An online Ph.D. in Economics can provide professional economists with a way to expand their knowledge and careers. These degrees are oriented toward those who have had life experience and previous education in the field of economics or in a related field. Because Economics is such a diverse and multi-faceted subject, the Ph.D. may be suited to those who already have the training and a career in Finance, Psychology, Politics, Government, or International Studies, among other subjects.
Because the Ph.D.’s listed below are 100% online, they can be completed without the inconvenience of relocating work and home life. Studying higher level Economics will open the world to various emphases, all of which are a vital part of each person, organization, and government’s buying, selling, and producing.
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Check out our “Things to Consider” section:
Is earning a doctoral degree in Economics worth it?
Yes, of course. Owning a doctoral degree in Economics will have financial benefits and add to job security; however, for most earning a Ph.D. (in any subject matter), it is a feeling of accomplishment and personal satisfaction like no other.
Can I obtain a doctorate in economics online?
Yes, although limited, utilizing a distance learning program is a great way for working adults to earn their doctoral degree in the field of economics. However, as most coursework can be completed 100% online, often your program will demand some on-campus attendance at this level to complete lab or research requirements.
Do I need to be a good investor to be a good economist?
Not necessarily. As you earn your online Doctor of Economics degree, perhaps you will learn additional skills and expertise to put your knowledge to work in your own investments; however, a good economist studies all aspects of money with the hopes of forecasting trends and analyzing data to help their clients. Can you put your knowledge to good use in your personal finances? Sure, why not? Will it pan out? Maybe!
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Best Online Doctorates in Economics
METHODOLOGY: At OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, we hope that the following list of schools for Online Doctorates in Economics will assist you in pursuing an online educational program that fits your educational needs, as well as, your personality and busy schedule.
Each school referenced in this list provides an excellent education and each doctoral degree brings its own strengths and focuses. Therefore, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has chosen to rank these educators in random order, for all exhibit equivalent attributes, such as:
- 100% online availability (minimal and/or periodic on-site sessions),
- Comprehensive degree-specific curriculum in the field of Economics,
- Ease of use and Exceptional Student Support,
- Provides proper school accreditation,
- Allows for the development of advanced skills in Economics,
- Gain advanced knowledge in Economics’ theoretical foundations, methodology, and philosophy, among many other topics,
- Hones Research skills and prepares for Dissertation process,
- Offers experienced Faculty,
- Provides Financial Aid opportunities.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
Liberty University
ONLINE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC POLICY – ECONOMIC POLICY
Program Standouts: Liberty University’s online Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy – Economic Policy provides students with the knowledge to serve in many capacities. These include serving in government roles, consulting firms, non-profits, and international organizations. The Public Policy – Economic Policy specialization at Liberty builds upon the previous expertise of students, expanding their knowledge of economic and finance politics.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033, 404-679-4500
Course Sample:
- Foundations of Statesmanship and Public Policy
- Foreign Policy, Globalization, and Statesmanship
- Introduction to Economic Policy
Admission Requirements:
- Regionally or Nationally accredited master’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA
- Admission application
- Application fee
- Official college transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of English proficiency
Degree Outcomes: According to Liberty University’s website, the following potential career options are available to those who graduate with a PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy:
- Senior Public Policy Analyst
- Professor of Higher Education
- Economic Policy Researcher
- Government Leadership
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC POLICY – ECONOMIC POLICY AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Recommended Schools
Atlantic International University
ONLINE DOCTOR OF ECONOMICS (PHD)
Program Standouts: The Doctor of Economics degree from Atlantic International University, brings together the practical side of the business with the economic analysis. As a Ph.D. program, the degree is research-oriented and reflects many academic disciplines such as technology and operations management, corporate governance and control, labor, relations, capital markets, and financial institutions, corporate finance, organizations and markets, international business, business strategy, and industrial organization marketing. Unique to the program is the tailoring of areas of study to each student. The student and his or her advisor from AIU will create an individualized program to meet each student’s needs and interests.
Campus Location: Honolulu, HI
Accreditation:
- Atlantic International University is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges & Universities, ASIC House 13 Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3NJ, [email protected], +44 (0)1740 617 920
Course Sample:
- Economics of Growth and Development
- Public Economics
- Mathematics for Economists
Admission Requirements:
- Master’s Degree + 5 years life experience in a related field
- Student Application
- Curriculum Vitae
Degree Outcomes: According to AIU’s website: “The Economics program is designed to advance the professional development of experienced economics graduates and professionals in the economics arena by extending their knowledge and equipping them with broad research and process economics skills, enabling them to make a key leadership contribution to their chosen fields.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTOR OF ECONOMICS (PHD) AT aTLANTIC INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Akamai University
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Program Standouts: Akamai University , in its online Doctorate in Community and Economic Development, educates students in the basics and more advanced elements of community and economic issues. The program concerns itself with the increasing challenges and complexity of governments, global situations and organizations. The students in the online doctorate at Akamai are trained to become leaders for change in these challenging environments.
