Purchasing power. Consumer behavior. Local economies. Global markets. Pricing indices. Strategic decisions in business require both having an understanding of and being able to navigate economic elements necessary to keep business operations running smoothly. Whether you are interested in a satisfying career in banking, finance, or government, you will need relevant training in modern economics to become competitive in today’s job market and become a leader in tomorrow’s global world of business.
There are several education options to prepare for a career in economics. Some students choose to pursue a Master’s of Arts in Economics. This degree offers a basic education for job availability within the private and public sectors. Graduates with an MA in Economics may consider going on to achieving a Ph.D. in the future. Another option is the Master’s of Science in Economics & Computation. The MS degree includes computer science applications and is best suited for tech students interested in big data and the modern landscape of digital business.
One of today’s most popular graduate degrees in economics is the MBA with an emphasis in Economics. This general business degree gives its graduates a solid foundation in accounting, marketing, economics, and leadership and can best prepare them for a broader spectrum of future management career opportunities. An online MBA is an excellent way to pursue this degree as it gives the working professional the advantage of staying employed and not moving to complete a graduate program. Some of the nation’s best business schools now offer online Economics MBAs with specialization courses focused on economics with a vast array of components that make it easy for students to find a program that is right for them.
We have assembled a ranking of the nation’s top online Economics MBAs. These degrees feature a plethora of tuition rates, accreditations, and program lengths but each one has been built to prepare you for success in business leadership.
Methodology
When ranking the top online MBA programs from around the country, MBA Central always has a commitment to find programs full of value. To rank the top online Economics MBA programs, we took into account Affordability (33%), Support Services (33%), and Quality of Classes (33%). With considering the quality, affordability, and the commitment each school has to support distance students, this ranking can help prospective students find programs suited to their current needs and future goals.
Each school is given an Affordability Score. By considering the tuition of all the online MBA programs in the country, each school is categorized from Very Affordable to Very Expensive. Ranges are as follows:
Very Affordable: under $15,000
Affordable: between $15,000 and $20,000
Average: between $20,000 and $30,000
Above Average: between $30,000 and $50,000
Expensive: between $50,000 and $100,000
Very Expensive: above $100,000
#1 Ball State University Miller College of Business – Muncie, Indiana
An online MBA with a concentration in Health Economics, Policy, and Administration is provided by the Miller College of Business at Ball State University. This distance degree offers an incredible curriculum at a very affordable tuition rate. |
This online MBA in Health Economics, Policy, and Administration is one among many of the excellent programs offered at Ball State University. Ball State started as Indiana State Normal School in 1918 and prepared future public school teachers for a career in education. The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits the school. A student body over 22,500 students currently seeks out degrees from associate through doctoral levels at Ball State. Ball State students can complete MBA courses online, on campus, or both in a hybrid experience.
Accreditation: AACSB, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Very Affordable
#2 Mercer University Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics – Macon, Georgia
Mercer University provides an online MBA with an Economics specialization at the Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics. Students looking for a high-quality distance education will not want to pass on this 36-credit hour program. |
Mercer’s Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics holds an AACSB business accreditation while the university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Mercer University is named after Baptist leader, Jesse Mercer, who served as the school’s first chairman and was responsible for giving a substantial endowment for the school. Mercer University’s online MBA with an Economics emphasis is priced at under $30,000 in total tuition making it an excellent value. Mercer has a main campus in Macon, Georgia.
Accreditation: AACSB, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Average
#3 Wright State University Raj Soin College of Business – Dayton, Ohio
Wright State University’s Raj Soin College of Business delivers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a Business Economics specialization. This 33-credit hour program provides excellent online-specific flexibility, accessibility and support measures for online students. |
In 1964, there was a joint effort between Ohio State University and Miami University to offer higher education in the area. The Ohio General Assembly granted the school its independence in 1967, and today Wright State is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Supply Chain Management, Marketing Strategy, Developing and Implementing Competitive Strategies, International Business Management: Operations and Environments, and Leadership and Ethics are just some of the high-powered courses provided within this degree. This online MBA with a Business Economics focus also includes a short-term study abroad opportunity.
