Investing in your education is a great way to ensure that you have all of the tools and resources you need for a successful career in economics. Earning an economics degree not only allows you to invest in yourself but also gives you an opportunity to become a valuable asset to a company that needs a dedicated employee. High grades and achievements you earn in class will make the investment you put into your education that much more valuable. A financial investment in any economics degree program will be increased exponentially by the amount of effort you put into your classes.
With an accelerated economics degree, you will be able to earn back the amount of money you invested in your education several times over, and do it much more quickly than a conventional degree. Getting out into your career more quickly means building your experience and increasing your earning power. As the years go by, the experience you earn also plays a role in how to calculate the value of your education.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Accelerated Economics Degree Programs
In ranking the best economics bachelor degree accelerated online programs, Great Business Schools didn’t just focus on speed – that’s just the first step. After researching a pool of programs that allow students to complete their courses in an accelerated format, GBS editors rank them according to data from IPEDS and Niche: cost, potential salary, and student satisfaction.
1. Florida International University
The online BA in Economics from Florida International University is an accelerated economics degree that gives students a thorough understanding of economic institutions and problems. The program provides students with the analytical skills they need to apply their knowledge to the economic problems they will face in the real world. Students who strive for a career in government, business, or international agencies will benefit from this program. It also provides a strong foundation for students who plan to pursue a graduate degree in economics, law, business, public administration, international relations, or urban studies.
Florida International University is a top 50 public research university. The school spends more than $200 million annually on research. FIU is a driver of innovation, ranking 15th in the US for the production of patents. The school is committed to providing real opportunities for students.
Highlight FIU has awarded more than 330,000 degrees and is a leader in higher education in the state of Florida.
Degree Economics, BA
2. Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University offers an online BBA with an emphasis in applied economics and finance. This economics bachelor degree accelerated online program allows the student to major in business administration while gaining more concentrated knowledge in the area of economics. The program is designed for students who are curious about the global, national, or local economy and for those who wonder why wealth is so unequally distributed. These are questions that economists study, and students in the program will work toward finding the answers.
The Eastern New Mexico University College of Business has a diverse and highly-skilled faculty with experience in the business world as well as strong academic backgrounds. The school boasts the second-lowest tuition in the state and it is one of the most affordable business schools in the nation.
Highlight This program is available 100% online.
Degree Applied Economics and Finance, BBA
3. North Carolina A&T State University
The BS in Economics from North Carolina A&T State University is an online accelerated economics degree that gives students a strong foundation in analytical and criticial thinking, analyzing data, and modeling of companies, individuals, and markets. The program has some flexibility in that students can choose ten electives. Students can use these electives to complete a concentration or to customize the degree to meet their needs. Graduates will be ready for employment in government agencies, public corporations, and nonprofit organizations as well as being prepared for graduate programs.
At North Carolina A&T State University, there is no line between the physical campus and the online courses. Both provide the same excellent educational programs and share the same exceptional faculty. Online programs are designed to handle the needs of working students and the challenges of remote learning.
Highlight There are eight specializations available in the BS in Economics program.
Degree Economics, BS
4. University of Maine
The University of Maine offers a BA in Economics. This economics bachelor degree accelerated online program studies how societies and individuals manage their resources. The program is 100% online and helps students develop strong critical thinking skills to make sense of the world around them. Classes are small, so students get the personal attention they need to succeed. Research experiences are available and students are encouraged to participate. Students who complete the program work in business, economics, public administration, law, public policy, and other areas.
The University of Maine offers more than 100 degree programs at an affordable price. The school helps students achieve success through its many programs and opportunities. The University of Maine has outstanding faculty members and facilities and is known for its research. The school emphasizes research-based knowledge and offers an innovative educational experience.
Highlight Students have access to advisors for the support they need at any stage of the program.
