Economics at WGU
Are You Looking to Get an Economics Degree?
Currently, WGU doesn’t offer an economics degree, but there may be another degree program that WGU offers that could be a good—or even better—fit. Students who want to pursue a degree in economics may get the educational background they need from other finance, business, and data-based degree programs. Like many econ degree programs, similar programs at WGU can help you learn the skills you need for a career in economics, ranging from foundations that will assist with entry-level positions, all the way up to the know-how you need for advanced roles. Learn more about the degree options available to you at WGU that will give you the education you need for a career in economics.
Pathways to a Economics Career
According to LinkedIn, there are currently over 105,000 jobs across the United States that are connected to the world of economics. The listings include roles such as junior portfolio manager, data analyst, investment associate, and many more. For each of these jobs, there may be other degrees that can give you the skills and background you need in economics to move forward with these career options.
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
A bachelor's degree in business management is a great option if you want to pursue a career in economics. This degree program gives you the skills you need to prove your strengths to potential employers in the field, with an overview of the business world that will prepare you to become a leader. Many of the skills you’ll learn are directly related to economics, including financial accounting and management, economics, and more.
By opting for a business management degree, you’re setting yourself up for success by learning more about business and how it works. Because careers in economics rely on business fundamentals such as management skills and working with budgets, this degree program gives you a firm foundation on which to build your economics career.
Some of the courses you’ll take in a business management degree program include:
- Best Practices in Management: Projects, Staffing, Scheduling, and Budgeting
- Fundamentals for Success in Business
- Finance Skills for Managers
- Managing in a Global Business Environment
- Innovative and Strategic Thinking
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Securing a bachelor’s degree in accounting is another excellent option if you want to build a career in economics. The two categories are built on similar foundations, making them closely related—which means the coursework and skills are similar enough that you’ll glean a lot of valuable information from this degree program. Over the course of your schooling, you’ll take classes in business, financial accounting and management, economics and more.
Once you obtain this degree, there are many different economics careers that you can pursue. Because you learn so much about the financial world in this degree program, such as historical financial information and managerial accounting skills, your degree will make you an attractive prospect to hiring managers in the world of economics.
Some of the courses you’ll take in an accounting degree program include:
- Financial accounting
- Managerial accounting
- Accounting information systems
- Economics
- Finance skills
- Business structure and law
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
By earning your bachelor’s degree in data analytics, you’re at the forefront of the digital revolution that’s changing the economic landscape. Taking this degree program gives you valuable skills in database management, data wrangling and analysis, as well as the leadership and management skills that are important to have in high-level economic roles
In this unique degree program, you’ll become well versed in both data analytics and management. Most degree programs focus on one or the other; however, WGU combines the two categories to make the most of your schooling. This degree program also offers valuable, well-recognized certifications such as CompTIA and Udacity that will grab the attention of recruiters, hiring managers, and HR professionals that are in charge of finding the right talent for economic jobs.
Some of the courses you’ll take in a data degree program include:
- IT Leadership, Data Governance
- Data Systems Administration
- Advanced Data Management
- Introduction to Data Science
- Data Wrangling and Analysis
- Spreadsheets
Bachelor of Science in Finance
A finance bachelor’s degree is a fast track to gaining an expert-level understanding of finance’s role in our global economy. In addition, this degree opens the door to some of the highest-paying careers in the U.S. In this online program, you’ll take courses in financial modeling and data visualization, fintech, blockchain/cryptocurrency AI, automated trading, valuation and protection of digital assets, financial planning, portfolio management, technology and innovation, and logistics and operations. A technology-forward program designed with input from industry experts, this fully online bachelor’s degree will equip you with the cutting-edge knowledge and in-demand skills needed for a successful career. Since finance and economics are interrelated disciples, after completing this degree, you’ll have the accredited education and knowledge about the movement of money to pursue a long and successful career in economics. If you’re interested in embarking on a journey towards a high-impact degree that will help you expand your career opportunities, consider WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Finance.
