Master the Art and Science of the Economy with a Master’s in Economics
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's degree in economics may be for you.
Economics Master's Degree Benefits:
- Median annual salary of $102,490 for economists*
- 6% projected job growth for economists through 2026*
- Designed to be completed as fast as 15 months
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year - complete your degree at your own pace
- 24/7 online accessibility - attend class when and where it's convenient
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. The Southern New Hampshire University online Master of Science in Applied Economics will show you how, in this 36-credit applied economics degree.
See Yourself Succeed with an MS in Applied Economics
To paraphrase distinguished economist David Colander, economics is the interconnectedness of the political and sociological dimensions of a problem. Through observation and empirical exploration come informed answers. In other words, economics is not always a precise science. As an SNHU Master’s in Applied Economics candidate, you will acquire both the interpretive and scientific skills needed to become an expert decision-maker and thought leader in your chosen profession.
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.
More specifically, students will acquire critical skills in:
- 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
As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission – to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of earning your master’s in applied economics at SNHU include:
- Affordability. Take advantage of some of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation
- Convenience. Attend class when it’s convenient for you – online education means 24/7 access
- Efficiency and flexibility. Complete your graduate degree at your own pace, over five 10-week terms per year
- Expert instruction. Learn from instructors with relevant, real-world experience
- Networking. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni for internship and career opportunities
- Student support. Count on the ongoing support of dedicated academic and career advisors specialized in your area of study
Admission Requirements
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. To apply, simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options. Your counselor can also walk you through the application process, which involves completing a graduate application ($40 fee) and providing undergraduate transcripts.
Career Outlook
Economists work in banking, real estate, marketing, data management, nonprofits, think tanks and many other facets of the private and public sectors. Government economists work in agriculture, labor, transportation, utilities, urban economics and international trade, among others. At the federal level, opportunities exist with such agencies as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fannie Mae, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Projected job growth for economists is 6% through 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which noted in 2016 that those with a master's degree can expect the best prospects and a median annual salary of $101,050.*
Curriculum
The faculty team for SNHU’s online master’s in economics is replete with expert economists who bring 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.
They will inspire you to:
- Communicate economic principles, problems, findings and risk in effective verbal, written, visual and graphical formats
- Integrate appropriate economic theories and principles into the analysis of real-world organizational, social and political issues
- Design and execute sound research studies that effectively and appropriately incorporate quantitative data analysis, econometrics, and other key economic tools and methods
- Incorporate accuracy, precision and ethical decision-making into the analysis and reporting of economic data
- Evaluate the impact of a wide variety of internal and external influences on personal, professional and governmental decision-making
Courses May Include
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Total Credits: 36
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Program Outcomes
- Communicate economic principles, problems, findings, and risk in effective verbal, written, visual and graphical formats
- Integrate appropriate economic theories and principles into the analysis of real-world organizational, social, and political issues
- Design and execute sound research studies that effectively and appropriately incorporate quantitative data analysis, econometrics and other key economic tools and methods
- Incorporate accuracy, precision, and ethical decision-making into the analysis and reporting of economic data
- Evaluate the impact of a wide variety of internal and external influences on personal, professional, and governmental decision-making
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.
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Online Graduate Programs
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Per Course*
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Per Credit Hour*
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Degree/Certificates
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$1,881 |
$627 |
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)
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$1,410 |
$470 |
*Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed Annually.
Additional Costs:
$40 Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education as well as several other accrediting bodies. More...
This program is not currently accredited by ACBSP. It may be ACBSP accredited when it is eligible. Consumer information is available on the College Navigator.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Economists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm (visited July 10, 2018). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.