Accreditation: AACSB, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average
#4 Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Business – Commerce, Texas
An online MBA with an emphasis in Economics is offered by the College of Business at Texas A&M University-Commerce. An affordable tuition rate and top-notch AACSB accreditation makes this online MBA a real stand-out. |
Texas A&M University-Commerce is stationed in the small town of Commerce, Texas, just outside the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The university got its start as a small normal school named East Texas Normal College. The school’s original purpose was to educate women for careers as public-school teachers in Texas. After years of growth and academic development, the school was renamed East Texas State College. In the mid-’90s the school joined the Texas A&M University System. Texas A&M University-Commerce is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Accreditation: AACSB, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Affordable
#5 Removed by Editor
#6 Southern Illinois University Carbondale College of Business – Carbondale, Illinois
Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Business houses an online MBA with a focus in Agribusiness Economics. This 43-credit hour program is a must for the distance learner seeking a flexible program in this unique sector. |
This excellent online program is just one of the high-quality degrees offered at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The school’s main campus is situated in Carbondale, Illinois and currently maintains a student body of over 14,000 students. Degrees offered at the school range a myriad of topics and are available from the associate’s to doctoral levels, and SIUC holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. The College of Business at the university retains an 80% acceptance rate among program candidates. Agricultural Economics-intensive courses within the program include Problems and Policies of the Agricultural Sector, Resource Allocation in the Agribusiness Firm, Agribusiness Economics Research Methodology, and Agricultural Development.
Accreditation: AACSB, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Above Average
#7 North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management – Chicago, Illinois
North Park University houses an online MBA with an Economic certificate within their School of Business and Nonprofit Management. Students benefit from this program’s excellent support services and high quality curriculum. |
The School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University provides an online MBA with a certificate in Economics. Other certificates offered at North Park include Finance, Operations Management, Fundraising Management, Organizational Development, Healthcare Management, Nonprofit Management, Marketing Management, Nonprofit Governance, and Nonprofit Finance. This 18-course, 36-hour program delivers an excellent curriculum at an above average tuition rate between $30,000 and $50,000. Ten hours of this online MBA consist of Economics-intensive courses like Microeconomics for Managers, Industry and Competitive Analysis, Global Macroeconomics for Managers, Econometrics, and Multi-Sector Convergence and Social Responsibility. Excellent accolades the business school has received lately is a ranking by U.S. News & World Report as one of the very best online business schools for support services and a spot at #136 as the best online MBA in the country. The IACBE accredits the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.
Marketing Analysis and Consumer Behavior, Organizational Behavior and Ethics, Multi-Sector Convergence and Social Responsibility, Strategy for Competitive Advantage, and Financial Decision Making are some of the core courses within the online MBA provided by North Park University. Chicago, Illinois is the location of North park’s main campus. This private, nonprofit university offers bachelor’s master’s, and doctoral degrees to an intimate student body under 3,000. North Park was established by Swedish immigrants in 1891 and maintains a religious affiliation with the Evangelical Covenant Church. The university’s online MBA in Economics is divided between five elective courses and thirteen core courses. The base of knowledge that drives this degree is the foundation of topics in economics, strategic management, finance, and organizational behavior.
Accreditation: IACBE, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Above Average
#8 Murray State University Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business – Murray, Kentucky
Murray State University provides an online MBA with an Economic Development emphasis in theirArthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business. The program combines the excellent accreditation through the AACSB and an affordable tuition. |
The online MBA with an Economic Development emphasis is just one of the excellent programs delivered at Murray State University. The university is found in Murray, Kentucky and houses degrees for associate through doctoral students. Like many of today’s modern universities throughout the country, Murray State was established as a normal school to train students for careers as teachers. It opened its doors in 1922. Today, the University operates as a four-year public university and features Navy blue and gold as its colors.
Accreditation: AACSB, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Affordable
#9 Bellevue University College of Business – Bellevue, Nebraska
An online MBA with a Global Economic Threat Environment focus is found at Bellevue University’s College of Business. This highly accredited program features a 100% online format. |
The College of Business at Bellevue University receives its business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education while the university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Bellevue is one of the top schools in the state of Nebraska, offering programs to over 8,600 students taking courses from the undergraduate to doctoral levels. The university was found in 1966 with a primary focus of educating working adults in the state. Most of Bellevue’s students are 25 years of age and older.
Accreditation: IACBE, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average
#10 Gardner-Webb University Graduate School of Business – Boiling Springs, North Carolina
An online MBA with an Economics certificate can be pursued at Gardner-Webb University’s Graduate School of Business. The 30-credit hour program at the business school is backed by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. |
This online MBA with a certificate in Economics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs while Gardner-Webb University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Gardner-Webb dates back to 1905 when it first opened its doors as Boiling Springs High School. The school was a joint effort between Kings Mountain Baptist Association and Sandy Run Baptist Association. Over 3,800 students are currently enrolled at Gardner-Webb University. One exciting feature of the university’s online MBA is the Master’s Plus which allows qualifying students to teach college-level courses in their field of study after graduating.
