If you want to become an economist or pursue a career in an economics-related field, enrolling in one of the best economics associate degree programs is a great first step. An Associate Degree in Economics is an excellent way to get the technical skills needed to start a career in the field, and they are often much more affordable than other four-year degrees.
You can earn the knowledge and skills needed to secure an entry-level job, or transfer credits to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Continue reading this guide for everything you need to know about the best economics associate degree programs and their costs and admissions requirements, as well as an overview of the economics associate degree jobs available after graduation.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Economics?
Some of the best schools to get an Associate Degree in Economics include Alpena Community College, City University of New York (CUNY) Borough of Manhattan Community College, East Los Angeles College, Salt Lake Community College, Santa Barbara City College, and Woodland Community College.
What Schools Offer the Best Economics Associate Degrees?
- Alpena Community College
- CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
- Mesa Community College
- Salt Lake Community College
- Santa Barbara City College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Economics?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Economics typically include an online or in-person application, placement tests, and official high school transcripts or a certificate of completion.
These are the general standard requirements for getting accepted into community colleges, however, they may vary from school to school. Some schools only require students to complete an online application and submit their transcripts, while others may request standardized test scores and ask their students to take placement tests.
Economics Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Online or in-person application
- Official high school transcript
- Certificate of completion
- GED scores (if applicable)
- Placement test
How to Get an Associate Degree in Economics
You can get an Associate Degree in Economics by fulfilling the necessary degree requirements of the school. These include a specific number of semester credits and a minimum GPA. The sections that follow include more helpful details.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Economics?
To earn an Associate Degree in Economics, you typically need an average of 60 credits. Some schools may require students to earn more, but the minimum is typically 60. Students will have to get a specific number of credits each semester consisting of general education courses, core courses, and electives. They will have to take courses in each of those categories throughout the program.
Economics Degree Requirements
- 60 semester credits total
- 12-15 credits each semester
- 20-22 credits in core courses
- 38-40 credits in general education courses
- 2.0 minimum GPA
Best Economics Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Alpena Community College | Associate of Arts (AA) in Economics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Bakersfield College | Associate of Arts in Economics for Transfer (AA-T) | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Berkeley City College | Associate of Arts in Economics for Transfer | ACCJC of Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Casper College | Associate of Science (AS) in Economics | Higher Learning Commission |
| CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | Associate of Arts in Economics | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| East Los Angeles College | Associate of Arts in Economics for Transfer | ACCJC of Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Mesa Community College | Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Economics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Salt Lake Community College | Associate of Science in Economics | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Santa Barbara City College | Associate in Arts in Economics | ACCJC of Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Woodland Community College | Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer | ACCJC of Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
Best Schools for Economics: Top Economics Associate Degree Programs
This section covers some of the best schools for economics and the top economics associate degree programs that those schools offer. It includes well-detailed information on each school, including tuition costs, admission requirements, curriculum details, and how to apply.
What Is an Economics Associate Degree?
An economics associate degree is a degree that is earned after a two-year program in which students learn the basics of economics. It will equip students with the relevant knowledge and skills required to transfer to a four-year college or join the workforce. Some schools offer the degree specifically as a transfer degree program, while others offer it as a general program.
The program typically takes two years to complete, and students will have to earn about 60 credits within four semesters. Some students can choose to apply for an accelerated program that will take a shorter period to complete. The program will cover core courses that will help students understand the field of economics.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Economics?
An Associate Degree in Economics is very important because it can help students either transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at a university or enter the workforce. It will equip them with career skills and teach students the same economics courses covered in the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program. This will help students better prepare for the BS degree program in economics or related fields.
What Types of Associate Degrees Can You Get in Economics?
The types of associate degrees that you can get in economics include an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Science degree. An Associate of Arts degree will include a broader range of liberal education courses, and therefore prepare you for a broader career field. An Associate of Science degree will prepare you to pursue a math and science-related career.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science in Economics?
It is better to get an Associate of Arts (AA) degree if you’re more interested in liberal arts and would like to explore other elective courses. An Associate of Science (AS) degree would be better if you prefer a concentration in math and science. AA degrees are very flexible and allow students to explore other fields and occupations, while AS degrees are restricted to math and science but offer more training in technical skills and concepts.
An AA in Economics degree can allow students to pursue careers in business administration, finance, accounting, and even public policy. An Associate of Science in Economics will allow students to pursue careers in these fields without taking additional courses. AA degrees will equip students with communication, writing, and research skills.
What Is the Difference Between an Economics Associate Degree and an Economics Certificate?
