An MBA in Economics blends advanced business strategy with the analytical tools of economics, making it a strong fit for people who want to lead with skill, experience, and confidence. Learn how this degree can help you understand how economic forces shape business decisions and explore online MBA in Economics options that offer flexibility for working professionals and specialized expertise.
Author: Kenya McCullum
Expertise: Graduate EducationStudent SuccessOnline LearningEditor: Kristin Marino
- Which Student Are You?
Finding Your Best-Fit Economics MBA Program
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - Salary/Pay
A look at how much I can expect to earn after graduation...
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online Economics MBA Programs
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Finding Your Best-Fit Economics MBA Program
Maybe you want an MBA with an economics concentration to sharpen strategy and policy chops for a leadership role, or maybe you’re eyeing something closer to a research-heavy economics path. The two aren’t interchangeable, and picking wrong adds time you didn’t plan to spend. Check the guide below to find your fit.
Which Economics MBA Student Persona Matches You Best?
The Career Starter
You’re early in your career, likely with a strong quantitative or econ background already, and want an MBA that deepens your economic analysis skills while adding the business and leadership training a straight economics degree doesn’t cover.
A quantitative MBA concentration in economics builds on econometrics, forecasting, and applied micro/macro analysis rather than starting from business basics, which matters if you already have some economics or quant coursework behind you. An accelerated, in-person format also gives you the strongest access to the case competitions and recruiting pipelines that feed into consulting and corporate strategy roles.
The Career Changer
You’re moving into a strategy, policy, or analytics-adjacent role from a field that didn’t involve economics and need a program that builds economic reasoning from the ground up.
Programs designed for career changers front-load foundational coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics before moving into applied business economics, so you don’t need an undergraduate econ background to succeed. A fully online format also lets you build this new analytical skill set while you’re still working in your current, unrelated role.
The Promotion Seeker
You’re already working in a business, strategy, or analytics role and want deeper economic training to move into corporate strategy, pricing, or policy-facing leadership.
An applied economics concentration builds skills in pricing strategy, market analysis, and forecasting that go beyond general MBA strategy coursework, which matters if you’re aiming for a role where economic reasoning is the core value you bring. A hybrid format with concentration options also lets you pair economics with a second area, like finance or business analytics, depending on the strategy path you’re targeting.
The Working Balancer
You’re a working professional who wants the analytical rigor of an economics concentration without pausing your career to earn it.
A fully online, part-time, asynchronous format lets you work through econometrics and applied economics coursework around your job rather than fixed class times, which matters since this concentration’s quantitative workload can be demanding alongside a full-time role. This is the most common way working professionals add a specialized concentration like economics to an MBA today.
The Public Sector Track
You’re aiming for a policy, government, or public-sector economics role rather than corporate strategy, and want an MBA that lets you build toward that instead of a purely corporate track.
Public policy electives and a research or thesis option let you build the kind of applied economic research and policy-analysis experience that government agencies, think tanks, and nonprofits look for, which a standard corporate-strategy MBA track doesn’t offer. A hybrid format also lets you access faculty research opportunities and policy-focused networking in person while still managing coursework around a job or fellowship.
The Pricing Revenue Strategist
You want to specialize in pricing strategy, revenue management, or demand forecasting — a distinct, high-demand niche within business economics rather than general strategy.
Pricing and revenue management roles reward specific applied econometrics skills — elasticity modeling, demand forecasting, competitive pricing analysis — that a general economics concentration only touches on, so look for electives that go deep on this niche specifically. A fully online format also works well here, since pricing and revenue analytics roles are increasingly remote, data-driven positions themselves.
Inside 3 Popular Online Economics MBA Programs
Below, we highlight three accredited U.S. universities offering online or hybrid MBA programs with an economics focus. Each program combines a flexible format with a thorough curriculum and student support.
Longwood University — MBA (Economics Track)
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Longwood University offers an online MBA with Economics concentration that can be completed in as few as 10 months.
Comprising 31 credits, the curriculum integrates data analytics and macroeconomics into management practices, covering business cycles, demand forecasting, and economic indicators through interactive projects. Students also gain broad business knowledge in accounting, IT, entrepreneurship, and leadership, culminating in a strategic management capstone.
