Online MA in Economics, Applied Economics Specialization

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KARA REYNOLDS: My field especially is international trade policy, so I like to look at why do countries pass certain trade policies, and that's really looking more at the intersection of politics and economics. But then I also look at what impact do those trade policies have on firm decision making?

MARY HANSEN: The agenda that takes up much of my time right now is a big program on the history of bankruptcy. I'm collecting data from the court records of thousands of bankruptcies going back to about 1900. My second research agenda is about the policies that protect abused and neglected children. I've spent several years studying what incentivizes the adoption of kids from foster care.

MAHMUD YESUF: Econometrics helps us to sort out sound ideas from crazy ones and to find quantitative answers to important quantitative questions.

KARA REYNOLDS: To me, economics is macroeconomics. That's the part of economics that I really love. And I guess in particular what I like is the role that policymakers play in making macroeconomic policy decisions. And whether it's a central bank or a government, they all face a complicated set of trade offs between the political interest and the economic interests.

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Contribute to a Legacy of Economic Health

Any thriving society relies on a healthy economy. To make an impact as an economist, you need a solid understanding of economic theory, the analytical skills to interpret how policies will affect markets and the ability to translate these complexities for a wide audience.

American University offers an online Masters in Economics with a specialization in applied economics to give you the knowledge, credentials and analytical and communication skills you need to make a difference in your career and in the world.

MASTER ECONOMIC ANALYTICAL SKILLS TO DELIVER IMPACTFUL RESULTS

Based in Washington, DC, the epicenter of economic policy, American University’s online Master of Arts in Economics provides a policy-oriented curriculum with hands-on statistical guidance. This graduate program is influenced by its location in the nation’s capital, connecting you with the people and organizations impacting the global economy today.

The online economics degree curriculum prepares you to analyze data, apply your analysis to economic policy and translate its meaning for a wide audience. The meld of coursework in theory and practical application empowers you to interpret complex mathematical concepts in order to solve real-world challenges and solidify your skills for leadership roles.

IN THIS MA IN ECONOMICS PROGRAM YOU LEARN TO:

  • Solve complex mathematical economic models
  • Communicate the reasoning behind construction of economic models
  • Interpret and explain the meaning of solutions to economic models
  • Utilize models to predict the changes in various economic indicators (such as price, output, growth, employment, inflation and welfare) and impacts to the economy
  • Use economic models to develop clear and specific research questions and hypotheses
  • Employ the appropriate data and statistical tools to test your hypotheses
  • Use Stata, a state-of-the-art statistical software tool employed throughout the industry, to analyze data.

In this MA in Economics Program you Learn to:

  • Solve complex mathematical economic models
  • Communicate the reasoning behind construction of economic models
  • Interpret and explain the meaning of solutions to economic models
  • Utilize models to predict the changes in various economic indicators (such as price, output, growth, employment, inflation and welfare) and impacts to the economy
  • Use economic models to develop clear and specific research questions and hypotheses
  • Employ the appropriate data and statistical tools to test your hypotheses
  • Use Stata, a state-of-the-art statistical software tool employed throughout the industry, to analyze data.

Put Theory into Practice with a Focus on Applied Economics

This online MA in Economics program with an applied economics specialization, offers a curriculum that balances foundational economic theory with quantitative and analytical application. Our master’s in economics faculty (which consist of respected and highly credentialed scholars) emphasizes policy and examines real-world issues to help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to make an impact in today’s economy.

This online MA in Economics program consists of 10 courses (30 credit hours), each eight weeks long, and concludes with a capstone course allowing you to implement everything you’ve learned. You will have the option to take up to 6 credit hours of economics course work on campus or complete the entire program online.

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A Master’s Degree in Economics Opens Doors

In an era of Big Data, job opportunities are on the rise and the employment of economists is predicted to grow six percent from 2014-2024. Organizations across many industries are increasingly relying on economic analysis and quantitative methods to understand and forecast performance.*

An advanced Economics degree is prerequisite for your future

In the past, economist candidates with a bachelor’s degree could expect to find entry-level positions, but that is changing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*, a master's degree is the typical entry-level education required for most economists jobs.

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A Well-Connected, Knowledgeable Faculty

The online MA in Economics faculty at American University is comprised of some of the most renowned economists and professors from around the globe. Get to know our faculty and learn more about their expertise.

Meet Our Faculty

Sarah Crane, Economist, Moody's Analytics

"...the program teaches you how to analyze the world around you, how to interpret numbers..."

One of the biggest benefits to going through a program like American’s MA in Applied Economics is that it teaches you how to analyze the world around you, how to interpret numbers, and the way that they typically will act together and react to each other. You can use the quantitative programming skills that you learn in order to predict outcomes and prepare projects for the clients that you'll be working with.

EARN YOUR ADVANCED DEGREE IN JUST 20 MONTHS

As an online MA in Economics student, you understand the time value of money. In our innovative and flexible online program, you can graduate in as little as 20 months while continuing to meet your personal and professional commitments.

As a result, you will qualify for economics-degree jobs with the potential to increase your earning power and have the opportunity to make pivotal economic decisions locally, nationally or globally.

Accepted applicants to the online master's program in economics may be eligible for scholarship opportunities. Request more information to learn more.

EARN A COMPETITIVE SALARY WITH YOUR MASTER'S IN ECONOMICS

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual economist salary in 2016 was $101,050, and typical entry-level education was a Master’s degree.* Learn more about jobs for economics degrees.