Degree Economics, BA
5. East Tennessee State University
The BA in Economics at East Tennessee State University is an accelerated economics degree that prepares students for success in a competitive world. The program is a non-business bachelor’s degree program that focuses on economics rather than business. Students learn about foreign languages, geo-politics, and business in order to prepare for a variety of career options in government and public corporations. The department has established ties with universities in Europe and offers opportunities for studying abroad.
East Tennessee State University’s Department of Economics and Finance gives students the skills they need to succeed in the competitive job market. Students develop problem-solving skills and learn to use their critical thinking skills to analyze the economic issues that affect society and businesses. The school’s graduates are actively recruited by top corporations.
Highlight There is a concentration available in international commerce for students who desire an international career.
Degree Economics, BA
6. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an online BS in Economics with a concentration in liberal arts. This economics bachelor degree accelerated online program is offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and covers the same curriculum as the economics major offered by the W.P. Carey School of Business. The difference is in the electives. The liberal arts program gives students more flexibility to customize the degree to meet their needs. Students can opt to take urban planning or political science classes to round out their education, for example.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University delivers excellence in education and encourages interdisciplinary studies. The school offers a range of programs in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Highlight ASU prides itself on its diversity and offers opportunities for learning in many fields, such as global studies, history, medicinal chemistry, and even space exploration.
Degree Economics, BS
7. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers an online BBA with an emphasis in international business and economics. This accelerated economics degree provides students with a solid foundation in finance, economics, management, accounting, and marketing. The program allows students to focus on the global aspects of various markets and learn about best practices in international business. Students will enhance their knowledge and understanding of customs, cultures, politics, geography, and languages.
The Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting at Fort Hays State University offers in-demand degrees in finance, accounting, and international business and economics. The school provides rigorous on-campus and online programs that prepare students for demanding jobs. Students take a variety of courses that give them the skills they need to be competitive in the job market. Fort Hays is committed to seeing its students reach their full potential.
Highlight There are internship opportunities available as part of the international business and economics major.
Degree International Business and Economics, BBA
8. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in economics. This economics bachelor degree accelerated online program can be completed on its own, or students may choose to complete multiple concentrations, choosing from finance, entrepreneurship, management, international business, or marketing for the second concentration. Students gain a broad base of understanding in business and are prepared for further study if they choose to pursue a graduate degree. The program is available on-campus during the day and in the evenings and online anytime.
The School of Business at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke seeks to give students the opportunity to structure their education to fit their needs. The school works to prepare students for their future, whatever that future may hold. The Passport to Professional Success program helps students develop the soft skills they need to succeed in today’s business world.
Highlight UNC Pembroke is an official American Indian Serving Institution.
Degree Business Administration: Economics, BS
9. Utah State University
The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University offers a BS or BA in Economics. This accelerated economics degree teaches students to analyze the distribution, consumption, and production of goods and services so they can understand how the economy works. Expert faculty members provide insights on how businesses and other organizations can navigate the field of economics. This program provides research experience and gives students a solid foundation in economic theory. Graduates are ready to enter a variety of business careers or to pursue a graduate degree.
The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business creates outstanding leaders in public affairs and commerce. The school strives to spur the growth of the community and the whole world and to help students find meaning in their lives by contributing to society. Huntsman offers many options to help students achieve fulfillment and success in their personal and professional lives.
Highlight This program is 100% online.
Degree Economics, BS
10. West Texas A&M University
The Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business at West Texas A&M University offers a BBA in Economics with a specialization in law and economics. This economics bachelor degree accelerated online program provides students with the ability to analyze organizations and society from an economics standpoint. Students learn to understand how humans behave when dealing with scarce resources. The program teaches students to make decisions based on the cost-benefit and to apply their knowledge of research to analyze complex economic issues.
The Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business has been ranked highly in many areas by the Princeton Review, US News & World Report, and TFE Times. The school is AACSB accredited and offers programs in accounting, computer information systems, economics, finance, general business, management, and marketing.
Highlight The law and economics specialization is available 100% online.
