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MS in Economics Big Ideas, Bigger Impact—Earn Your Economics MS Online with AU

Program Length: 22-24 Months
Credit Hours: 30
Total Courses: 10
Cost per Credit: $1,300
Speak with a Program Advisor

What are the program start dates?

Fall 2025
Late August

Spring 2026
Early January

Summer 2026
Early May

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Earn Your MS in Economics Online from American University

Enhance your career with a flexible and rigorous MS in Economics program from American University. Designed for professionals and recent graduates, this program provides advanced knowledge in economics and data-driven decision-making.

Through interactive coursework and real-world applications, you will gain:

Expert-Led Learning: Learn from distinguished faculty with experience in policy research, economic consulting, and government advisory roles.

Data Analysis and Economic Modeling: Master econometric techniques and data visualization tools to inform decision-making.

Flexible Study Options: Complete your coursework from anywhere with our fully online format.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with alumni, industry professionals, and faculty mentors to advance your career.

Learn Without Limits

AU Online

A smiling man crouches by a lake with two young children, one boy and one girl, standing close beside him. They are all dressed warmly in jackets, and the background features a serene mountain lake with pine-covered hills and rugged peaks under a cloudy

Hear from Our Students:


With two small children, Jordan says it was challenging at times to balance work, family, and the program. But it was all very worthwhile:

Planning and consistency were the key. There were several times when I felt overwhelmed, but with confidence in myself and a good study plan for the day, week, and month, I knew it would be okay. Consistency won the day.

— Jordan Prassinos, MA Economics Online, Applied Economics Specialization

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Admission Requirements
Program Curriculum
Careers and Guidance
Tuition
Faculty

American University’s online MS in Economics provides the skills necessary to analyze data, interpret trends, and guide policy decisions. 

To be considered for one of our programs, you must have a USA Bachelor’s Degree or an internationally recognized equivalent, with a preferred GPA of 3.0 or above.  

All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we will also consider applicants with a lower GPA. Professional experience is recognized in lieu of academic qualifications, and those with at least two years of relevant experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that some of our programs may have specific prerequisites that are required for entry onto the program. This information can be found on the relevant program information page.

Required for your application:

  • Personal identification document, e.g. passport or other identification.  
  • Official Degree Certificate and Transcript as evidence of a minimum of a USA Bachelor’s Degree or a recognized international equivalent.  
  • A personal statement (300-500 words) about why you want to study this program. 
  • Proof of English (POE) language proficiency where applicable.  
  • A Resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile may be required for borderline applicants.  

The entry qualification documents are accepted in English only. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your School or University. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Review the possible paths to satisfy the Proof of English (POE) language proficiency requirements.

This program allows you to complete 10 courses over five semesters, earning your degree in less than two years while balancing your career and personal commitments.

A Career-Focused Curriculum

Coursework is designed to provide both theoretical foundations and practical applications in economics. The program emphasizes quantitative skills, policy analysis, and economic modeling. Through interactive projects and case studies, you will gain expertise in economic research and decision-making.

Specialized Courses Include:

  • Public Economics: Study government policies, taxation, and public spending.
  • Labor Economics: Analyze labor markets, wage trends, and employment dynamics.
  • Development: Examine the unique economic concerns in developing countries, including poverty, debt, and growth
  • Financial Markets: Understand banking systems, financial crises, and financial development.

To receive more detailed descriptions for all courses in the program, speak with a Program Advisor.

An American Degree That Opens Doors Everywhere

Graduates of the program excel in roles such as:

  • Economic Analysts – Evaluate data and forecast economic trends.
  • Policy Advisors – Provide economic insights to government agencies and think tanks.
  • Consultants – Work with corporations and organizations to optimize financial strategies.
  • Financial Analysts – Assess economic risks and investment opportunities.
  • Research Economists – Conduct advanced economic studies in academic or private sector roles.

As global economies evolve, the analytical and strategic thinking skills gained in this program will ensure you stay ahead in the field of economics.