EXPERIENCED FACULTY SUPPORT QUALITY EDUCATION

This online economics master's degree is taught by a group of esteemed economists and scholars. Their research accomplishments and experience influencing policy bring real-world application into the online classroom. They will prepare you to quantify and analyze human and organizational behavior, interpret economic models, test hypotheses, apply statistical and mathematical theories and know the financial system — ultimately making a positive impact on the economy.

The faculty for each course is clearly a subject matter expert… Their commitment to high quality teaching has created an environment where it is possible to learn a great deal in a very short amount of time.
– Lisa Boyd, Agency Partner Specialist, Second Harvest Heartland

LEARN FROM FIRST-CLASS SCHOLARS IN ECONOMICS

Our highly credentialed faculty of scholars deliver D.C. to you. These experts prepare you to answer pressing questions at the forefront of economic debates. You will engage in on-screen problem demonstrations, interactive media and documentary style case studies influenced by real-world economic issues and current events.

Faculty are quoted in The Los Angeles Times, CNN, The Boston Globe, and The Peninsula, and you will find them published repeatedly in the most selective peer-reviewed industry journals including:

  • Review of International Organizations
  • Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
  • International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management

To learn more about the online master’s in economics influential faculty, click here.

96% of American University’s MA in Economics graduates are working in the field, in graduate school or both within six months.

PREPARE FOR EXTENSIVE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates emerge with the ability to understand and predict how policy changes affect economic markets — a skill that is highly valuable in jobs for economics in government agencies, corporations, think tanks, NGO’s and financial institutions alike.

THIS GRADUATE DEGREE PREPARES STUDENTS FOR ECONOMICS JOBS IN DIVERSE SETTINGS:

  • Government agencies
  • Congressional committees
  • Financial institutions
  • Economic consulting firms
  • Think tanks
  • Multilateral organizations
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Business finance

AMERICAN’S GRADUATES EXPERIENCE STRONG SUCCESS:

  • 96% of graduates from American University’s MA in Economics program are working in the field, in graduate school, or both.
  • This master’s degree enhances your marketability in a field that is growing at a rate of 6% a year.*
  • Graduates work at organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, AARP, Deloitte, Federal Reserve, JP Morgan Chase, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Faqs

What are your admissions requirements for the online Master of Arts in Economics?

Degree requirements for the MA in Economics include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Students are also expected to have completed Calculus I (or its equivalent) prior to starting coursework in the program and a submission of your GRE test score is required.

Are there any prerequisites?

Calculus I (or its equivalent) or the CLEP exam must be completed prior to starting coursework in the program.

Can I be admitted to the MA in Economics program if I do not have a BA in Economics?

Yes – it is not a requirement to have an undergraduate degree in economics. Many of our students come from other areas of study.

How long does it take to earn a MA in Economics?

The program can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Do you require submission of test scores?

Yes, submission of your GRE test result is required.

Can the GRE be waived with viable work experience?

It is required for all applicants to show proficiency in quantitative skills. However, waivers are considered to those who qualify.

Can I transfer credit for previous graduate work?

We may accept up to six hours of graduate work from another institution that applies directly to the MA in Economics degree.

What are the terms of provisional admission?

Students with a weak academic background may be admitted with provisional status. Students who are admitted provisionally must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 after the completion of the first nine credit hours of graduate study at American University or they will be academically dismissed.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

A TOEFL score of 600 (or 100 on the Internet-based test), a minimum score of 68 on the Pearson Test of English, or a minimum IELTS score of seven (7) is required. Additionally, applicants with international transcripts must have them evaluated course-by-course. For a list of acceptable evaluators, go to NACES.org.

What documents are required when applying for the online Master of Arts in Economics?

The required application documents include:
• A completed graduate application
• A $55 application Fee
• Phone Interview with Admissions Advisor
• Résumé
• Statement of purpose
• Two recommendation letters
• Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework (If a degree was earned outside the U.S., a course-by-course evaluated transcript is required.)
• GRE scores

When is the deadline for application?

Our application deadline will change depending on which semester you are applying for. Please contact our online admissions staff for a specific timeline your application file needs to be fully submitted.

Is financial aid available?

Graduate students enrolled at least part time in a Master's program may be eligible for federal loans. To apply, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Where do alumni of the MA in economics program find employment?

Students completing our program are likely to find a career in economics in one of the three following categories: Economic Consulting/Private Industry, Government Agencies or Not-For Profits/International Agencies. Learn more about our graduates’ success.

Will I be able to take advantage of the same resources as on-campus students do?

Yes, online students are encouraged to obtain a Student ID and take advantage of all of the same resources as our on-campus students.

Are there scholarships available for the program?

American University is pleased to offer the Online Merit Scholarship to students who demonstrate undergraduate excellence and continue on to graduate studies. Scholarships are vailable to students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Rankings & Accreditation

#4 College Gets High Marks

Princeton Review
Best Colleges (2021)

#4 Best Online Master in Economics Degree Program

TheBestSchools.org (2020)

#47 Best College for Veterans

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2021)

#79 Best National University

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2022)

#91 Best Value Schools

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2022)

Among 387 Best Colleges

Princeton Review
Best Colleges (2022)

SOURCES

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, Economists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm

Find out More

Take the first step to advance your career in economics. Call us at 855-725-7614 to speak to an admissions representative, or request more information here.