The best online PhD in Economics offers a broad, comprehensive knowledge of how economics affects the global landscape. An online program at the doctoral level in economics provides graduates with the advanced analytical and critical thinking skills they need to build successful careers in banking, government, politics, healthcare, insurance, and non-profit sectors.
If you are looking to get an online PhD in Economics, then this article is for you. This guide contains a list of the best schools you can earn your economics PhD online, their admission requirements and tuition, as well as the economics jobs you’ll qualify for after graduating from business school.
Can You Get a PhD in Economics Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Economics online. Online degree programs offer students the opportunity to earn an economics doctoral degree without the inconvenience of taking physical classes on the university campus. Online graduate programs are a great choice for students who are restricted by geographical location or who prefer to take online classes.
Is an Online PhD Respected?
Yes, an online PhD is respected. They have the same coursework, curriculum, and degree requirements as in-person degrees. A survey by the Society for Human Resources Management on hiring practices and attitudes reported that 55 percent of organizations would not give preference to a candidate with an in-person degree over one with an online degree if both had the same job experience.
That being said, students need to ensure that they get their online degrees from an accredited online school. Accreditation demonstrates that a school meets the minimum acceptable academic standards set by an external accreditation body to be able to offer academic degrees. Checking a school’s accreditation status before beginning the application process is recommended.
What Is the Best Online PhD Program in Economics?
The best online PhD program in economics is the PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy offered by Liberty University. Out of all the online doctoral degree programs on our list, Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy’s high-quality curriculum and faculty stand out among the others.
Why Liberty University Has the Best Online PhD Program in Economics
Liberty University has the best online economics PhD program because of its well-rounded curriculum, giving students a comprehensive understanding of national and global public and economic policies. Students take classes taught by industry leaders and experienced policymakers and take high-level courses in public and economic theory and policy, policy analysis, and research design.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Online PhD in Economics Admission Requirements
The typical admission requirements for an online PhD in Economics are a Master’s Degree in Economics or in a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Other common requirements include recommendation letters, an interview, your resume, a statement of purpose or personal statement, and professional work experience.
While the specific requirements will differ from one school to the next, prospective students are always required to submit their unofficial or official transcripts of all of their undergraduate and graduate coursework. Although some schools have waived this due to the pandemic, many require students to submit GMAT or GRE test scores as part of the application process.
Online PhD in Economics Admission Requirements
- A Master’s Degree in Economics or in a related field from an accredited institution
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- A copy of your resume
- A statement of purpose or personal statement
- Professional work experience
- Your GMAT or GRE test scores
- An online interview
Best Online PhDs in Economics: Top Degree Program Details
| School | Program | Estimated Length |
|---|---|---|
| California Baptist University | Doctor of Business Administration | 3 years |
| Hampton University | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration | 3 years |
| Liberty University | PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy | 3 years |
| Marymount University | Online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence | 3 years |
| University of Maryland – Global Campus | PhD in Business Administration | 3 years |
Best Online PhDs in Economics: Top University Programs to Get a PhD in Economics Online
The top university programs to get a PhD in Economics online are able to let students benefit from experiencing diverse cultures and learning from a high-quality curriculum with many research opportunities without having to relocate. It is a great option for students who want to balance school with work, family, or other personal commitments. Here are the best online PhDs in Economics.
Online Economics PhD Graduation Rates: How Hard Is It to Complete an Online PhD Program in Economics?
It is very hard to complete an online PhD in Economics. This can be attributed to the stress students experience, as well as lack of motivation. Those that want to pursue a PhD must be certain that they are academically and financially prepared.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Economics Online?
It takes about three years to get a PhD in Economics online. Although, it can take as long as seven or eight years, depending on the school’s curriculum, learning pace, and specialization. Over these three years, students need to complete a certain number of courses, pass written or oral exams, and research and write a dissertation on their chosen research topic.
How Hard Is an Online Doctorate in Economics?
