A Master’s degree in Economics can prepare you for careers in government, research, as well as business. Some graduates from this program choose to enroll in a Ph.D program after graduation. Enrolling in an online program means you don’t have to choose between working in your current job and completing coursework to help you land your next one. We selected accredited programs based on depth of program offerings and flexibility for the online learner.
#1 University of North Dakota
Executive Summary
The University of North Dakota was founded in 1883 and is one of the top 100 doctoral research universities in the U.S. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Resident students pay $313.78 per credit hour, and non-resident students pay $747.42 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The MS in Applied Economics online program includes a combination of coursework and independent research. Students gain the skills required to understand economic theory, collect and analyze data, and communicate their findings to others.
#2 Purdue University
Executive Summary
Purdue University has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top graduate schools. It was founded in 1869 and was named after the famous industrialist John Purdue.
Tuition
Indiana residents pay $11,158.00 per semester, and non-residents pay $21,041.00 per semester to attend Purdue.
Unique Features
The MS in Economics is a two-year program taught by instructors from the full-time faculty at the Department of Economics.
Concentrations
Applied Economics/Business
Advanced Theory
#3 The Johns Hopkins University
Executive Summary
The Johns Hopkins University opened its doors in 1876 and is known as a world leader in research and teaching.
Tuition
Tuition is set at $$3,425.00 per course.
Unique Features
The MS in Applied Economics is a hybrid program. Students take some classes in the evening at the Washington, D.C. center of the University and complete the balance of the program online. New students can begin their program in the Fall, Spring or Summer semester.
#4 Georgia Southern University
Executive Summary
Georgia Southern University has been recognized as one of the best graduate schools in America by U.S. New & World Report.
Tuition
In-state students pay $270.00 per credit hour, and out-of-state students are charged $1,077.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The MS in Applied Economics online degree is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The average class sized is between eight and 15 students.
#5 Northeastern University
Executive Summary
Northeastern University is a private research university that was founded in 1898. The Princeton Review has ranked it as No. 1 in America Career Placement for the third year in a row. Eighty-seven percent of 2011 graduates who are working full-time are doing work related to their major.
Tuition
Graduate students pay $589.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The Master of Science in Commerce and Economic Development includes courses examining how statistics and measurement, macroeconomics, and economic development. Students complete a capstone project as one of the requirements for graduation.
#6 Southern New Hampshire University
Executive Summary
SNHU was founded in 1932. The University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition
Grad students pay $627.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The MS in Community Economic Development is the oldest program of its type in America. This 36-credit-hour program is designed for working adults with at least two years of professional experience.
#7 State University of New York
Executive Summary
SUNY’s Empire State College has been offering degree programs since 1971. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Most of its students are working adults.
Tuition
New York State residents pay $390.00 per credit hour. Out-of-state learners are charged $546.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Required courses for the MA in Community and Economic Development degree program include ones focusing on policy process, research methodology, ethics and community leadership, and principles of economic development.
#8 University of Oklahoma
Executive Summary
The University of Oklahoma was created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890. The University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Tuition
State residents pay $324.44 per credit hour. Tuition for out-of-state students is $802.15 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The MA in Economics online program can be completed in 17 months. The 32-credit hour program focuses on managerial and applied economics for private and public sector business.
#9 University of Detroit Mercy
Executive Summary
UDM is the oldest and largest Catholic university in Michigan. It has been offering degree programs for over 125 years. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Tuition is $725.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Applicants must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate studies. MA in Economics courses are offered in 14-week formats.
#10 Must University
Executive Summary
Must University is the largest online university in the world. It offers more than 1,100 degree programs in 71 majors.
Tuition
The cost of the program is $12,000.00
Unique Features
The Master’s degree in Economics can be completed in less than one year. The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Organization.
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