Best Online MBA Economics Programs

Whether you want to learn how global markets can be influenced, or how consumer behavior impacts local and global pricing, strategic decision making, or purchasing, an MBA in economics might be the right choice for you. 

There are plenty of jobs available in this growing field such as:

Featured Programs

• banking
• finance
• government
• nonprofit work

You could easily pursue a Master of Arts in Economics, offering basic training that will prepare you for business environments in the private and public sectors.  An economics MBA is a more well-rounded business degree that gives students a leg up on future management career opportunities. 

An online MBA in economics prepares students with the accounting, leadership, economics, marketing, and organizational management skills they need to obtain a top-level position. Some of the best business schools in the country offer fully online MBA programs. This allows students to take any number of specialty courses in economics as well as in other areas, so they can fully customize the degree.

Online MBA courses may include:

• Business management
• Corporate finance
• Managerial accounting
• Risk management and business strategy
• Business analytics
• Financial management
• Labor economics
• Health economic analysis
• Quantitative analysis

For those already working, an online education offers the utmost flexibility and convenience to accommodate a busy lifestyle. Students can pursue one of these high-quality programs from the comfort of their own home. They can receive the same education they would receive on-campus – and enjoy the same access to student support services and impressive faculty expertise. These programs often feature lower tuition rates and a plethora of opportunities for online students to explore.

Students who earn an economics MBA are poised to enter a variety of lucrative fields. They can find work in the private or public sectors, in industries such as:

• banking
• government agencies
• finance
• consulting
• manufacturing

Major companies like Morgan Stanely, J.P. Morgan Chase, and GE are constantly on the hunt for talented candidates who hold Economics MBAs. Although 22% of all economists work for the federal government, there is also room for growth in fields like:

• scientific research and development
• management
• insurance

Economics MBA students will find jobs in just about any area of the country. Most large companies are headquartered in large cities, such as New York, Chicago, and Boston, but these professionals can be found all over the globe. MBAs, in general, are in high demand. With an online MBA in economics, graduates have the specialized knowledge of economic theory. Many companies crave this for their logistical business planning and decision processes.

If you have an eye for the markets, financial forecasts, and essentially everything money, an economics MBA might be the right choice for you. You’ll enjoy:

• excellent job opportunities
• enhanced salary potential
• plenty of career benefits

These jobs are expected to grow by about 8% by 2028, making them some of the most sought-after careers.

Ready to learn more? We’ve scoured the Internet, looking through the most updated reports from employers, business schools, and top educational researchers to find the best schools that offer online economics MBA programs. These degrees offer some of the most rigorous training and best professional connections to help you succeed in the competitive, fast-paced world of business. 

WHAT ABOUT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS?

Earning an MBA can be quite costly. Top-tier programs can cost more than $150,000! Small public schools have a tendency to be less expensive. Luckily, as a graduate with an online MBA degree in economics, you can expect to earn a much higher starting salary than the average worker. It is still important for prospective students to do their due diligence when it comes to applying for financial aid, such as scholarships and grants. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate degrees typically cost a minimum of $10,000 to $25,000 per year. While public schools will almost always be less expensive than private ones, financial aid often reduces the cost of private schools. They are less expensive than schools with lower tuition rates. Make sure you research the financial aid opportunities offered by your school.

Pay close attention to the application deadlines and fees associated with the admissions process, too. Make sure you’re aware of filing dates for financial aid documents, including those for filing the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This document may be completed starting in January of the year in which you intend to enroll. It is something you must complete if you intend to apply for any need-based financial aid (this can include scholarships, grants, and even loans and work-study opportunities that are based solely on how much money you and your family make). 

In addition to need-based financial aid, most business schools also offer specialty awards. These typically do not have to be repaid and come in the form of grants and merit-based tuition scholarships. Any institutional aid you apply for will likely have its own separate deadlines and extra application process, so don’t assume that your general university admissions application will also put you in the running for available aid. You may need to apply separately! Talk to your enrollment or financial advisor at your university if you aren’t sure.

Finally, it might be worth your time to look into industry scholarships. Some scholarships are not awarded by MBA programs themselves, but instead by third-party organizations that sponsor business students who intend to work in specific areas. For example, the National Black MBA Association and the Forte Foundation both help students who are members of traditionally underrepresented groups pay for their MBA degrees. Check with your employer, too, as many offer subsidies or other financial assistance to help sponsor further education. Don’t forget about military benefits, if you’re eligible for them!