An online Doctorate in Economics is very hard. It is a broad, multidisciplinary degree that involves the study of complex business, sociology, mathematics, and accounting topics. Students in an online Doctoral Degree in Economics take advanced courses that require strong skills in critical thinking and complex mathematical models to succeed.
The overall level of difficulty of an online PhD in Economics depends on a student’s academic foundation and their chosen program’s curriculum. Programs offered at universities with a higher reputation or higher school ranking are usually more difficult. That being said, these programs will usually better prepare you for the real world and impress potential employers.
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Best PhD Programs
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What Courses Are in an Online Economics PhD Program?
An online economics PhD program includes courses such as Economic History, Economics and Public Policy, Policy Analysis and Research Design, Introduction to Economic Policy Studies, and Managerial Economics. These courses will prepare you for a long and lucrative career in the industry and equip you with the skills you need.
Main Areas of Study in an Economics PhD Program
- Economic history
- Economics and public policy
- Policy analysis and research design
- Introduction to economic policy studies
- Managerial economics
How Much Does Getting an Online Economics PhD Cost?
It costs around $19,314 per year to get an online PhD in Economics, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, this is a ballpark estimate. The actual amount you will spend to get an online economics PhD largely depends on whether the school is public or private. On top of tuition costs, you also need to consider fees, study material costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
How to Pay for an Online PhD Program in Economics
You can pay for an online PhD program in economics through an upfront payment, grants and scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, government loans, and private loans. Students in the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and the US Military can also benefit from tuition reduction. For example, Liberty University offers their doctoral degree for $300 per credit for members of the military, which is an almost 50 percent discount.
How to Get an Online PhD for Free
You can’t get an online PhD for free. All legitimate PhD programs charge tuition, and there are no fully funded online PhDs in Economics. That being said, students needing financial aid can inquire about available scholarships and grants offered by their school. Online PhD students can register for the Free Application for Federal Scholarship Aid.
What Is the Most Affordable Online PhD in Economics Degree Program?
The most affordable online PhD in Economics is the PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy offered by Liberty University. At $595 per credit, this 60-credit program costs a total of $35,700 in tuition. Compared to the most expensive program on our list, which costs approximately $52,000, you could save up to $16,300.
Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Economics: In Brief
| School | Program | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy | $595 per credit |
| Hampton University | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD) | $695 per credit |
| California Baptist University | Doctor of Business Administration | $795 per credit |
University of Maryland – Global Campus |
PhD in Business Administration |
$1,087 per credit |
| Marymount University | Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence | $1,140 per credit |
Why You Should Get an Online PhD in Economics
You should get an online PhD in Economics because it’ll provide you with specialized knowledge of economics and equip you with the in-demand skills you’ll need to work in leadership positions across the fields of politics, history, business administration, and finance. A PhD is the highest level of education you can get and will give you a leg up over other candidates during the hiring process.
Top Reasons for Getting a PhD in Economics
- Increased job opportunities. A PhD in Economics will make you more attractive to employers looking to fill high-level leadership positions in the industry. PhD graduates have more career options than lower-level degree holders.
- Enhanced earning potential. A PhD in Economics can improve your earning potential. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that PhD holders have a median weekly salary of $1,885. This is higher than the salary for master’s and bachelor’s degree graduates.
- Higher employment rate. The skills and knowledge that economics doctoral degree holders have can qualify them for a wider range of positions. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that PhD holders have a higher employment rate than all other degree holders.
- Specialized skills. Getting a PhD will provide you with advanced technical skills in your field of study as well as transferable soft skills. Both of these hard and soft skills are things you need to succeed in the highest possible career after graduation.
Best Master’s Degree Programs
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What Is the Difference Between an On-Campus Economics PhD and an Online PhD in Economics?
The difference between an on-campus economics PhD and an online PhD in Economics is each program’s cost, flexibility, interactivity with faculty and fellow students, and availability of funding. While their course content and curricula may be alike, there are a few differences between an online economics PhD and an on-campus PhD in Economics.
