Economics in United States
The United States lists 39 Economics programmes across 27 universities, spanning undergraduate and graduate study in macroeconomics, microeconomic theory, econometrics, and applied policy analysis. The University of Notre Dame, the University of California, Davis, Stony Brook University, and Rutgers University–New Brunswick are among the featured institutions, offering programmes with strong quantitative training and links to finance, government, and international organisations.
Tuition ranges from roughly €31k to roughly €98k per year — a wide spectrum reflecting the mix of public universities (typically lower fees, especially for in-state students) and highly selective private institutions. International applicants should specifically compare programmes on whether assistantship or fellowship funding is available, particularly at the graduate level where funded positions are common at top research departments.
Applied Economics MA
The Applied Economics MA program at UMass Boston equips you with advanced skills to transform data into strategic direction for businesses. This STEM-designated program focuses on hands-on applied economic research and analysis, teaching you the methods that influence real-world economic decisions. You'll develop expertise in both mainstream and heterodox economic theories, enhance your critical thinking, and master applied research techniques like econometrics, survey research, GIS, and data analysis. The program offers opportunities for graduate assistantships and faculty mentorship, preparing you for careers in economics, finance, policy, or research, or for further doctoral studies.
B.S. M.B.A Degree 5 Year Economics
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
At California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), the Bachelor of Arts in Economics program offers a creative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding behavior in individuals, businesses, and government. It explores the environment and global economic trends, aiming to develop financial awareness to aid in decision-making. The program emphasizes a broad education by linking economics with various other disciplines, including business, education, art, history, and chemistry.
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
The Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics program at Florida Polytechnic University equips students with the essential skills to transform data into actionable insights. This program focuses on developing expertise in managing big data, marketing analytics, finance, and innovation within technology-driven business environments. Graduates will be prepared to solve complex business challenges by leveraging data analytics techniques, enabling organizations to make better decisions and achieve improved outcomes.
Business Economics BA
The Business Economics BA program is designed for students who want to focus on business aspects within their economics studies. It offers a curriculum that emphasizes the rigorous logic and integrated perspective of economics, rather than replicating a traditional undergraduate business school program. This major aims to prepare students for further graduate studies in fields such as business, economics, and law. The program requires students to complete specific courses from both the Economics Department and the John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management.
Economics
Economics
The Ph.D. program in Economics at Cornell University offers advanced study and research opportunities across a wide range of economic specializations. Doctoral candidates are required to select a major field and at least two minor subjects, with a core option in basic analytical economics. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics and econometrics, with qualifying examinations in microeconomics and macroeconomics typically completed within the first year of study. Students pursuing this field may also find related interests in agricultural economics and management.
Economics
Dartmouth's Economics department offers a comprehensive program focused on using economic frameworks and data analysis to understand and address pressing social issues. Students engage with diverse areas within economics, including competition and strategy, development, finance, health, international trade, labor markets, macroeconomics, and public policy. The department actively involves students in research, providing opportunities to contribute to the understanding of complex societal challenges through economic inquiry.
Economics
The Economics program at UC San Diego provides a comprehensive study of economic principles, theories, and applications. Students will explore how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions in the face of scarcity, and how these decisions shape markets and economies. The curriculum covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, and offers opportunities to delve into specialized areas such as international trade, finance, and econometrics. The program emphasizes analytical skills and quantitative methods to understand complex economic phenomena.
Economics - Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University offers an undergraduate program in Economics designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods. The program aims to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to understand complex economic issues, analyze data, and apply economic principles to real-world problems. Students will explore various fields within economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and specialized areas such as labor economics, public finance, and international economics. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the development of research capabilities. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in business, government, and non-profit sectors, or for further graduate studies.
Economics, Bachelor of Business Administration
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) prepares students to understand how businesses discover new markets and analyze economic trends. This program focuses on equipping you with the skills to proficiently apply economic principles in a business context.
Economics, MS
The Master of Science (MS) in Economics is offered as a named option within the PhD program in Economics. This program is designed for students pursuing a doctoral degree and does not accept direct applications for the Master's degree alone. Students interested in this MS option should refer to the admissions information for the PhD program in Economics. An alternative MS in Economics is available as a named option in Graduate Foundations, for which students can apply directly.
Energy Economics, Minor
Enhance your primary field of study with a solid foundation in energy markets, policy, and economic analysis through the University of Central Oklahoma's Energy Economics minor. This program is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge to understand and navigate the complexities of the energy sector from an economic perspective.