Another good tip when it comes to reducing the cost of an economics MBA? Consider an online degree that will allow you to complete your studies in 12 to 18 months. Why? It’s simple: Less time at school translates to significantly lower tuition costs, especially if your school charges by the semester, instead of by the credit hour. Even if your school of choice charges by credit hour, accelerating your degree progress is still a smart financial decision – you’ll be out in the workforce earning a high salary more quickly. 

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE WITH AN ONLINE MBA IN ECONOMICS? 

Feeling overwhelmed by all of this information? If you’re stressed about the high cost of receiving an economics MBA, don’t be. There are plenty of ways to lower the cost of attendance, and even if you have to pay full price, trust us – it’s worth it. You can be on your way to working in the business world.

A degree in economics of any kind is a smart business decision. According to Payscale.com, someone with an MBA, Finance, or Economics degree earns a median salary of more than $102,000. These professionals only increase their earnings as time goes on. Some concentrations yield significant growth as a person advances their career. Mid-career professionals have often dramatically increased their salaries after just a few years in the profession, earning well over $137,000 annually.

With an economics MBA, a person can work just about anywhere. You could work in the public or private sector. You won’t be restricted to one specific industry when searching for a job. You could find a position in traditional fields like:

• banking
• government
• financial management
• consulting
• public administration

You could branch out into more unique fields, like:

• retail
• manufacturing
• marketing strategy
• telecommunications

The highest-paid professionals in this field tend to work for the federal government – after all, that’s where a majority of these positions are found. While the salaries are high – these professionals earn, on average, $119,590 annually – average salaries for those in finance, insurance, management, and scientific research and development are also high. They earn anywhere from $109,000 to $118,290 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The salaries noted above are based on full-time employment. The employment of economists is projected to grow by 8% before 2028, which outpaces the national average for all other occupations. 

While some entry-level jobs only require a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. is required for many of them. For a high-paying job in research, business, or global economics, graduate education and related work experience will be absolute musts.

Why are advanced degrees needed, you may ask? Organizations in all industries need some form of quantitative economic analyses to forecast sales, business, and other trends. As the global economy continues to grow and become more complex, companies will need talented individuals who possess:

• analytical skills
• experience with statistical analysis
• excellent communication skills
• leadership skills
• critical thinking skills
• implementing competitive strategies
• MBA in economics

Now that you know how much potential you could have when you earn one of these degrees, are you ready to take the next step? Let’s get going. 

See Also: Is An Online MBA Worth It?

Check out our ranking of the 10 Best Online Economics MBA Programs here! 

#1. MERCER UNIVERSITY

ONLINE ECONOMICS MBA

Mercer University offers more than 100 student organizations, athletic teams, and Greek life options for students to choose from. Tradition is important here. Each year for the last century, freshmen have climbed the tower of the tallest structure on campus, the Godsey Administration Building, to sign their names on its roof. 

Students don’t need to study on campus to benefit from this kind of legacy, either. In addition to hundreds of programs offered across 12 colleges and schools, Mercer also has a thriving online community. The online MBA program provides learners with a rich, vibrant academic experience that incorporates interactive technology to facilitate a hands-on learning environment. 

Designed specifically for working professionals, this program includes plenty of opportunities for online MBA students to access faculty, campus resources, and traditional college affairs. The online population for this degree is varied, but most students are about 28 years old and have roughly five years of work experience. Candidates are typically already working and have personal and professional commitments beyond their educational goals.

This MBA can be completed in as few as 12 months. Classes can be attended on campus or entirely online, and start dates in August, October, January, March, and May are available. A part of the prestigious Stetson School of Business and Economics, Mercer is one among only 5% of all business schools worldwide to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Students in the program enjoy small class sizes and receive personalized attention from world-renowned faculty, as well as dedicated career and advising experts. The average student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.

While enrolled, students take between 36 and 45 credit hours of classes and foundational courses, such as:

• Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
• Managerial Economics
• Corporation Finance

Six concentrations are available, so that students can customize their degrees to meet their personal and professional goals. Besides an economics specialization the available specializations include:

• Marketing
• Human Resources
• General Business
• Healthcare Management
• Finance

In addition, all students must complete an MBA Capstone. The capstone is the culmination of experience for the top online MBA program and provides students with the chance to integrate and apply the principles they have learned in their core classes to the MBA curriculum. It is normally taken as the final course in the program. 

To apply, students should complete a Stetson School of Business and Economics Application for Admission and submit a $50 non-refundable application fee. Official GMAT or GRE test scores are required, although individuals who already hold a graduate degree do not need to submit test scores. Candidates should also submit transcripts from all former institutions and a current resume. 