Online PhD vs On-Campus PhD: Key Differences
- Cost. Online doctoral programs usually cost less than on-campus degrees. Not only is the tuition itself usually lower for an online program, but you’ll also avoid needing to pay additional fees related to transportation, student accommodation, and labs or study materials.
- Flexibility. Students in on-campus programs have to be physically present at specific times and locations on the school campus to take classes, while online PhD students can take their classes from the comfort of their homes. Many online courses are also asynchronous and can be taken when convenient.
- Interactivity. Students in an on-campus PhD program enjoy physical interaction with faculty and peers, which can help with learning and motivation. On the other hand, online students have to employ virtual platforms to contact faculty at scheduled times.
- Availability of funding. There are more funding opportunities for on-campus students than students in online programs. On-campus students usually have access to fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
How to Get a PhD in Economics Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
To get a PhD in Economics online, you need to gain admission into an accredited university, complete your course credit requirements, pass all examinations, get your dissertation project topic approved, research your dissertation topic, and defend what you wrote during the final stage of the dissertation process. Doctorate programs take a lot of work to complete, but knowing what to expect will help you prepare.
Online PhD in Economics Salary and Job Outlook
Online economics PhD graduates can earn between $77,427 and $153,460 per year, depending on their job title, location, employer, and experience. An online PhD in Economics will provide you with the skillset needed to land high-paying roles in different sectors, including academia, business, finance, government, and politics.
What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Economics?
With an online Doctorate in Economics, you can become an economic consultant, postsecondary professor of economics, economist, financial manager, and financial analyst. Some of these roles are high-paying senior-level positions requiring applicants to hold a PhD.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Economics
- Economic Consultant
- Postsecondary Professor of Economics
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
Potential Careers With an Economics Degree
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What Is the Average Salary for an Online PhD Holder in Economics?
The average salary for a PhD holder in Economics is $110,000 per year, according to PayScale. PhD graduates can qualify for a wide range of high-paying positions across many industries. Keep in mind that your actual annual salary can vary depending on factors such as location, years of experience, industry, and position.
Highest-Paying Economics Jobs for PhD Grads
| Online Economics PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Manager | $131,710 |
| Economist | $105,630 |
| Professor of Economics | $96,198 |
| Financial Analyst | $81,410 |
| Economic Consultant | $77,427 |
Best Economics Jobs for Online PhD Holders
Knowing the best economics jobs for online PhD holders will help you decide whether or not it’s worth it for you to embark on the long journey of earning your PhD. In this section, we’ve put together a list of the best economics jobs for online PhD holders, a description of what they do, their job outlook, the number of jobs, and the highest-paying states.
Is It Worth It to Do a PhD in Economics Online?
Yes, it is worth it to do a PhD in Economics online because it allows you to get advanced education and expertise in economics from the comfort of your home while preparing you to land high-profile positions where you can make an impact on the world. Economics PhD graduates gain advanced knowledge in the theoretical foundations, methodology, and philosophy of economics.
Additional Reading About Economics
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Online PhD in Economics FAQ
Yes, you can do a PhD in Economics entirely at a distance. An increasing number of schools are beginning to offer completely online economics PhD programs for distance learners. Online degrees are respected by hiring managers as well and are considered as good as in-person degrees.
No, you can not get a PhD in Economics in one year. It usually takes a minimum of three years to complete the graduate degree requirements. This includes the credit requirements and dissertation paper.
Yes, it is possible to do a PhD in Economics without a master’s. Although the typical requirements for a PhD program include having an in-person or online Master’s Degree in Economics or relevant field from an accredited institution, some schools allow students to apply to their PhD program without one.
No, 50 is not too late to get a PhD. There is no age limit in the pursuit of higher education, and you can go back to college at 50 or at any time you want. Anyone can enroll in a PhD program regardless of age. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the determination to succeed. In fact, your work experience can help you get into a PhD program.
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