1-2 years completing the program virtually.

At Wright, online students complete coursework on Pilot, both asynchronously and synchronously. The business economics degree program helps students develop their quantitative and analytic skills. Some of the core courses are Applied Microeconomics, Applied Macro Analysis, and Survey of Economics. Additionally, students must complete a capstone course to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates include actuaries, accountants, and policy analysts.