Online Master's in Economics

Online Degrees
Master's Degrees
Applied Economics (MS)

Economics Master's Degree Benefits:

$627/credit (36 credits total)
Median annual salary of $105,020 for economists¹
8% projected job growth for economists through 2028¹

No GRE/GMAT required
Designed to be completed in as few as 15 months, or at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility – attend class when and where it's convenient

Earn Your Master's in Economics Online

Does an economic swing put your investigative mind into overdrive? Do you see the world through a mathematical lens? Do you draw dotted lines between local and global markets and the current events that surround them?

If you're the type of person who enjoys solving tough problems and working with numbers, a Master of Science in Applied Economics may be for you.

Economics is the weaving together of science, sociology, history, philosophy and mathematics to forecast futures and apply understanding to the past. Quite simply, economics is the ability to make informed decisions based on data.

Learn how to:

Communicate economic principles, problems, findings and risk
Integrate theories and principles into the analysis of organizational, social and political issues
Incorporate quantitative data analysis and econometrics into research studies
Analyze and report data with accuracy and precision
Evaluate the impact of internal and external influences on decision-making

"It all comes back to decision making," said Sutton Puglia, an adjunct instructor at SNHU and a government economist. "Economists want to understand why things are happening and why people are making the decisions they do."

Online master's in economics students will explore diverse theoretical schools of thought and focus on the analysis of economic variables and the efficient use of resources. Students will emerge from the program with a balanced understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometric theory.

Career Outlook

Sutton Puglia with the text Sutton Puglia "In pretty much every field, there is going to be a place for economists," said Sutton Puglia.

That's because economists study the reasoning behind decisions people make and are interested in using data to boost profits, create better public policy or conduct research.

As a student in the online master's in economics program, you'll develop necessary workforce skills like:

Data collection
Data processing
Investigative questioning techniques
Building advanced economic models
Formulating problem statements and hypotheses
Econometric and empirical analysis
Communication and presentation of findings

And because economists are responsible for so much of an organization's strategy, it's no wonder that the need for economists is on the rise. Projected job growth for economists is 8% through 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which noted in 2019 that those with at least a master's degree can expect the best prospects and a median annual salary of $105,020.¹

According to the BLS, the largest employers of economists¹ in 2018 were:

Federal government, excluding postal service: 22%
Scientific research and development services: 19%
Management, scientific and technical consulting services: 13%
State government, excluding education and hospitals: 9%
Finance and insurance: 6%

With your master's degree in economics, some career roles you may want to consider include:

Budget analyst: Prepare reports and monitor spending for public and private institutions. 4% job growth projected through 2028.¹
Financial analyst: Assess stock, bond and investment performance to help others make financial decisions. 6% job growth projected through 2028.¹
Market research analyst: Study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. 20% job growth projected through 2028.¹
Operations research analyst: Use mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations make better decisions. 26% job growth projected through 2028.¹
Political scientist: Research political ideas and analyze governments, policies and political trends. 5% job growth projected through 2028.¹
Urban and regional planner: Develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth and revitalize physical facilities. 11% job growth projected through 2028.¹

"The nice thing about economics is that you can build your skill set, grow and make a field for yourself in any number of industries," Puglia said.

As a candidate for the master’s in applied economics degree online at SNHU, you'll acquire both the interpretive and scientific skills needed to become an expert decision-maker and thought leader in your chosen profession – whichever path you choose.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Applied Economics Degree

Why SNHU for Your Master's in Economics

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 12 credits from your previous institution.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.

Recently, Southern New Hampshire University has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

“Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate your industry. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.² Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Admission Requirements

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials – with no GRE or GMAT required.

Master's degree candidates must also submit a personal statement. Students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.75 are eligible for provisional acceptance. Based on educational background, some Master of Arts provisional students may be required to take SNHU 501 – Introduction to Graduate Studies – which will provide students with the scholarly tools to be successful in their Master of Arts program of study.

To apply, use the online application.

How to Apply

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions, and walk you through the application process, which includes:

Completing a graduate application
Providing undergraduate transcripts
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

Courses & Curriculum

The faculty team for SNHU’s online master’s in economics is replete with experts who bring their real-world experience to the classroom.