Don’t want to commit solely to an MBA in economics? Mercer offers numerous dual-degree options for business students, including ones in accountancy and divinity. Students can also pursue combined MBA/doctorate degrees, with dual programs available in Accountancy and Physical Therapy.

#2. WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

ONLINE MBA IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS

Wright State University is named after the pioneering Wright brothers. With more than 230 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degrees through eight colleges and three schools, nothing this school does is traditional. It breaks ordinary boundaries to help deliver unique, nationally recognized degrees.

The Wright State campus is one of the most accessible in the country, recognized for the support it gives to students with disabilities and military students. Wright State was one of the first universities in the nation to develop an Office of Disability Services. The campus itself is also accessible. There are accommodations made for students with all kinds of physical, psychological, and learning needs. 

The online MBA in Business Economics is no exception to this student-centered approach. Wright State offers all core classes online each semester – as well as three concentration courses each term. Students can choose to take classes online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. All classes can be completed at one’s own pace, and there are 11 concentrations to choose from. In addition to the Business Economics specialization, students may also choose topics such as:

• Finance
• Interdisciplinary Business
• Health Care Management
• Investments
• International Business
• Marketing, Management, Innovation and Change
• New Venture Creation
• Project Management

The Business Economics concentration provides the MBA student with the foundational skills they need to succeed in:

• business
• nonprofit work
• government
• public policy

Classes are taught by award-winning faculty, and Wright State is one of the area’s few AACSB-accredited MBA programs. All students have access to state-of-the-art hardware, software, and support systems. This helps them make the most of their training while studying in the location(s) they find most convenient. By taking just two classes per semester and one in the summer (for a total of 11 courses), part-time students can graduate in just two years.

The degree requires a variety of hands-on, interdisciplinary courses, such as:

• Survey of Finance
• Survey of Law
• Survey of Financial Accounting

Wright State is ranked among the top 2% of business colleges in the nation and has been recognized by both US News & World Report and The Princeton Review multiple times for the quality of its program. It’s also highly affordable – tuition starts at just $760 per credit hour (for Ohio residents). Graduate assistantships are available. 

To apply, candidates do not need to hold an undergraduate degree in business. They should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7. Applicants with GPAs above 3.0 do not need to submit GMAT scores. Up to 12 semester hours of equivalent graduate level course credits may be transferred into the program, following review by the Raj Soin College of Business.

#3. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, CARBONDALE

ONLINE MBA WITH A CONCENTRATION IN AGRIBUSINESS ECONOMICS

Unique features of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale include:

• Universal access to nonremedial tutoring
• A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• $144 million in scholarships and grants awarded each year
• An array of 200 majors to choose from
• One of the top 100 degree-conferring institutions for minority students

This school is large, home to a student body of more than 10,000. It has all the features of a small university. The faculty are some of the most often-cited experts in their fields. They provide students the attention they need and deserve in a close-knit academic setting. Students can participate in research beginning in their freshman year. They also have the opportunity to build their resumes and have some fun through artistic groups, service projects, and other student organizations. 

This dichotomous nature is part of what makes Southern Illinois University so attractive to students pursuing an online MBA program. The degree, offered through the well-respected College of Business, offers the prestige of a traditional business degree with the maneuverability of an eclectic liberal arts program. In addition to offering a stand-alone MBA with no concentration, candidates may choose between concentrations in:

• Analytics for Managers
• Agribusiness Economics

Agribusiness Economics deals with those management challenges that are unique to agribusiness firms. Each student takes four specialized agribusiness courses in the College of Agricultural Sciences. The program is structured so that all students are placed with a cohort of fellow students, to encourage collaboration and interaction. A total of 33 semester hours of coursework are required for this online MBA program, as is a thesis or research paper. Core courses are required in classes such as:

• statistics
• agricultural business
• economics, business
• other electives

Because the university is among the top 5% of all U.S. universities for research, most classes include some elements of research, to help students enhance their skills and experiences in economics.

One of the few degrees of is kind in the country, the program’s courses are taught by the same esteemed faculty who teach on campus. An AACSB-accredited degree, this program can be completed in less than two years and does not require students to travel or relocate to campus. Designed for working professionals, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale’s program is one of fewer than 10 degrees of its kind in the entire country. Assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships are available to students who meet certain criteria. Many are department-specific and based on individual student merit.

