Degrees

Economic Degree Types

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: January 7, 2024, Reading time: 2 minutes

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Master of Science in Economics Master of Arts in Economics Associate in Economics Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Master of Science in Economics

The Master of Science in Economics program seeks to produce graduates with strong quantitative skills and a good understanding of economic theory.

Students will develop distinctive traits such as the ability to conduct scientific research in relevant fields. Thirty-two credit hours are required for the thesis option. Thirty-six semester credit hours are required for the non-thesis track.

Master of Arts in Economics

A Master of Economics is a postgraduate economics master’s degree that includes economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. The Master of Economic Sciences and the Master of Applied Economics are two versions of the MS or MSc, MA, or MCom degree in economics.

Associate in Economics

An associate degree in economics introduces students to the field. They study economic theory, the financial system, and practical economics as a foundation. In this area of study, general courses in math, science, and humanities are also available.

Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

The most sophisticated program of all postgraduate studies is a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics. Microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative analysis are all covered in this research-based degree.

Doctoral degrees are joint among economists who want to teach. This Ph.D. program usually takes four to six years to finish.

How do I decide which level of Economics degree I need? Do I need a graduate degree to excel?

The type of Economics degree you need depends on the career path you are pursuing. If you are looking to become an economist, professor, or policy analyst, then a graduate degree is typically the best option. If you are looking to become a financial analyst, data analyst, financial advisor, or accountant, then a bachelor’s degree should be sufficient.

Ultimately, it is important to research the job requirements for the career you are interested in to determine the type of degree you will need to be successful.

Check out our Economists’ Salary by State article!