From corporate vice presidents with prestigious certifications and PhDs working in global marketplaces to certified small business advisors and government consultants, this cross-section of know-how is among the best in higher education.

The online master's in economics offers an exciting curriculum. A course in game theory allows you to grow confidence in negotiations and conflict resolution. Your mathematics and statistics class shows you the methods used today in the economics field. And your capstone gives you the opportunity to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills you've developed throughout your online master's degree program at SNHU.

Plus, you'll also have the chance to focus on other areas of economics through 4 elective courses, which are included to round out your program. Combine your passion for the environment with a natural resource economics class, or dive deep into global markets with an international corporate finance course.

Don't have an economics or business background? SNHU offers foundation courses for students who have neither an economics degree nor a business degree. Depending on your background, you may be required to take courses like:

Economics for Business
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Mathematics and Statistics for Business

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

MS in Applied Economics

Courses May Include

ECO 505 Introduction to Graduate Economics

This course serves as an introduction to economics at the graduate level. Exploration of the major schools of thought in economics as well as a historical approach to economics will introduce students to graduate level studies in economics. The historical review of economic theory will provide the basis for economic research. The course will explore economic agents and their interaction with the markets. An interdisciplinary approach will be used for this course in order to show the effects of economic thought and analysis through different areas.

ECO 510 Mathematics and Statistics for Economics

This course will explore the more advanced areas of statistics and math, with a focus on economics and the methods that are mostly used in the applied economics field. The course will build on the mathematics and statistics background that the students have explored in previous courses. Advance regressions methods will be used, and a number of tools will be used for calculation. This course prepares the students in the Applied Economics degree for the advanced courses in econometrics.

ECO 520 Microeconomics Theory and Analysis

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to advanced microeconomic theories and the application of these theories. The course will look at irrational versus rational decision making, market structure, market failure, resource markets, and other microeconomic principles. Modern theory of consumer behavior and theory of the firm will be discussed, along with optimization models for achieving and analyzing productive, allocative, and distributive efficiency.

ECO 530 Macroeconomics Theory and Analysis

This course serves as a preparation for graduate economic research. The course will explore the three major schools of thought and will lay the groundwork for macroeconomic research. Through examples of static macroeconomic models and theoretical analysis, students will be introduced to macroeconomic research. The economics of growth will be given particular focus.

ECO 540 Game Theory and Industrial Organization

This course serves as an exploration of game theory and its applications in economic analysis. Various models of static and dynamic games are explored, along with the applications of game theory in negotiations, voting, conflict resolution, and pricing decisions. The course also reviews industrial organization theory, exploring the interaction between the firm and the market, and the linkage between market structure, firm conduct, and economic performance. The ideas of market power and its regulation through government policy, and the firm's price and non-price strategic behaviors will be discussed.

ECO 620 Applied Econometrics I

This course looks at common econometric models, with a focus on regression models. Through empirical work and analysis, the students will extend their understanding of econometric theory. The course will provide an understanding of the relationship between economic variables that can be used for statistical estimation. The students will learn how to use observational data and how to construct econometric models and methods.

ECO 625 Applied Econometrics II

This course serves as an extension of ECO 620, providing an even more in-depth look at econometric theory and analysis. Students will build on the methods and models learned throughout the program and will be introduced to forecasting, nonparametric analysis, maximum likelihood, etc.

ECO 700 Applied Economics Capstone

This capstone course is the culminating experience for the M.S. in Applied Economics program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.

Total Credits: 36

Program Outcomes

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Graduate Programs	Per Course	Per Credit Hour	Annual Cost for 15 credits
Degree/Certificates	$1,881	$627	$9,405
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)	$1,410	$470	$7,050

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

Additional Costs:
$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is economics?

There are as many definitions of economics as there are economic theories. Paul A. Samuelson, widely considered the father of modern economics, calls it “the study of how men and society choose, with or without the use of money, to employ the scarce productive resources which have alternative uses, to produce various commodities over time and distribute them for consumption now and in the future among various people and groups of society.”

In similar terms, the American Economic Association (AEA) defines economics as the study of scarcity, how people use resources and respond to incentives, and how we make decisions. It involves wealth and finance, says the Nashville, TN-based nonprofit publisher of economics research, but it’s not all about money.³

In the broadest sense, economics weaves together science, sociology, history, philosophy and mathematics to forecast futures and apply understanding to the past. Increasingly, modern-day economics is the ability to make informed decisions based on data.