Campus Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Accreditation:
- Akamai University is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges & Universities, ASIC House 13 Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3NJ, [email protected], +44 (0)1740 617 920
Course Sample:
- History of Global Development
- Directed Readings in Economic Development
- Aid, Trade and Development
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of the equivalent of recognized graduate degree in an appropriate field of preparation
- Solid research training
- Several years of meaningful professional experience
Degree Outcomes: According to their website, the PhD in Community and Economic Development at Akamai University “prepares the participants in the fundamentals and advanced principles of community and economic development and economic recovery.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT AKAMAI UNIVERSITY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Economics?
According to the dictionary, Economics is “the branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth.” Though this definition is certainly broad enough in scope, it may not convey adequately the diversity, details, and demands of the discipline of economics. Economics involves persons, therefore it is a social science that requires insight into human response and action. Though one may think of wealth strictly as money, wealth for most people involves goods, such as clothing, crops, or computers. It also involves services such as teaching, construction, or repair. Not only does the application of economics facilitate the fair exchange of goods and services, but it also considers the numerous theories as to how this exchange is best accomplished. The subject of economics can be further broken down into macroeconomics and microeconomics. Macroeconomics is focused more on the economics of a country or larger communities. Microeconomics is concentrated on the individuals and small communities involved in economic enterprise.
How Long Does it Take to Complete a Doctorate in Economics?
A doctorate is a terminal degree and requires plenty of prerequisites. One must have completed a bachelor’s degree and usually a master’s degree in the field of economics or a related field. Often a prerequisite is also to have relevant experience in the field of economics. Most Doctorates of Economics degrees are campus-based, though online doctorates are becoming more and more common as well. An online doctorate as well as a traditional, on-campus doctorate usually takes between 4-7 years to complete. In the U.S., the first 2 years involve coursework and usually a written and/or oral exam. After the coursework is complete, the student with the aid of his or her advisor or faculty mentor will decide on a research topic. The student then will spend several years researching and writing a dissertation on their topic. When the dissertation is finished, the findings will be presented to a committee. Once the student has finished coursework and their dissertation, he or she will obtain a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics.
What Courses or Areas of Study does a PhD Student in Economics Pursue?
Because the subject of Economics is so diverse, the course studies are also diverse. A student of economics may pursue various fields within the subcategories of Macroeconomics and Microeconomics as well as the history of Economics or the financial aspects of economics. Courses in Economics usually include subjects such as finance, statistical research, history of economic theory, mathematics for economists, global development, and public policy. Specializations within the subject of Economics include industrial economics which studies the economics of industry; econometrics or the application of mathematics and statistics to the economy, finance, behavioral economics which studies human behavior as a vital part of the economy, economic history, international finance, and poverty. Usually, in a Ph.D. program, a dissertation will be written on a topic within one of these specialized fields.
What Career Opportunities are there for Economic PhD Graduates?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for economists is predicted to grow at around an average rate of 14%. However, during the years 2019-2029, the number of working teachers is expected to grow by 13% which is well above average. The median annual wage for an economist is $105,020. Professors’ median annual wage is $104,370. With a Ph.D. in Economics, one may work as an economist in a variety of fields or as a post-secondary economics teacher or professor. Depending on the specialization of one’s studies a Doctor of Economics may work in a governmental capacity, in private business, as an analyst of economic reports, forecasting economics based on statistics and economic history, or within industrial economics. One may also work in an NGO or in a third world country to improve living conditions. As a teacher or professor, one’s responsibilities would include teaching classes on Economics, as well as grading, creating lesson plans, and lecturing.
How Can One Prepare for an Online Doctorate in Economics?
Completing an online doctorate requires the usual preparation for doctoral studies as well as some preparation for online studies. Preparing for online studies can include: making a visit to the campus to meet professors and/or one’s adviser (at least contact one’s adviser); making sure one has a quiet place to study and work as well as carving out the necessary time to be successful; researching the school and program; researching tech requirements. Preparing for a doctorate can be much more extensive. All of one’s previous coursework and experience is the most important preparation. Then, research Ph.D. programs in economics, getting as many details as you can. These details can include the course outline as well as specific careers that one will be prepared for. Researching multiple programs will narrow one’s program choice. In order to determine the program with the best fit, students should factor in their own qualifications, the fields of specialization available in a program, the method and size of the program, exams, and any other factors that would influence their decision.