Online Master’s in Economics

20 Month Duration

GRE/GMAT Not Required

Up to 6 Transfer Credits Accepted

Financial Aid & Scholarships Available

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Make Your Career Count

Make a measurable difference in your career with specialized skills to solve global economic challenges. The online Master of Arts in Economics from American University brings you real-world analysis from today’s most relevant scholars, think tanks, and international organizations. The knowledge you earn in this program will prepare you to meet your career goals and open the door to leadership roles industry-wide. You’ll gain hands-on policy analysis expertise from a prestigious faculty of noted experts and earn your degree in as few as 20 months.

Online Merit Scholarship

up to $14,000 — No Separate Application Required

Prospective students who have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or above (on a 4.0 scale) in their undergraduate program can qualify for the Online Merit Scholarship of up to $14,000. As part of your application process, your academic history will be reviewed to see if the scholarship can be applied; there is no separate application to fill out.*

Gain Applied Skills in Economics

The online master’s in economics curriculum delivers the opportunity to learn real-world skills from expert faculty members who hold relevant knowledge and experience in the field. Learn more about what makes this program stand out:

Capstone Project

Before graduating, you’ll complete a capstone project focused on your own hypothesis in a topic of economic interest.

Nationally Ranked

AU’s program was ranked the #5 Best Online Master’s in Economics by The Best Schools in Fall 2023.1

Policy Oriented

Make a real difference with the skills to communicate critical information and recommendations to those who write laws.

“I sought a Master’s in Economics to shift from administrative tasks to a development research and project-based work program. Earning my MA at AU allowed me to do this immediately upon completion of the program. My education at AU allowed me to shape my job description in a way that best suits my skillset.”
– SYDNEY GOURLEY, SURVEY SPECIALIST | WORLD BANK

Advance in the Growing Field of Economics

Businesses, organizations, and even individuals are always in need of experts in the complex field of economics. In fact, overall employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow at a much-faster-than-average rate of 13% between 2022 and 2032, with about 25,600 job openings expected each year.2 With an MA in Economics from AU, you’ll be positioned to confidently pursue leadership positions created by steady growth in this field. Job opportunities for professionals with expert knowledge include:

Economist $115,730 per year3

Financial Analyst $99,890 per year4

Financial Advisor $99,580 per year2

Alumni Employers

As passionate change-makers, our alumni are employed in various settings all over the country. You can find some of them working at these organizations:

  • The World Bank Group
  • International Monetary Fund
  • Wayfair LLC
  • Solovis
  • 20/20 Vision

Where Passion Becomes Purpose

American University delivers a collaborative, immersive, and personalized online learning experience from the heart of Washington, D.C., to anywhere in the world. As an online student, you’ll take rigorous courses led by the same outstanding faculty members who teach on campus. We are committed to helping you reach your professional and educational goals by maintaining the high quality of instruction that AU programs have been known for since 1893, all while you benefit from the convenience and flexibility of online learning.

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Sources and Disclaimer

  1. Staff Writers. “Best Online Master’s in Economics.” The Best Schools. Oct. 10, 2023. Retrieved Apr. 24, 2024 from https://www.thebestschools.org/.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Personal Finance Advisors.” Apr. 17, 2024. Retrieved Apr. 23, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Economists.” Apr. 17, 2024. Retrieved Apr. 23, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Financial Analysts.” Apr. 17, 2024. Retrieved Apr. 23, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.

*You’ll be notified of the scholarship status when you’re admitted to the program, or shortly thereafter. To receive the scholarship, which is applied equally to the first and fifth courses of the program, you must remain in good academic standing.