What jobs can you get with an economics degree?

The American Economic Association (AEA) cites a wide variety of positions held by economists. They are professors, government advisors and private sector consultants. They use theoretical models or empirical data to evaluate programs, study human behavior and explain trends. Their work impacts everything from global public policy to everyday household decisions.³

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many economists work in federal, state, and local governments. Federal government economists collect and analyze national economic data, including employment, prices, productivity and wages. Corporate economists look at consumer demand and sales to help businesses foresee how the economy will affect their profits. Economists also work for international organizations, research firms and think tanks in both the public and private sector.¹

Is economics a good major for the future?

In October 2019, Business Insider, the largest business news site on the web, reported on the future of economics.⁴ It said the majority of the world's top economists agree on the vital role economics will continue to play in solving the world's biggest issues. It also identified 4 trends most likely to affect the field of economics, including:

Greater opportunities for women, with a focus on mentoring and diversity to provide more role models for the next generation of economists
Greater reliance on big data and analytics, with more economists than ever working in the private sector, particularly in e-commerce and other B2C markets
Economics as a peacekeeping tool, using trust as one of the tools of economic analysis to help resolve global conflicts
Driving progress in healthcare, for example the role that technology plays in disease management and the economic forces that make it more affordable

In her book "The Economics of Enough," British economist Diane Coyle discusses a wide range of issues destined to shape the future of economics, including debt, climate change and the demographic challenges of an aging population.⁵

Are economists in demand?

The BLS forecasts 8% job growth for economists through 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.² Economists with a master’s degree or PhD, strong analytical skills and experience using statistical analysis software have the best job prospects.

"Having analytical capabilities and understanding big data analysis is a strong selling point, especially with the way our economy operates and in today's job market," said Sutton Puglia, a government economist and an adjunct instructor at Southern New Hampshire University. "Economics gives you those skills that you can take and develop in any field."

The BLS cites two factors for the high demand:

Organizations in every major sector use economic analysis and quantitative methods to analyze and forecast business, sales and other economic trends.
The global economy and financial regulations have grown in complexity, while the business environment has become more competitive.

How much does a master's in economics cost?

Several factors can affect cost, including tuition and fees, time to completion, financial aid and whether you study online or on campus. The price tag for online programs is typically less than on campus programs, partly because online programs eliminate costs like room and board.

At $627 per credit hour, Southern New Hampshire University’s 36-credit online master's in applied economics is one of the nation’s most affordable. The university offers a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members as well as the spouses of those on active duty.

Do you need a master's for a career in economics?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that most economist jobs require either a graduate or post-graduate degree. Further, many positions in business, research or international organizations promote an advanced degree plus work experience. Coursework in statistical analysis software can be particularly helpful.¹

While bachelor’s degree candidates may qualify for entry-level positions, they may need an advanced degree for career advancement.

Which is better, an MBA or a master's in economics?

It’s a matter of choosing a general degree over a specialized one, and your career interests have everything to do with it. To help prospective graduate students sort out the differences, U.S. News & World Report asked business school experts to weigh in.⁶

The consensus: An MBA, online or on campus, builds broad-based business skills with select coursework in economics. A specialized economics degree is for those who want deep expertise in a specific area, such as game theory or statistical analysis.

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.

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References

Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm (viewed June 10, 2020)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm (viewed March 10, 2020)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (viewed March 10, 2020)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed March 10, 2020)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (viewed March 10, 2020)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm (viewed March 10, 2020)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm (viewed March 10, 2020)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm (viewed March 7, 2020)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

² According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.

³ American Economic Association, on the internet, at: https://www.aeaweb.org/resources/students/what-is-economics (viewed March 6, 2020).

⁴ Business Insider, on the internet, at: https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/the-future-of-economics-will-look-like-this-2019-10 (viewed March 6, 2020).

⁵ The Library of Economics and Liberty, on the internet, at: https://www.econtalk.org/coyle-on-the-economics-of-enough/ (viewed March 6, 2020).

⁶ U.S. News & World Report, on the internet, at: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/2013/04/25/decide-between-an-mba-and-ms-at-business-school (viewed March 7, 2020).

Online Master's in Economics Applied Economics Program