#4. NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) ECONOMICS PROGRAM

Roughly 30 years ago, North Park University turned down an offer to relocate to a quieter setting in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Instead, the Christian university remained where it was, in the heart of North Park, retaining its traditions and unique urban setting. 

Many degrees are offered entirely online, including the MBA Economics program. This online MBA degree is designed to prepare experienced business professionals to be knowledgeable, skilled, and ethical managers in all kinds of sectors. Graduates go on to rewarding careers in the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors after taking advanced coursework in:

• economics
• strategic management
• finance
• organizational behavior
• marketing management

A broad, interdisciplinary program, this degree exposes students to a wide range of choices in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management. 

Most candidates can complete their studies in just two and a half years, with 36 semester hours required for graduation. In addition to core required coursework, a final MBA capstone is also required. This capstone ties together the disciplines that students have encountered, requiring them to use a computer-based management simulation program to plan out and test strategies in a competitive environment. 

While the stand-alone MBA is the most popular option, students may also choose to complete one of 16 business or nonprofit certificates through their elective courses – all without adding time or money to their degree programs. Affordable, lifelong learning is certainly a priority at North Park, which allows students to return to take any business and nonprofit courses after completing their master’s degrees (or even to complete another, unrelated degree or certificate) at a 50% discount. To help support this commitment to lifelong learning, North Park offers similar programs in:

• Human Resource Management
• Nonprofit Administration
• Leadership
• Operations Management

If you’re ready to be a part of this dynamic and proud group, it’s time to apply. There are six start dates each year, with admission offered on a rolling basis. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. An electronic resume, short essay, and two professional or academic recommendations are also required. Those who already hold a graduate degree, or a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores. 

#5. REGENT UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ECONOMICS

Regent University is a rapidly growing Christian university. They aim of preparing students to live with faith and to use their knowledge and training for the greater good. Ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report as a top provider of online programs for military veterans, the school is also in the top 2% of schools nationwide to receive an “A” rating for its comprehensive liberal arts curriculum from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. 

With a diverse student body of more than 10,000 representing all 50 states and 38 religious denominations, Regent is a great school to consider for those looking for a diverse, high-quality education. It is also affordable – the annual tuition is nearly $19,000 less than many other private institutions. In this case, students don’t necessarily get what they pay for. Just because the education is affordable, its doesn’t mean it’s “cheap.”

Nowhere is the value of the school more clear than in the Master of Business Administration program. Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership is ranked among the top online MBA programs.

The concentration in economics is available both online and on campus. It prepares students to advance their careers in financial institutions or many other industries. One of the most versatile, in-demand, and high-paying degrees available, the program equips students with the skills they need in business analysis and economic forecasting. This is also a top-ranking program for faculty training and credentials and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Regent’s curriculum is delivered alongside a strong Christian core, so graduates can serve their professions with greater value. 

The online MBA program includes economics courses that allow students to explore the foundations of wealth, money, interest, debt, and government intervention in the economy. This includes theoretical training in trade policy analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and other solutions to common finance and trade issues, yet also provides students with the fluid knowledge they need to research problems and formulate solutions. Graduates go on to become economists, financial reporters, research analysts, and more.

#6. SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY

ONLINE ECONOMICS MBA

Earning a degree can be stressful, but Southern New Hampshire University seeks to challenge that norm by offering a wealth of student support services and unique pathways to degree completion.

SNHU offers a “Degree in Three” program that makes it possible for business students to earn a bachelor’s degrees in just three years with no summer or night classes required. In addition, more than 90% of SNHU students receive financial aid, putting private education within reach for all students. As a result of this creative thinking and approach to course delivery, the school is ranked among the Most Innovative Schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Students hoping that this reputation carries through to the business school are in luck. The online master’s degree is a “smarter way to your MBA,” according to the university’s website. It’s perfect for learners who want to earn a degree in just 15 months – without even having to submit a GRE or GMAT score. 

In addition to multiple start dates each year, the program offers more than 20 career-focused concentrations, MBA concentrations like:

• Economics
• Finance
• Accounting
• Sports Management
• Sustainability and Environmental Compliance
• Music Business.

Each concentration consists of three courses and contributes to the 36 total credit hours required for degree completion. 

An accredited program, the online MBA programcan be completed in just over one year. Students take two courses during each 10-week term. Students will gain the skills necessary to formulate their own business plans, analyze data, and lead cross-functional teams. Southern New Hampshire has offered MBA programs for more than 40 years and has graduated more than 17,000 students. This extensive alumni network provides candidates with opportunities for mentorship and career advancement in practically every city nationwide. 