The program maintains high academic standards while offering flexibility for working professionals. With pay-by-course tuition and financial aid options, it provides an affordable path to an MBA without career interruption.
Duration: 10 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $450/credit, $13,950 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.75 GPA or 5 years of professional work experience
- Transcripts
- Resume
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Liberty University — MBA – Economics
Liberty University offers a 45-credit online MBA with an Economics concentration, combining core business administration courses with a four-course economics cognate. The curriculum covers traditional MBA topics, plus specialized courses in Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory, Money & Capital Markets, and International Economics.
The program features flexible, asynchronous online learning with no set login times. Liberty provides comprehensive resources, including online library access, tutoring, and career services, plus a faith-based support community. The ACBSP-accredited program prepares graduates for roles like pricing analyst, financial analyst, and economic forecaster. Military discounts and financial aid are available.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $565/credit (full-time), $615/credit (part-time)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Johns Hopkins Carey Business School — MBA in Applied Economics
Johns Hopkins’ MBA/MS in Applied Economics dual degree program offers an efficient path to earning both degrees through the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and Carey Business School. The program requires 66 total credits, with 42 credits for the MBA portion (16 credits of Business Foundation courses and 26 elective credits). Students can pursue the program in full-time, part-time, or online formats, making it accessible for both traditional students and working professionals. The curriculum leverages Johns Hopkins’ data-driven approach, allowing students to develop both business leadership skills and economic analysis expertise in less time than pursuing degrees separately
Duration: Two to three years
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,985/credit, $131,010 total (dual degree)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Essays
- Transcript
- Resume
- Professional references
- GMAT/GRE scores or waivers
Student Help Center: Economics MBA FAQs
What’s the difference between an MBA in Economics and a Master’s in Economics?
An MBA in Economics combines core business education (management, finance, marketing) with applied economics training, while a Master’s in Economics focuses more deeply on economic theory and research. The MBA prepares you for business leadership roles where you’ll apply economic principles to decision-making.
The MS develops specialized expertise for careers as economists, analysts, or academics. Choose an MBA for broader business management with economics knowledge or an MS for focused economic analysis and research roles.
What types of companies specifically seek Economics MBA graduates?
Graduates are particularly valued in consulting firms, investment banks, and corporate strategy departments where economic analysis drives decision-making. Many graduates find roles in market research firms, government economic agencies, or central banks where both business acumen and economic expertise are essential.
Large corporations often seek economics MBA holders for roles in forecasting, strategic planning, and market analysis. The financial sector, including hedge funds and investment firms, particularly values the combination of economic theory and practical business knowledge.
Do I need a background in business or economics to pursue an MBA in Economics?
No, you usually don’t need an undergraduate degree in business or economics to pursue an MBA in Economics. These programs welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds, including liberal arts and engineering.
While some programs may require foundation courses in economics or statistics, many don’t require extra leveling courses for non-business majors. Schools often provide resources like bootcamps or self-study modules to help new students master fundamentals. Your diverse background can actually bring valuable new perspectives to the program.
Will this degree prepare me for both public and private sector opportunities?
Yes, an Economics MBA creates versatility across sectors. In the private sector, you’ll be equipped for roles in corporate strategy, market analysis, and financial forecasting. For public sector work, the degree provides valuable skills for positions in government economic agencies, central banks, or international organizations like the World Bank.
The combination of policy understanding and business expertise makes graduates valuable in roles that bridge public and private interests, such as public-private partnerships or regulatory compliance.
Do online MBA in Economics programs require the GMAT or GRE exam?
GMAT/GRE requirements vary by school, with many online MBA in Economics programs now offering test waivers or not requiring these exams at all. Programs often evaluate candidates based on work experience, leadership skills, and academic performance instead.
Some schools grant automatic waivers for applicants with a 3.0+ GPA or sufficient professional experience. Check each program’s requirements, as policies differ, and consult admissions advisors about waiver eligibility.
How Much Does an Online Economics MBA Cost?
Online MBA programs in Economics typically require 30-45 credits, with tuition charged per credit hour. Total costs vary significantly based on institution type and program length. Many online programs offer flat-rate tuition regardless of residency status, eliminating traditional in-state/out-of-state differences.