Accreditation: ACBSP, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Average
#11 Southern New Hampshire University School of Business – Manchester, New Hampshire
An online MBA with an Economics focus is provided by Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Business. The ACBSP accredits this amazing 36-credit hour distance program. |
A.B. Shapiro and Gertrude Crockett Shapiro established Southern New Hampshire University in 1932. Today, the school maintains a campus in Manchester, New Hampshire. Over 90,000 students are enrolled at SNHU, seeking degrees from the associate through doctoral levels. The University receives its regional accreditation through the New England Commission of Higher Education, and it is one of the most highly respected universities in the state of New Hampshire. Mathematics and Statistics for Economics, Macroeconomics Theory and Analysis, and Microeconomics Theory and Analysis are the three courses associated with the school’s online MBA with a focus in Economics.
Accreditation: ACBSP, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Average
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#13 Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
An online MBA with a concentration in Economics is found in Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. This prestigious program offers a high-quality 100% online curriculum designed by industry-leading educators. |
Candidates for this program need to submit a completed application form with an application fee, a letter of recommendation, a current resume, one essay, GMAT score, and transcripts into the admissions office to initiate the acceptance process. Students within this program meet for online classes two evenings each week, are given prerecorded lectures and course material to work through at the student’s convenience and are required to meet on the school’s campus for several access weekends each year. The access weekends allow students to network with instructors and other students. The online MBA is just one of the high-quality programs delivered from this prestigious university. Carnegie Mellon is a private, nonprofit university featuring a campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Online students visiting during access weekends will find a campus at the heart of a city steeped in American history and vibrant culture. Nearly 13,900 students attend classes there, both on the campus and online through distance education.
Accreditation: AACSB, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Affordability Score: Very Expensive
#14 Endicott College Van Loan School – Beverly, Massachusetts
Endicott College’s Van Loan School features an online MBA with an emphasis in Maritime Economics. A seasoned staff of educators delivers this 42-credit hour program. |
The Van Loan School at Endicott College provides an online Master’s of Business Administration programs with a concentration in Maritime Economics. Other exciting specializations associated with this MBA include Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Finance, Healthcare, General Management, Hospitality/Hotel Management Health Informatics, Information Technology Management, International Business, Project Management, and Operations Management. With a total tuition fee of less than $50,000, this 42-credit hour program is above average when compared to other online MBAs across the country. The business school’s objectives for this program include a student’s being proficient in articulating leadership theory into professional business application throughout a gamut of professional environments. Graduates should also be able to apply components like market research, organization evaluations, analysis, and recommendations for decision making which will have a positive impact on current management issues, including ethical, cross-cultural, and global awareness. Concentration courses included in this Maritime Economics program are Waterfront Planning, Ocean Sciences, Port and Shipping Operation.
The New England Commission of Higher Education regionally accredits Endicott College. Endicott exists today as a private, four-year nonprofit college maintaining a student body of 4,795. Degrees available include a wide range of majors at the associate through doctoral levels. Beverly, Massachusetts is the site for the school’s main campus. The school began as a two-year institution called Endicott Junior College in 1939. The school’s original goals included offering a high-quality education for women, which would result in their joining the American workforce as able and independent professionals. Attractive attributes of Endicott’s online MBA include fourteen areas of specialization, no GMAT requirements during the admissions process, and personal advising from a capable staff of educators.
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average
#15 Bentley University McCallum Graduate School of Business – Waltham, Massachusetts
A part-time online MBA with a concentration in Economics of Financial Markets is offered in Bentley University’s McCallum Graduate School of Business. This high-quality program features 36-credit hours of high-powered education. |
The McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University features a part-time online MBA with a concentration in Economics of Financial Markets. This excellent degree is expensive in tuition fees compared to other online MBA degrees, but the high-quality curriculum and business school’s prestigious accreditation through the AACSB are true assets for a distance learner. The business school’s admissions office require a completed application with fee, transcripts, two essays, a resume, and an interview. There is a GMAT/GRE waiver for qualifying applicants with the proper academic performance. The 15-credit hours of foundational coursework can be waived by students with a business education background. Strategic IT Alignment, Leading Responsibly, Business Process Management, Global Strategy, Law, Ethics and Social Responsibility, Designing for the Value Chain and Corporate Immersion are some of the core courses attached to this online MBA with an Economics of Financial Markets focus. This degree will sharpen a student’s skills in organizational analysis, business process management, business strategy, and strategic resource alignment.