To apply, students should contact an admissions counselor to discuss financing options. Undergraduate transcripts and a $40 fee are required. Tuition rates are among the lowest in the country, and a 35% tuition discount is available for military members and their families.

#7. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

Online Economics MBA

Ball State offers master’s degrees in over 100 fields, including major offerings in the Miller College of Business and the Teachers College. The Master of Business Administration is ranked No. 13 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs list. Ball State has a reputation for offering high-quality teaching that delivers both practical, rigorous experiences and convenience and personalized attention. The program helps build the ethics, skills, leadership knowledge, and strategy skills needed by all business practitioners. It also places a unique emphasis on strategic and thoughtful decision making. 

Learners can take classes on campus, online, or in combination. Five concentrations are available for students seeking an alternative to the traditional MBA. In addition to a concentration in Health Economics, students can pursue specializations in:

• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Logistics
• Supply Chain Management
• Sales Management

The school is one of the world’s top 5% of all business schools to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Requiring 24 credits of core courses and six to nine credits of MBA electives in the concentration area, this degree can be completed on a part- or full-time basis. Those who do not have a background in business need not worry – they may still be eligible for the program, though they may need to take an additional 17 to 18 credit hours of foundation courses. 

The economics concentration at Ball State has an emphasis on health care. This gives students a competitive edge in one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing industries. Candidates learn to analyze the costs and benefits of various methods of health care delivery and financing while taking classes such as:

• Human Resources Management
• Health Economics and Policy

In addition to the many concentrations available, the MBA comes with the option of completing additional specialization certificates in areas like Professional Sales Management and Business Essentials for Professionals, too.

The application process is simple. Students can apply as few as two weeks before the start of a semester, and they don’t have to have many materials on hand, either. The admissions office looks at all previous academic records (a minimum GPA of 2.75 as an undergraduate is required), along with potential leadership qualities, and scores on the GMAT or GRE. Applicants should also submit a resume or CV, along with three letters of recommendation from professionals who know them well. An application fee is required, but fee waivers are available for McNair Scholars, previous Ball State students and current employees, and veteran or active-duty military members.

#8. BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY

MBA WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN GLOBAL ECONOMIC THREAT ENVIRONMENT

Become a Bellevue Bruin and claim a shot at becoming a major player in global economics. This private nonprofit university located in Bellevue, NE was founded in1966 and hasn’t slowed down since. Catering to nontraditional students, the school notes that 80% of its undergraduates are aged 25 or older. More than 10,000 students are enrolled university-wide, making Bellevue one of the largest schools focused primarily on working adults. 

Earning a degree remotely doesn’t mean students can’t benefit from the traditional college experience. Bellevue extends all of its on-campus options to online learners, too. For example, the school has a prominent study abroad program that includes graduate students. There have been multiple graduate tours to places like the Czech Republic and Vienna, specifically designed to allow MBA students to engage in learning experiences with firms specializing in supporting technology start-ups.

The online MBA is identical to the one offered on campus. Enrolling a diverse population of students, the program attracts professionals and academics from all kinds of backgrounds and industries. Similarly, faculty have real-world industry expertise, which helps them guide students through real-life case studies and simulations. The goal of the program is to help students take advantage of their prior learning and help them obtain new skills and perspectives – without having to take unnecessary classes that will do nothing to advance their careers.

Bellevue’s MBA features 19 concentrations, including options such as:

• Analytics
• Supply Chain Management
• Global Economic Threat Environment

All of the concentrations integrate real-life, hands-on learning with applied theory. In addition, completing either an on-campus or online degree at Bellevue allows students to obtain certification from the Project Management Institute and/or the Society of Human Resource Management, or to earn an Executive Coaching Certificate.

A total of 36 credit hours are required for the degree, which includes core classes like Business Performance Management and Strategy Innovation and Integration. In addition, students in the Global Economic concentration take classes in topics such as Transnational Crime and Green Security, helping them gain a perspective on how economic, cultural, and political issues shape the transnational economic environment.

Tuition is highly affordable, with rates starting at just $585, regardless of the location in which students take classes. All students must submit an application for admission, along with a nonrefundable application fee. Candidates should have prior undergraduate experience and a degree granted from a regionally accredited college or university. A GPA of 2.5 or better is also required, as are letters of recommendation and personal essays, in some cases. 