An economics associate degree is a two-year degree that requires students to have a high school diploma or completion of the GED test, while an economics certificate is a program that may include just technical and professional courses and is aimed at helping professionals upgrade their skills. To earn this certificate, candidates will need to have a certain level of academic and career experience.
An associate degree will provide students with more in-depth knowledge and cover general education courses, math courses, and writing courses. Students who earn this degree can transfer to four-year universities or start a career. A certificate program takes less time to complete, depending on the type of program.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Economics?
It costs about an average $11,391 to get an Associate Degree in Economics, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This amount will vary by the school, as private universities often cost more than public institutions.
For instance, the total tuition cost of getting an Associate Degree in Economics from a public institution is about $11,069, while a private institution will cost about $26,749. The cost of attending a private non-profit two-year institution is about $28,425, while a private for-profit institution will cost about $24,960.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Economics Associate Degree?
It typically takes two years to get an economics associate degree. The program will be divided into four semesters wherein students will have to complete a specific number of credits each semester. The education requirements of associate economic degrees require students to earn 60 semester credits and have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to graduate.
Some students can choose to enroll in an accelerated associate degree program, which is designed to allow students to complete their program ahead of time, typically in one and a half years. Students who cannot complete the program in two years have a timeframe of five years to earn the degree.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Economics?
It is not very hard to get an Associate Degree in Economics, especially if you have a knack for math and science. The degree consists of math and science courses, including calculus, algebra, and statistics. Students who already enjoy these subjects will likely find economics easier to understand, and do well in an economics associate degree program.
Why Should You Get an Economics Associate Degree?
You should get an economics associate degree because it will prepare you for both a career in the economics field and an advanced degree at a university. You will get the academic experience needed to scale through a BS degree. You will also be equipped with the technical and analytical skills required to pursue a career in multiple fields like economics, accounting, and business administration.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Economics?
The typical education requirements regarding common courses you’ll need to take in an associate degree program in economics include statistics, calculus, business calculus, microeconomics, macroeconomics, analytic geometry, communication, writing, and research. Below you’ll find more details on a few of the top economics core courses you can take in the program.
Business Statistics
This course can also be offered simply as Statistics or Applied Statistics in some schools. It will introduce students to the business applications of descriptive and inferential statistics, probable measurements of relationships, and statistical process management. It will also teach students how to use spreadsheet software for business statistical analysis.
Microeconomics
This is a core course that will teach students the principles of microeconomics analysis, economic institutions, and public policy issues. It will cover elasticity, consumer choice, production costs, profits, scarcity, specialization and trade, and market equilibrium. Students will learn to use analytical tools to analyze the primary economic activities of consumption and production.
Macroeconomics
This core course will introduce students to aggregate economic analysis. It will cover the concept of economics, including demand and supply, output and income, growth, inflation, unemployment, interest rates, money, and banking. Students will also learn the theories of international trade and economic development.
Analytic Geometry and/or Calculus
This math course will introduce students to differential and integral calculus applied to the functions of a single variable. It will cover rectangular coordinates on a plane, equations of conic sections, functions, limits, continuity, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, Rolle’s Theorem, the Mean Value Theorem, maxima and minima, and integration.
Communication
This general education course will teach students about human communication, interpersonal communication, public speaking, small group communication, and business communication, which are essential skills for employment in the field. This will help prepare them for a career in economics by ensuring they understand how to communicate their ideas and opinions.
Continuing Education Paths for Economics Associate Degree Graduates
Upon completing an economics associate degree, there are many continuing education paths for economics associate degree graduates to take, including transferring to another college to pursue a four-year degree in economics or related fields, or even a graduate degree after achieving a bachelor’s. Those who would prefer to earn a professional certificate or certification after the program have plenty of options to do so, as it can help them land better jobs in the field.
Related Economics Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Economics Associate Degree Programs
There are certain things that you will want to look for when conducting a school search and choosing the best economics associate degree programs. The factors that determine a good and respectable program include accreditation, cost, career services options, accelerated degree option, flexibility, and program curriculum. You can find more information on them below.
Accreditation
It is important that the program you’re applying for is regionally or nationally accredited, or at least offered by a school that is. This gives more credit to the program as your degree will be respected in the job market. Accreditation also often makes it easier to transfer credits to a four-year university.
Cost
The program should be affordable for your budget. The programs that aren’t affordable should offer multiple financial aid and scholarship options for students to explore, which will help relieve the burden of tuition. Pick a school based on the factors mentioned in this list, and then ask the school about the financial aid options they offer.
