Does an economic swing put your investigative mind into overdrive? Do you see the world through a mathematical lens? Do you draw dotted lines between local and global markets and the current events that surround them? If you're the type of person who enjoys solving tough problems and working with numbers, a Master of Science (MS) in Applied Economics may be for you. Economics is the weaving together of science, sociology, history, philosophy, and mathematics to forecast futures and apply understanding to the past. Quite simply, economics is the ability to make informed decisions based on data.

Learn how to:

- Communicate economic principles, problems, findings, and risk

- Integrate theories and principles into the analysis of organizational, social, and political issues

- Incorporate quantitative data analysis and econometrics into research studies - Analyze and report data with accuracy and precision

- Evaluate the impact of internal and external influences on decision-making

"It all comes back to decision making," said Sutton Puglia, an adjunct instructor at SNHU and a government economist. "Economists want to understand why things are happening and why people are making the decisions they do."

Online master's in economics students will explore diverse theoretical schools of thought and focus on the analysis of economic variables and the efficient use of resources. Students can emerge from the program with a balanced understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometric theory. The faculty team for SNHUs online masters in economics is replete with experts who bring their real-world experience to the classroom. From corporate vice presidents with prestigious certifications and PhDs working in global marketplaces to certified small business advisors and government consultants, this cross-section of know-how is among the best in higher education.

"The professors did a great job of supporting questions and presenting ample opportunities to learn the subject matter and be successful in the various tasks required within the curriculum," said Nathan McBeath '20.

The online master's in economics offers an exciting curriculum. A course in game theory allows you to grow confidence in negotiations and conflict resolution. Your mathematics and statistics class shows you the methods used today in the economics field. And your capstone gives you the opportunity to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills you've developed throughout your online master's degree program at SNHU.

"The Applied Economics Capstone really stood out to me because I was able to apply the economic concepts I learned throughout the program to a topic of my choosing," said Alexia Engel '21.

McBeath agreed. "My favorite class was the economics capstone due to the rigorous research requirements and the in-depth final project and presentation," he said. "This course required a deep understanding and application of concepts and was overall enjoyable for me since I am fascinated by the subject matter and was able to select my own thesis topic." Plus, you'll also have the chance to focus on other areas of economics through 4 elective courses, which are included to round out your program."

Combine your passion for the environment with a natural resource economics class, or dive deep into global markets with an international corporate finance course. The curriculum has had real-world value for both Engel and McBeath.

"I was originally attracted to applied economics because I wanted to learn more about the distribution of scarce resources while conducting quantitative analyses and making recommendations based on quantitative data," Engel said. Today, she has, "colleagues tell me that hearing about my experience has inspired them to consider pursuing a graduate degree as well. