As you are considering a major program in college, your interest in monetary and fiscal policy, government policies, or international economics might lead you to the field of economics.
An economist works within an agency or organization to study and develop predictions about economic trends and examines the way a society’s economy affects citizens, industries, and governments.
Most economists have earned either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, with a few (13%) having earned doctorates. Candidates need strong research, analytical, and communication skills.
There are many great online economics degree programs in the U.S. to choose from.
If you are seeking an online economics degree in North Carolina, keep reading as we tell you about the degree programs in the state as well as some nationwide programs that might interest you.
Featured Economics Degree Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to three institutions that offer online bachelor’s degrees in economics or with a concentration in economics.
1. North Carolina North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T)
The online Bachelor of Science in Economics program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the most highly esteemed online economics degree in North Carolina, provided by the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics.
North Carolina A&T is the only HBCU (historically Black college or university) in the United States that offers an online undergraduate economics degree program, and this program consistently ranks among the most distinguished in the nation.
The coursework for this BS degree program includes a core set of ten economics courses plus nine free electives in areas such as global awareness, history, African American Culture, or scientific reasoning.
2. University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG)
The Bryan School of Economics at UNCG offers two distinct online economics degrees at the bachelor’s level: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree program, both in economics. Students enroll in classes taught by world-class faculty members.
The BA degree provides a comprehensive liberal arts education that includes the humanities, sciences, and arts. Students learn to apply critical thinking and economic analysis to a wide range of issues, not only in public and social policy but also as they relate to other disciplines.
The BS degree builds on an analytical business foundation.
The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) in Economics allows highly qualified students to take graduate courses while finishing their BA or BS degree.
3. University of North Carolina-Pembroke
The Pembroke campus of the University of North Carolina is renowned for its extremely low tuition rates as part of the state’s NC Promise program.
The Thomas School of Business at UNC-Pembroke offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in economics, which includes 12 credits of coursework in the concentration beyond the basic core of business studies.
Notably, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is one of a select group of schools worldwide that is recognized by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, which is the leading professional organization in the financial market globally.
Online Economics Degree Programs Accepting North Carolina Students
In addition to ways to earn an online economics degree in North Carolina from the state’s own universities, you could enroll in a well-respected university offering online bachelor’s degrees nationwide. Below, we list a few.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is home to an online Bachelor of Science in economics degree program.
U.S. News & World Report created the category of ‘the #1 most innovative school in the nation’ in 2015, and Arizona State University has received that ranking for nine continuous years.
As ASU President Michael Crow announced, ‘ASU’s innovation mindset attracts creative and dynamic minds who tackle society’s biggest challenges — from ending health disparities to ensuring a habitable planet to advancing our national security — in ways both inventive and effective.’
Colorado State University
Colorado State University in Fort Collins provides an online Bachelor of Arts in economics degree that includes coursework in topics such as the history of economic institutions and thought, econometrics, environmental economics, gender and the economy, and international economics.
Eastern New Mexico University
From its base in Portales, New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico University offers a distinctive online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in applied economics and finance.
In this program, you would study not only core business courses but also topics like corporate finance, investment management, and economics research. ENMU’s program prepares students for careers in law, government, non-profits, medicine, academia, and international relations.
Liberty University
Liberty University, a private, evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, is home to an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in economics that could take only 3.5 years to complete.
In addition to the business core, majors also enroll in economics courses such money and the financial system, business and economic forecasting, and modern political and economic ideas.
Oregon State University
At Oregon State University, based in Corvallis, you have a choice between a Bachelor or Arts and Bachelor of Science online program in economics as well as a focal area in
- managerial economics
- law, economics, and policy
- general economics
State of New York Empire State College (SUNY Empire)
SUNY Empire State College offers a unique online Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Business, Management, and Economics. The degree prepares graduate to work in the fields of economics, human resources, finance, or public administration, among others.
Within the State of New York University system, Empire State College is the only open-admissions school.
Utah State University
The online bachelor’s programs in economics at Utah State University in Logan include both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science option.
Students also get to choose from among four concentrations:
- economic theory
- managerial economics
- prelaw economics
- international economics and trade
Students may also pursue a dual major in accounting and economics.
Washington State University
Based in Pullman, Washington State University is home to an online Bachelor of Science degree program in economics that offers concentration options in commodity marketing and management. Internships and study abroad opportunities are also available.
Is an Economics Degree Worth It?
As you can see from the choice of major programs available online, you can earn a degree in economics in several different ways. You can choose a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in economics or earn a bachelor’s in business with a concentration in economics.
No matter which of these routes you take to an economics degree, what matters is the selection of courses you take and, even more so, the skills and knowledge that you take away from your degree program.
According to statistics from North Carolina State University, the average estimated salary in the United States for those with economics degrees is currently $83,148 (nationally) and $81,439 (in North Carolina).
What Jobs Can I Get With an Economics Degree?
An economics degree can prepare you for a wide range of job titles in the public sector or in the business world.
Some of the most common career tracks are:
- Community Planner
- Social Science Researcher
- Epidemiologist
- Statistician
- Operations Research Analyst
- Urban Planner
- Senior Econometrician
- Research Consultant
- Economic Development Specialist
- Market Research/Data Analyst
- Economic Consultant
- Banking/Financial Officer/Credit Analyst
- International Affairs/Government Policy Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Business Reporter
- Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner
Among the largest employers of economics majors are:
- U.S. Internal Revenue Service
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Federal Reserve Board
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- AIG Financial
- Elevance Health
- Humana
- University Beyond
- Amazon
- Research Triangle Institute
- Municipal governments
How Long Does It Take To Earn an Economics Degree?
At most universities, earning a bachelor’s degree is a four-year process if one takes classes in a fall and spring semester system.
However, taking summer courses or enrolling in an adult online program that offers courses every 8 weeks throughout the year can help you finish your degree sooner.
Earn an Online Economics Degree in North Carolina Today
Whether you enroll online in a North Carolina online degree program or find a great program elsewhere in the U.S., the ability to study fully online provides you with amazing opportunities.