While programs include technology and online learning fees, students save on commuting and housing costs. Some programs offer cost advantages through flat-rate tuition for full-time enrollment, allowing additional courses without extra expense.
If finances are a critical concern, Master’s Match offers several guides to assist with your planning. Our broad financial aid guide offers insights on how to apply for aid as well as an overview of financial aid options. Take a deeper dive with our guide to top grad school grants and explore 68 scholarships for master’s students, and if you need help budgeting for your education, explore our College Budgeting 101 guide.
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longwood University | 31 | $450 | $13,950 |
| Liberty University | 45 | $565 | $25,425 |
| Johns Hopkins | 66 | $1,985 | $131,010 |
Salary Outlook with an MBA in Economics
An MBA with an economics concentration bridges business strategy and economic theory — preparing graduates for roles in consulting, policy analysis, financial services, and strategic planning. Graduates work as management consultants, economic analysts, strategy officers, and investment professionals — applying economic reasoning to complex organizational and market challenges. The credential is particularly strong for those interested in the intersection of business leadership and quantitative analysis.
Economists and strategists with MBA credentials tend to earn at the higher end of the economics salary range, particularly in consulting and financial services. The combination of economic rigor and business acumen is valuable in markets where strategy and analysis intersect.
Use the salary table below to explore economist earnings by state, and benchmark economics-focused business careers in your area.
Economists
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $124,720 | $174,720 | $238,060 |
| Alabama | $129,960 | $153,570 | $175,170 |
| Alaska | $111,040 | $141,090 | $141,270 |
| Arizona | $79,610 | $124,920 | $138,990 |
| Arkansas | $91,560 | $107,330 | $136,990 |
| California | $119,410 | $164,770 | $207,380 |
| Colorado | $121,410 | $157,350 | $193,480 |
| Connecticut | $101,400 | $129,340 | $166,060 |
| Delaware | $159,120 | $167,430 | $214,000 |
| District of Columbia | $167,590 | $224,080 | $299,110 |
| Florida | $102,430 | $134,180 | $174,900 |
| Georgia | $122,570 | $162,410 | $187,330 |
| Hawaii | $83,050 | $96,390 | $120,270 |
| Idaho | $131,270 | $141,600 | $173,560 |
| Indiana | $80,750 | $144,640 | $163,380 |
| Iowa | $96,310 | $133,970 | $144,750 |
| Kansas | $138,790 | $205,780 | $238,990 |
| Kentucky | $71,400 | $100,880 | $124,380 |
| Louisiana | $73,050 | $93,550 | $136,970 |
| Maine | $91,480 | $115,920 | $132,950 |
| Maryland | $144,680 | $178,780 | $195,190 |
| Massachusetts | $106,380 | $155,130 | $222,610 |
| Michigan | $106,350 | $150,000 | $178,170 |
| Minnesota | $105,120 | $142,460 | $197,870 |
| Missouri | $117,010 | $172,880 | $229,510 |
| Montana | $89,340 | $105,050 | $116,210 |
| Nebraska | $75,880 | $101,540 | $135,300 |
| Nevada | $91,340 | $112,820 | $128,420 |
| New Hampshire | $86,130 | $108,190 | $157,110 |
| New Jersey | $167,550 | $192,960 | $195,190 |
| New York | $136,660 | $224,990 | $292,850 |
| North Carolina | $136,150 | $172,860 | $224,270 |
| Ohio | $120,000 | $164,700 | $216,920 |
| Oklahoma | $89,980 | $145,270 | $171,650 |
| Oregon | $122,120 | $128,080 | $147,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $115,000 | $138,010 | $164,650 |
| Tennessee | $117,650 | $145,220 | $162,670 |
| Texas | $121,420 | $175,000 | $219,140 |
| Virginia | $137,590 | $179,730 | $232,410 |
| Washington | $109,300 | $135,350 | $167,960 |
| Wisconsin | $84,000 | $110,970 | $132,270 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm
Showing 1 – 10 of 41 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Best Online Economics MBA Programs
Walsh College
Best for: working students
Longwood University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Troy University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Western Carolina University
Best for: working students
East Texas A&M University
Best for: advancement-focused students