$87,660
is the average annual salary for business analysts with a bachelor’s degree according to the BLS.
Careers Related to Economics
There are numerous types of careers you can get with a degree in economics. There are select roles—like that of a statistician or economist—that may specifically require an economics degree. However, there are many other options that could help you pursue a career in an economics or similar field, that may ultimately be a better fit for your career goals. Understanding different career options and how degrees prepare you for those roles is crucial in making your decision.
What Does an Economist Do?
Economists collect and analyze data to help them evaluate economic issues and make forecasts. They do this by researching trends, studying production and distribution for a variety of entities, and craft reports to illustrate their learnings and help others understand what they’re seeing. Macroeconomics studies the whole of an economy, while microeconomics studies the behavior of individuals or firms in making decisions in the larger economy.
What Does a Statistician Do?
By applying mathematical theories, statisticians answer questions and solve problems using data. These skills can be applied to a variety of fields including business, economics research, engineering and more. They can also design experiments, surveys, and more to collect the data they need.
What Does a Business Analyst Do?
Business analysts offer a bird’s eye view of a business’s processes and systems and help companies and organizations to streamline their approach to make them more efficient. This is accomplished through research and analysis, which helps to identify issues and create solutions.
What Does a Financial Consultant Do?
Companies reach out to financial consultants to help them improve their financial conditions. Working as an outside contractor, a financial consultant has more freedom as they offer advice to their clients on how to optimize their finances.
What Does a Risk Analyst Do?
Sometimes businesses need a little help deciding whether or not a certain action would be a good or bad move for their company to make. In these times, a business may reach out to a risk analyst to help them make this decision. A risk analyst will look at financial data to help determine outcomes and offer reports and other insights that will help the company make their decision..
What Does an Investment Analyst Do?
An investment analyst does research, collects information and analyzes assets, which may include commodities, currencies, interest rates, stocks, and more. By focusing their efforts on a specific industry or region, an investment analyst may become an expert in their field and become a go-to resource for select companies and businesses.
13%
career growth is expected by 2030 in economist professions, according to the BLS.
Why Choose WGU?
There are several reasons WGU’s online degree programs are a great fit for students:
- It’s affordable. Our low, flat-rate tuition is charged per six-month term and covers as many courses as you complete in that time.
- It’s career focused. WGU’s degree programs are designed with your future employment and success in mind, so the skills you learn will translate directly to your career.
- It’s accessible. Along with our already-low tuition, our scholarships and financial aid make college even more affordable.
- It’s at your pace. Thanks to our competency-based education, you can pass courses by proving what you know, meaning you can speed up your program and potentially graduate faster.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Business
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Accounting – B.S. Business Administration
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 24 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Financial Statements
- Communication
- Detail Oriented
- Research
Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.
Technology
Data Analytics – B.S.
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
- MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
- Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data management
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Visualization
- Leadership and management
- Model deployment & storytelling
Business
Finance – B.S.
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant...
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant industry skills.
- Time: 62% of graduates finish similar programs within 24 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Accounting
- Finance
- Spreadsheets
- Financial Analysis
- Problem Solving
The competency-based model at WGU allows you to move as quickly as you can master the material, and do your coursework on your schedule. Flexibility is key with the B.S. in finance at WGU.
Frequently Asked Questions about Economics Degrees
Any degree program is a good choice, as having post-secondary education always stands out to hiring managers at prestigious companies. However, an economics degree is not the only degree program you could pursue if you want a career in economics. You can also pursue degrees in data analytics, business management, and accounting.
An economics degree includes coursework on business, statistics, and more, with explorations of financial markets, consumer demand, and supply and demand. However, an economics degree isn’t the only degree program where you can learn this information. Other programs, such as a degree in accounting, business management, or data analytics, will teach you these lessons and so much more to set you up for a long-lasting career.
Any degree program comes with challenges, as you’re learning something new to prepare you for career success. However, with a degree program at WGU, you can choose a similar degree path that you can do on your own schedule and work with as much support as needed to complete your program as slow or as fast as you want.