Graduate Program in Economics
The UC Davis Graduate Program in Economics offers a rigorous academic experience designed to provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory and empirical research. The program fosters a collegial research environment where students work closely with faculty members who are actively engaged in research. This environment, combined with robust workshops and seminars, exposes students to cutting-edge research and insights from distinguished scholars. The program prepares approximately 90 concurrently enrolled students for careers in academia, including teaching positions in economics departments and business schools. Graduates are also highly sought after for leadership roles in industry and public policy, serving in government advisory councils, congressional staffs, private institutions, and international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. UC Davis boasts a strong job placement record for its Economics Ph.D. graduates, with many securing academic positions at top universities. Others find employment as economists in various levels of government or in policy-focused roles within their home countries.
Master of Arts in Economics
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics program at Duke University provides students with a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods. This program is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of economics, potentially for further graduate study or for careers in fields that require economic analysis. The curriculum offers a rigorous academic experience within the Department of Economics, known for its faculty research and diverse academic community.
Master of Chinese Economic and Political Affairs (MCEPA)
The Master of Chinese Economic and Political Affairs (MCEPA) is a specialized graduate program designed for students interested in the complex interplay of China's economy and its political landscape. This program provides a rigorous academic framework for understanding the dynamics of Chinese development, policy-making, and its global implications. Graduates are equipped with advanced analytical skills to navigate and contribute to fields related to China's economic and political systems.
Master of International Trade Law and Economics (MITLE)
The Master of International Trade Law and Economics (MITLE) is a STEM-designated graduate degree offered jointly by USC Gould School of Law and USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Department of Economics. This program provides students with an interdisciplinary, global perspective, equipping them with knowledge and skills relevant to the laws, policies, and business practices that shape international trade and economics. It is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in any field, though a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus, is required.
Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE)
The Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE) at UCLA is an intensive program designed to bridge the fields of economics, data science, and finance. It equips students with advanced quantitative skills and practical experience, preparing them for roles in industries that increasingly demand expertise in these areas. The program emphasizes the integration of theory and application, providing a robust foundation for analyzing complex economic problems using modern data-driven tools.
Master of Science in Business: Real Estate and Urban Land Economics (Real Estate and Urban Economics)
The Master of Science in Business with a specialization in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics offers a comprehensive graduate education focused on real estate. Students benefit from world-class faculty, practical experience through projects and case studies, internships, and opportunities for domestic and international travel. The program allows for specialization in areas such as Applied Real Estate Investment, Private Equity, or Affordable and Sustainable Housing Development, or a Core path with a focus on development and electives. Supported by the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate, graduates gain valuable knowledge and industry connections for their chosen real estate careers.
Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR)
The Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR) program at USC Gould School of Law is designed for students interested in the intersection of these critical fields. This program offers a unique curriculum that explores the economic, legal, and regulatory frameworks shaping innovation across various sectors. It aims to equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding to navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of technological advancement and its societal impact.
MS in Economic Policy and Practice
The Master of Science in Economic Policy and Practice (MSEPP) is an intensive, three-semester program designed for students aiming for careers as policy analysts and decision-makers in government, non-profit organizations, international bodies, and the private sector. It combines a strong foundation in economics with essential management methods. The curriculum covers economic theory, quantitative methods, and basic management analysis. Students can specialize in two policy and management fields by selecting courses from both the Department of Economics and the Questrom School of Business. The program is STEM-designated.
MS in Quantitative Economics
This Master of Science program in Quantitative Economics is offered jointly by the Economics Departments at NYU's Stern School of Business and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. It is designed for students aspiring to a research career in economics or seeking research-related employment in technology or finance. The program provides "core fitness" preparation for top doctoral programs or high-tech employment. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, along with essential mathematical and data science tools. It progresses to advanced topics such as game theory, applied microeconomics and macroeconomics, finance, industrial organization, and international economics. A capstone experience allows students to engage in original research.
Online Undergraduate Programs
The College of Mount Saint Vincent offers a range of fully online undergraduate degree programs designed for working adults seeking accelerated career growth. These programs allow you to tailor your bachelor's degree to your professional goals and develop skills applicable to any industry. You can complete your degree on your own schedule through flexible, accelerated 7-week courses and multiple start dates. The university emphasizes personalized advising and career-focused support to guide you from admission to graduation. A significant benefit is the ability to transfer up to 90 credits, which can help you finish your degree faster and reduce overall costs. The online format is convenient, allowing you to study from anywhere while gaining practical knowledge and networking opportunities.