Degree Economics, Law & Economics Specialization, BBA
What are the Advantages of an Accelerated Economics Degree?
An accelerated economics degree helps you complete your undergraduate and master’s degree at the same time. Typically, you can compete an economics bachelor’s degree accelerated online within five years.
Here are some of the advantages of finishing your bachelor’s and masters at the same time:
- Save time: Complete your master’s degree in 12 months. Many master’s programs take two years to complete.
- Save money: You can save money by paying one year of higher tuition for graduate courses. Normally economics master’s programs are at least two years long.
- Value: Get a valuable degree and finish graduate school one year later while the information is still fresh in your mind.
- Marketability: With a graduate degree, you pick up great skills that transfer to the job market. This includes research methods, communications, teamwork, and data analysis. Plus, you have the edge on your peers graduating with a bachelor’s degree only.
- Increase salary: Salaries For those holding a master’s degree are typically much higher than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
In an accelerated economics degree program, students enhance their education with graduate-level coursework. By finishing your master’s degree rate after your undergraduate degree, you can speed up the coursework and benefit from having a higher degree before you enter the job market.
Taking an economics bachelor degree accelerated online gives you even more flexibility. Earn your degree online after finishing your bachelor’s or take an accelerated program that allows you to complete your bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics in a shorter time frame.
Most universities and colleges require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to take advantage of the accelerated master’s program.
What if I Don’t Need a Full Bachelor’s Degree?
For those who already have an undergraduate degree, a full bachelor’s degree in economics might not be necessary. For those who still need the knowledge to move ahead in their careers, certificates in economics could be a great choice.
A graduate certificate in economics online combines business concepts with basic economic principles. It also gives you a lot of flexibility in how you complete your courses. This is a great option for parents or those working a full-time job. A certificate in economics online still provides credibility for those hoping to increase their job prospects. However, it doesn’t require taking a full roster of undergraduate courses to get the knowledge you seek in economics.
An online certificate in economics is more flexible than an on-campus graduate certificate in economics. Many of these programs share the same professors, regardless of how students pursue certificates in economics. A professional graduate certification can prefer you for a career change, allow you to change your specialization or help you feel more confident with economic theory for your current job. Today, online learner gives students more option than ever.
When elearners study for a graduate certificate in economics online, they learn economic fundamentals such as applications of macroeconomics and microeconomics to world events. An online graduate certificate in economics teaches students the scale, nature and organization of how business and commerce work. Studying economics show students how to analyze transaction cost in both external and internal markets. This can all be accomplished with a certificate in economics online.
An online certificate in economics deepens knowledge of financial markets, labor economics, strategy and competitiveness in the emerging markets. Below, learn more about the benefits of a graduate certificate in economics.
Will a Certification Help My Career?
A certification in economics can propel your career forward, especially in your undergraduate degree isn’t in economics. Economics certifications and affiliation with professional organizations show prospective employers your commitment to the field.
After completing an economic certification, consider joining a peer group such as the American Economic Association. Former leaders include the Janet Yellen and Ben Bernanke former Federal Reserve chairs and. The group has 20,000 members.
The National Association for Business Economics or NABE Is another professional association. Whereas the AEA targets academic members, the NABE has more business professionals.
Gaining an economics certification online can help you network with professors and other students who may already be working in the field.
A certification in economics can prepare students for careers in the following specializations:
- Regional/Utility
- Energy
- Financial
- Data/Statistics
- Health Economics
- International
- Policy
- Manufacturing/Industry
- Real Estate/Construction
- Transfer Pricing
- Transportation
- Small Business/Entrepreneurship
Economics certifications prepare students to delve deeply into the drives, outcomes and levers that control local, national and global markets. For those who want to meet people in the field, an on-campus economic certification might be the best choice. For those in remote areas, working students and learners with other commitments, an economics certification online could be the best decision for a work-life balance that makes learning more meaningful, and it can also help you qualify for a raise or promotion.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief