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Getting Your Degree in Economics

Getting Your Degree in Economics

According to George Mason University, economics is the study of economies large and small.

"When you graduate with an economics degree, you will have a good understanding of the national economy and will be able to think critically about problems in the business world. You will also have good communication skills and skills in manipulating data and using computer technology. Thus you will be prepared for many careers."

Thos who study economics prepare for a career in the business world. According to the George Mason University official site, "Many large corporations value the broad analytical training received by economics majors. Economics majors have also generally studied demand theory and estimation, production and cost theory, analysis of market structure, antitrust policy, government regulation of business, capital budgeting" and related topics.

Ever wondered about what causes a recession? How inflation starts? What makes currency values fluctuate? If so, the field of economics could be the right direction as a field of study to go into. 

Economics can help us answer those types of questions and more. The field is the study of how societies and markets distribute resources, including raw materials, land, human labor, and capital, to create goods and services. Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole, and microeconomics is the study of individual decisions. 

GI BIll and Yellow Ribbon Program options to Earn a Degree in Economics

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

There is also help for military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid. Military spouses looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with Economics degree programs.
Those who pursue a career in economics can be employed by the government, investment firms, banks, non-profits, and large corporations. They will work to collect data, analyze that data, create reports, and more. 

Many jobs in this field do require at least a master’s in economics, but you can still find jobs by pursuing an associate’s in economics, or a bachelor’s. You can also go on to get your Ph.D. in economics. 

Students in this field will need to be strong in math, and analytical skills as well as having strong computer skills, and an eye for technology. 

Associate’s Degree in Economics

Getting your associate’s degree in economics would introduce you to the field of economics. Getting your associate’s degree should take you around two years, depending on if you attend full or part-time.

You would take courses in subjects such as applied economics and finance and many of your general education classes.

Also, you can get your associate’s degree in economics at a community or junior college and can attend in person or online, depending on what would work best for you.

After you earn your associate’s degree, you can get your bachelor’s or find a job as a financial clerk, insurance account manager, or customer service representative.

Bachelor’s Degree in Economics

Getting your bachelor’s degree in economics will open up more doors than an associate’s degree would. A bachelor’s degree in economics should take four years and you should be able to attend either online or in-person, depending on what would work best for you.

Those studying economics at this level would study subjects such as supply and demand, financial markets, economic policy, and international trade. You would take classes such as consumer economics, money and banking, and urban economics.

For in-person programs, Florida International University, The University of Utah, and Oregon State University all have highly rated programs. For online programs, Washington State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Oregon State University all have highly rated programs.

Jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics

Master’s Degree in Economics

If you want to go even further in your career in economics, getting your master’s degree would be the next step. Within a master’s program, you must decide on a specific concentration, such as applied economics, economic history, or health economics.

Most master’s programs will take around two years to complete depending on if you attend full or part-time and you should be able to attend online or in-person.

For in-person programs, Stanford University, The University of Texas at Austin, and The Georgia Institute of Technology all have highly rated programs. For online programs, Purdue University, American University, and Georgia Southern University all have highly rated programs.

Jobs you can get with a Master’s Degree in Economics

Doctorate Degrees in Economics

To go even further in the economics field, you will need to get your Ph.D.in economics. This would allow you to find jobs such as an economist, who will research and interpret trends that are related to goods, services, and resources, or to go into postsecondary education where you would teach on economics, and possibly conduct economic research.

The University of Arizona, Binghamton University, and The University of California at Davis all have highly rated Ph.D. in economics programs.

Related Majors

Scholarships for Those Seeking Degrees in Economics

Getting your degree in economics means you can apply for certain scholarships that specialize in economics or similar degrees. Here are a couple of them:

Mid-Atlantic STA Foundation

This scholarship is for high school seniors who have participated in the Stock Market game in MD or VA or sophomores or juniors who are majoring in business, finance, or economics at a college or university in MD, VA, or Washington DC. Two $2,000 scholarships will be given out to high school students, and two $5,000 scholarships will be given out to college students. For more info, please go here.

Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Daughters of the American Revolution and is for two college juniors or seniors who are enrolled in an accredited college or university in the US. They must be pursuing a major in political science, history, government, or economics. For more info, please go here.

 


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VA-Approved Online Schools Offering Degrees in Economics

The New School (New York, NY)

Their campus is in New York, NY, but they also offer many online options. The New School offers Bachelors and Masters degrees in Economics.

 

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