Ph.D. in Economics
The Ph.D. in Economics program at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business is designed to train students to become researchers who advance economic knowledge. The program emphasizes developing strong theoretical understanding and quantitative skills necessary for innovative research. Unlike programs with rigid course structures, this Ph.D. focuses on early research involvement, guiding students to conduct original and creative work. Students gain in-depth knowledge of specialized areas through elective courses, seminars, faculty collaboration, and independent research. The goal is for graduates to master fundamental economic theory and research techniques, enabling continued self-development and contributions to the field. Active participation in the school's intellectual life and weekly seminars is highly encouraged as a critical component of professional development for research economists.
PhD in Business Economics
Boston University's PhD in Business Economics program is designed to train scholars capable of conducting impactful economic research at the intersection of business, markets, and public policy. Through a rigorous curriculum encompassing coursework, seminars, independent research, and workshops, students will develop expertise in economic theory and econometric analysis. The program emphasizes applying these quantitative tools to solve real-world business problems. Students will gain advanced knowledge in core economic areas and specialize in their chosen field, preparing them for careers in academia and research.
PhD in Economics
The PhD in Economics program at Rice University is designed for outstanding candidates with a strong foundation in economics, mathematics, and statistics. The program focuses on developing comprehensive understanding of economic theory and quantitative methods. Admission is highly competitive, with 7-10 students typically admitted each year. All admitted students receive financial support. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and research methodology, preparing students for academic careers or research roles in various sectors. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic record, particularly in economics and mathematics, letters of recommendation, test scores, and the alignment of their research interests with faculty expertise. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a Zoom interview.
PhD in Health Economics
The PhD in Health Economics at the University of Southern California (USC) offers a rigorous academic program designed to train students to become leading researchers and policy advisors in the field of health economics. Located on USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles, this interdisciplinary program equips students with advanced knowledge in microeconomics, econometrics, and specialized areas like cost-effectiveness analysis, public finance, and epidemiology. Students will work closely with world-renowned faculty, gaining practical research experience essential for launching successful careers. The program is a collaboration between the USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the USC Price School of Public Policy, leveraging the expertise of both schools and the research capabilities of the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics. This affiliation provides unique opportunities for students to engage in impactful research projects and collaborate with distinguished faculty from across USC. The program is designed to prepare graduates for impactful roles in academia, government, and the private sector, addressing critical challenges in healthcare through innovative research and policy solutions.
Principles of Microeconomics
This introductory undergraduate course teaches the fundamentals of microeconomics, covering concepts, analysis, supply and demand, theories of the firm and individual behavior, competition, monopoly, and welfare economics. It also introduces the application of microeconomic principles to address current economic policy issues. This course is a core component of MIT’s undergraduate Energy Studies Minor, providing a broad understanding of energy-related science, technology, and social sciences. The course is designed for independent study and includes all necessary materials. Students will engage with lecture videos, readings from recommended textbooks (one of which is available online for free), quizzes to assess understanding, problem sets with solutions, and problem-solving videos. Additionally, a collection of links for further study and a full set of exams, including review materials and practice exams, are provided.
Quantitative Economics, Bachelor of Business Administration
The Quantitative Economics program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) equips students with the analytical skills needed to understand economic principles and apply them to real-world business challenges. This degree focuses on using quantitative methods to identify opportunities and inform strategic decision-making, ensuring businesses remain competitive in their respective markets. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to business success through data-driven insights.
Frequently asked questions
How much does studying Economics in the United States cost?
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Tuition ranges from roughly €31k to roughly €98k per year. Public universities such as Stony Brook University and UC Davis generally charge less than private institutions such as the University of Notre Dame.
Which universities offer Economics programmes in the United States?
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27 universities are listed, including the University of Notre Dame, the University of California Davis, Stony Brook University, and Rutgers University–New Brunswick.
Can international students apply for Economics programmes in the US?
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Yes. An F-1 student visa is required. Graduate economics programmes at research universities often provide full funding — including tuition waivers and stipends — through research or teaching assistantships.
What entry requirements apply to Economics programmes in the United States?
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Undergraduate applicants need a high-school diploma with strong mathematics. Graduate programmes typically require a quantitative bachelor's degree, GRE scores with high quantitative marks, and academic references.
How do I apply for an Economics programme in the United States?
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Apply through each university's graduate or undergraduate admissions portal. For PhD programmes, contact potential faculty advisors before applying, and prepare a focused statement of purpose alongside GRE scores and transcripts.