25 Best Online Economics Degree Programs Heading Into 2024
Exploring the top online programs for aspiring economists and the promising career prospects in the financial services industry
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the demand for skilled economists is on the rise. As the financial services industry continues to expand and embrace technological advancements, the need for professionals with a deep understanding of economics has never been greater. With the flexibility and convenience of online education, aspiring economists can now pursue their degrees from the comfort of their own homes. In this article, we will explore the 25 best online economics degree programs heading into 2024, offering students a comprehensive list of reputable institutions to consider for their education.
What Industry Can You Get Into With an Economics Degree?
Before delving into the list of top online economics degree programs, it’s essential to understand the career prospects that await graduates in this field. The financial services industry offers a wealth of opportunities for economists, with the potential for high-paying positions. According to the US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), economists working in the financial services industry earned an annual mean wage of $197,400 in May 2022, making it one of the top-paying industries for this profession.
One particularly promising career path for economists is investment banking. Investment bankers act as intermediaries, connecting companies in need of capital with investors. They provide services such as underwriting securities, facilitating mergers, offering financial advisory, conducting market analysis, and managing risk. The global investment banking market is growing rapidly, driven by technological advancements and digital transformation in the financial sector. This growth is expected to create more job opportunities for economists in the future.
The Growth of the Investment Banking Industry
The investment banking industry is experiencing significant growth, fueled by technological advancements and increasing demand for innovative financial products. Investment banks are harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to streamline processes and enhance risk management. The use of generative AI is transforming services like writing and interpreting technical documents. Online platforms and trading have also democratized market access, expanding the customer base. These advancements enable investment banks to deliver innovative products, improve operational efficiency, and drive demand in the market. As a result, the investment banking industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
Key Players in the Investment Banking Industry
Several key players dominate the investment banking industry, shaping its direction and influencing market trends. One such prominent name is Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS), an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. Recently, Goldman Sachs faced a costly exit from its partnership with Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) for its credit card business. The company’s CEO is now exploring strategic alternatives for its consumer unit.
Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) is another dominant player in the financial services industry. The company recently announced enhancements to its CashPro Chat virtual service advisor, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide swift access to account information and specialized service teams.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is also a significant player in the industry, reporting solid earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company’s revenue exceeded market consensus, driven by growth in institutional securities and positive indicators in advisory and underwriting.
The Best Online Economics Degree Programs
Now that we have explored the promising career prospects in the financial services industry, let’s turn our attention to the best online economics degree programs heading into 2024. To compile this list, we consulted reputable sources such as Intelligent.com, Great Value Colleges, BestColleges, and Best Value Schools. Using a consensus methodology, we considered programs that appeared in at least two of the four sources and calculated their average rankings across multiple criteria.
Here are the top 25 online economics degree programs heading into 2024:
25. Ottawa University
24. Texas State University
23. Indiana State University
22. Regent University
21. University of North Carolina
20. University of Arizona
19. Eastern New Mexico University
18. Fort Hays State University
17. University of Hawai’i at Manoa
16. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
15. SUNY Empire State College
14. West Texas A&M University
13. University of West Georgia
12. Arizona State University
11. Western Illinois University
10. Eastern Oregon University
9. Florida International University
8. Liberty University
7. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
6. Colorado State University
To continue reading and discover the top five online economics degree programs heading into 2024, please visit the original article on Insider Monkey.
Conclusion:
As the financial services industry continues to grow and embrace technological advancements, the demand for skilled economists is on the rise. Pursuing an online economics degree offers the flexibility to balance education with other commitments while preparing for a promising career in the field. The top 25 online economics degree programs heading into 2024 provide students with reputable institutions to consider for their education. By choosing one of these programs, aspiring economists can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the financial services industry and contribute to its ongoing growth.