#9. MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY

MBA WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Murray State University was founded in 1922 as a new normal school in Murray, KY, but today it is one of the most prominent institutions in the state. With more than 400 international students from 60 different countries, and 35 countries in which students can study abroad, Murray State is one of the most diverse and far-reaching universities in the U.S. 

That’s not all this school has to offer. Murray State is home to multiple research and teaching facilities, including the Hancock Biological Research Station; multiple research farms and equine facilities; the Center for Telecommunications Systems Management; and the Center for Banking and Finance, Economic Education, and Financial Planning. 

All of these resources – coupled with an impressive 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio – are what makes Murray State such a profound place to receive an MBA. That, and the fact that the Master of Science in Economic Development is one of the best in the nation. 

This program prepares burgeoning economic development practitioners to deal with issues in city, regional, and urban planning along with economics, political science, infrastructure, and more. Earning one of these degrees prepares learners to work in the areas of regional and local economic development, as students receive both classroom and practical training in the methods of economic development.

The degree can be completed either online or on campus. Open to both part- and full-time students, the MBA can be earned in just three semesters, along with one summer’s worth of study. The program includes training in Geographic Information Systems and other statistical and economic methods that are needed to inform economic development students. Candidates may also pursue a directed study course that allows them to complete advanced work in topic areas of their own choosing. There is also a capstone project in which students will prepare and present significant independent projects in their job areas.

Core classes include:

• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Economic Development Finance
• Economic Development Methods

An impressive nine hours of elective courses allow students to pursue personal areas of interest. Topics might include economics, geosciences, or even marketing. Classes regularly showcase lectures and input from professionals in economic development. A total of 30 credit hours are required for graduation. 

To apply for admission, candidates should be prepared to meet the universal Murray State University admission requirements. Applicants may be eligible with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a GMAT score of 450, or a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 400. GRE scores may be substituted in most cases, too. Tuition is affordable, with rates starting at just $544 per hour for residential students. Online learners benefit from a universal tuition rate, so non-Kentucky residents pay the same tuition as those who reside in-state. This is a significant cost savings to consider.

#10. GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY

ONLINE ECONOMICS MBA

Gardner-Webb University considers itself a “character-building” college, priding itself on personal attention and a safe learning environment in a small-town atmosphere, but that’s not all this school has to offer. It also has a profound commitment to its Christian heritage, a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, and an outstanding online economics MBA.

The Master of Business Administration at Gardner-Webb University strengthens students’ skills in leading public, private, and nonprofit businesses, making them competitive candidates for advancement opportunities in any field. The degree gives learners the opportunity to study with professionals with similar and varying interests, work experiences, and educational backgrounds. While many of the courses are theory-based, they also include hands-on, reality-based experiences like service-learning opportunities, internships, course simulations, projects, and interactions with real business leaders.

The economics specialization is one of the most popular concentrations available with this degree, but it’s not the only emphasis areas to choose from. Students may choose from concentrations in:

• Accounting
• Health Care Management
• Sport Management

Each student works closely with an academic advisor to determine the best pathways for career success. In addition to required prerequisite courses, the MBA includes 36 credit hours of graduate-level studies, including 30 hours in the core area. 

Beyond the required 36 credit hours, each student must complete a capstone course in strategic management. This capstone is designed to apply students’ learning to an area of interest and to develop a portfolio to be used in lifelong career applications. As a result of this hands-on experience, and the academic-spiritual nature of the university, the school is ranked a top National University by U.S. News & World Report. 

The online MBA isn’t the only high-quality business degree offered at Gardner-Webb. Another option is the 10-month Master of Business Administration. This accelerated program is designed specifically to suit the needs of busy professionals and is offered in a fully online format. As its name implies, it can be completed in less than one year, and it is affordably priced at under $20,000. While other colleges offer similar programs, Gardner-Webb’s formula is unique, allowing students to take two courses every eight weeks. Class sizes are small, with nearly 75% of all cohorts smaller than 20 students.

To apply for admission to the online Economics MBA at Gardner-Webb, interested students should complete the application and submit a $40 processing fee. Each candidate should also supply a resume detailing any relevant professional experience, along with transcripts from every institution attended. For candidates who already hold a graduate degree, or for those who hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, no test scores are required. Otherwise, a minimum GMAT score of 450 is needed. Professional work experience in a relevant industry sector can also occasionally be substituted for the testing requirement.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. Texas A&M University, Commerce

Location: Commerce, TX

Degree: MBA with a focus in Economics 

Website

#12. Ashford University

Location: San Diego, CA

Degree: MBA with a Business Economics emphasis 

Website