Career Services
Career services help prepare students for entering the labor market. They typically include resume writing tips, interview prep, portfolio building, online branding, job search, and career coaching. These services make it easier for graduates to navigate the job market in their field.
Accelerated Options
Accelerated programs allow students to complete their programs ahead of time. A two-year program, for instance, can be completed in a year and a half when it’s taken through the accelerated option. This is usually best for students who are eager to begin a four-year program.
Curriculum
The program’s curriculum is incredibly important and should include courses that are relevant to the program. A good curriculum will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to participate in the field, or transfer to other universities for a bachelor’s degree.
What Is the Most Affordable Economics Associate Degree?
The most affordable economics associate degree is Woodland Community College’s Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer degree program. This program costs $46 per credit for California residents and $280 per credit for non-residents.
All of the community colleges located in California mentioned in this article offer affordable tuition of $46 per credit for residents, but Woodland Community College is especially affordable because it offers free tuition for first-year students through its College Promise program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Economics Associate Degree Graduates
The salary and job outlook for economics associate degree graduates is high. An Associate Degree in Economics provides various employment opportunities in multiple economics-related fields. Graduates can work in government, finance, business administration, and information technology (IT). This section breaks down the details of the many career opportunities and salaries for the best economics associate degree jobs.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Economics Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an economics associate degree. Economic skills are in demand in various fields, giving graduates opportunities to land great jobs. However, most jobs require students to have at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. Many schools offer career services that prepare students for the labor market and equip them with job skills that will give them a competitive advantage over their peers.
What’s the Average Economics Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an economics Associate of Arts degree is $60,000 annually, according to PayScale. This amount may differ based on factors like industry, company, job role, experience, and expertise level. For instance, an economics associate degree graduate with at least two years of experience is likely to earn more than a recent graduate.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Economics Associate Degree?
The types of jobs you can get with an economics associate degree include roles at government agencies, consulting firms, research companies, and financial institutions. You can choose a specific area or industry to specialize in, like healthcare, transportation, or energy. There is a wide variety of sectors to pursue an economics career. Below is a list of more specific job roles.
Economics Degree Jobs
- Economist
- Financial analyst
- Business reporter
- Market research analyst
- Budget analyst
Potential Careers With an Economics Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Economics?
You can make between $63,380 and $105,630 annually with an Associate Degree in Economics. The specific amount that you can earn will depend on the industry you work in, the company you work for, your experience, professional certifications, and your level of expertise.
If you choose to pursue a higher degree after your associate degree or get professional certifications after a few years of experience, your annual income will likely be more than that of entry-level associate degree graduates. The more experience and skills you acquire, the higher your income will be.
Highest-Paying Economics Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Economics Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Economist | $105,630 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $94,170 |
| Credit Analyst | $88,030 |
| Budget Analyst | $79,940 |
| Loan Officer | $63,380 |
Best Jobs for Economics Associate Degree Grads
This section includes detailed information on some of the best jobs for economics associate degree grads. You can get several jobs with an economics major, but this list focuses on some of the highest-paying jobs. Below you’ll find details on the highest-paying states, job outlook, and job description of each role.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Associate Degree in Economics Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Economics is worth it for many reasons, including the many jobs available to economics graduates. Even though most economics-related positions require a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree is an affordable way to pursue a four-year degree and transfer half of the required credit load for half of the price of a bachelor’s degree program.
As an economist, you can explore many job roles in various industries, as your skills are in high demand. You can also choose an area of specialization and become an expert in the field. An AA in Economics degree is very flexible, as you can transfer to a four-year college for a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business administration, Finance, and Accounting, among others. The possibilities are endless for an economics associate degree.
Additional Reading About Economics
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Economics Associate Degree FAQ
Yes, an economics degree is worth it, as it offers many job opportunities and high-paying salaries. An economics degree holder can explore multiple industries and job roles as their skills are highly demanded by employers in many sectors.
A degree in economics can get you many employment opportunities in various industries, giving you the chance to choose an area of focus and specialize in it. It also gets you high salaries as economists typically are well-paid professionals.
The best degree for economics is a bachelor’s degree like a Bachelor of Science, as this provides the necessary skills needed for high-paying jobs in the financial industry. However, you can also get an associate degree which is a good starting point to help you pursue entry-level careers or transfer to a four-year program in a more affordable way.
An associate degree and a bachelor’s degree are not the same. An associate degree is a two-year program that prepares students to join the workforce or transfer to a university for a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is offered in a four-year institution and takes about four to six years to earn, depending on your program of study.
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