This online MBA with an Economics of Financial Markets is just one of the top-shelf degrees offered at Bentley University. Bentley was founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance by Harry C. Bentley. Today, this private, four-year nonprofit university is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and oversees a student body of 5,543. Associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees are all offered at Bentley. The Economics of Financial Markets-specific courses offered at the university include International Financial Management, Management of Financial Institutions, Investments, Economics of Globalization, Market Structure & Firm Strategy, and Business and Economic Forecasting.
Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Expensive
What kind of jobs can you get with a bachelor’s in economics?
While the job title of an economist is respected in the world of business and finance, some college graduates may want to consider positions available to professionals who have only completed a bachelor’s degree in economics. There are several good reasons for this. First off, some students feel more comfortable in the workplace earning a living compared to being a full-time student. Some undergrads would prefer to get their feet wet in business and then consider working on a higher-level degree once they attain some on-the-job experience.
Because so many different types of organizations depend on financial and asset management, graduates of economics degrees can take their careers in many different directions. Banks, real estate offices, government institutions, insurance agencies, and nonprofits all benefit from well-trained employees with economics knowledge. One example of a smart career choice for an undergraduate degree holder in economics is in accounting. While some companies may have requirements that accountants need to hold higher degrees, it is not uncommon for entry-level positions to be made available to those with undergraduate degrees. An entry-level job can also be a good start to taking the CPA exam and leveraging any internship experience to procure a position.
It is common for bachelor’s degree holders to land jobs like mortgage loan associates, market research analysts, and insurance underwriters immediately after finishing their degrees. These professions call for different responsibilities, yet each can benefit from the education an economics degree provides.
What kind of jobs can you get with a master’s in economics?
An undergraduate degree in economics can be a great springboard for a career. Different types of organizations have entry-level positions which allow professionals to move right into a paying position after graduating or perhaps completing internships. An issue with this scenario is that these employees may quickly realize they do not qualify for the more lucrative jobs in mid to upper management. To excel in the top areas of economics, a degree like the master’s of business administration in economics may need to be considered.
The MBA is a well-balanced program which provides graduate students with a general business leadership degree which typically rests on the pillars of marketing, accounting, economics, finance, and leadership. Much has been written about the effectiveness of an MBA degree. This degree pairs sound business theory with relevant case studies to best prepare its graduates for the many demands of problem-solving and decision-making associated with business management. One of the best ways to pursue this degree is by looking into the online Economics MBA. A distance degree allows the graduate students to enter into the very best programs delivered across the country in the comfort of their own homes.
Some of the most popular positions available to holders of master’s in economics include economists, financial managers, and management consultants. Economists are hired by government agencies and private corporations, and their job responsibilities can include analyzing the production and distribution of goods, resources, or services by factoring trends and data against current economic realities.
Financial managers are responsible for the oversight of an organization’s overall financial health. With the advent of modern technology, today’s financial managers spend more time analyzing data and advising senior leadership on strategies to maximize profits. One can expect most positions like these which require upper-level degrees to demand high annual salaries and compensation packages.
How much do economists make?
The work of an economist is often an individual endeavor of analyzing production and distribution data to ensure an organization remains at peak performance. This work sometimes requires a team of analysts responsible for overseeing certain areas within an organization which may be responsible for multiple levels of business. The work of the economist is usually predictable, yet there may be positions and times within a fiscal calendar which require the economist to work to meet deadlines.
Economists typically have attained a graduate degree like an online master’s of business administration with an economic concentration or even a Ph.D. As the work of the economist plays an integral role in an organization’s success and development, it is no wonder that economists typically earn lucrative salaries or the duties they perform.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by economists in the U.S. exceeds $100,000 a year. Some of the top industries for economists include the fields of scientific research and development, positions within the Federal government, and roles in finance and insurance.
What will an Economics MBA cover?
A master’s of business administration in economics is an excellent degree to pursue when considering a career in financial management. The curriculum for an MBA will typically consist of a foundation in accounting, management, economics, and finance. The goal of many business schools offering this degree is to equip students with the ability to understand the concepts of modern business management, navigate high-level decision making, and use analytical thinking to solve problems.
An MBA in economics will be divided between core courses and economics-intensive courses that are usually provided once the core courses are completed. Concentration courses are designed to go deeper into the facets of economic analytics, principles, and research. The MBA will sharpen a student’s critical thinking, verbal, and writing skills. One of the best ways to pursue this degree is through an online format as it so often includes a flexible format and requires less sacrificing of time and travel than its on-campus counterpart.