At American University, tuition for a 10-course (30-credit) program is $38,950, with a per-credit rate of $1,300. Scholarships, if awarded, are applied on top of the total tuition and distributed throughout the duration of the degree.

For Academic Year 2025–2026, there is a $165 per semester fee for technology and support services. Fees are subject to annual adjustments by the university.

Payment Options

  • Tuition can be paid in full upfront or by semester, based on registered courses.
  • Tuition bills are due each semester—monthly or quarterly payment plans are not available.

For more details on tuition and financial aid options, schedule a call.

American University's Online Master's in Economics is led by a distinguished faculty with deep expertise in economic theory, policy analysis, and applied research. Their diverse academic and professional backgrounds provide students with practical insights and a well-rounded understanding of today’s global economic challenges.

Read more about our faculty. 

Career Support for Lifelong Success

American University’s Career Center provides comprehensive job search support, career advising, internships, and scholarship opportunities—available to both current students and alumni worldwide. With access to AU Career Center, an exclusive job-search platform, you can connect with recruiters and employers looking for top economics professionals.

Alumni Making an Impact

Our graduates are shaping economic policy and strategy at organizations such as:

  • U.S. Federal Reserve
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  • World Bank
  • U.S. Department of Treasury
  • Bloomberg LP
  • Private sector firms and consulting agencies

We Know Success

% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

Yes, your degree from American University is recognized and respected both nationally and internationally. American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), one of the six regional accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that your degree meets rigorous academic standards and reflects a high-quality education consistent with those offered by top-tier universities across the country.

The program consists of 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours and is designed to be completed within 22 to 24 months. This flexible timeline allows students to progress at a steady pace while balancing professional and personal commitments.

While online students may not have the same face-to-face opportunities as on-campus students, there are many ways to connect with peers and professionals. You can participate in virtual networking events, webinars, and online discussion forums.

Yes, your degree from American University is fully accredited and widely recognized by employers both across the United States and internationally. Online degrees from reputable institutions like American University carry the same academic weight and credibility as traditional on-campus degrees. Employers value the skills and knowledge you gain through a rigorous online program, especially as remote learning and digital collaboration have become integral parts of the modern workforce. Graduates of American University's online programs have gone on to succeed in a wide range of professional fields.

International applicants are required to have one of the following English Language qualifications to be for considered for direct admission to any of our graduate programs:  

  • A TOEFL minimum score of 100  
  • IELTS minimum score of 7  
  • Duolingo minimum score of 120  
  • Or an approved equivalent 

*The university accepts many international qualifications in place of IELTS.  

A Proof of English Language Proficiency (POE) exemption may be offered to applicants who meet one of the following criteria:  

  • Completed at least 3 years of high school in an English-speaking country.  
  • Completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in English.  
  • Completed a higher educational or professional qualification in English.  
  • Working in an English-speaking environment and demonstrably working in English. 

American University's online programs are designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals, parents, and other busy individuals. While each course follows a structured schedule with set deadlines for assignments and exams, you have the flexibility to access lectures, complete readings, and work on assignments at times that suit your personal schedule. This means you can balance your studies with other life responsibilities, progressing through the program at a manageable pace. Support from faculty, advisors, and tech resources is also available to help you stay on track and make the most of your learning experience.

Yes, absolutely. As an online student at American University, you are encouraged to actively engage with faculty and take full advantage of the academic support services available to you. Faculty members hold regular virtual office hours, where you can meet one-on-one via video chat to ask questions, discuss course material, or seek guidance on assignments. You can also communicate with professors through email and participate in interactive online discussion forums that foster collaboration and dialogue among students and instructors.

The Technology and Support Services Fee at American University covers a broad spectrum of essential services and programs designed to enhance the overall student experience. As a mandatory fee, it is strategically structured to ensure that students have continuous access to critical resources that support their academic, personal, and professional development throughout their time at the university. This fee funds a diverse range of offerings, including career services, wellness programs, academic support, counseling, and much more. While the specific services may evolve over time, the fee remains a fundamental pillar of student life, providing a comprehensive and reliable support system that fosters student success and well-being.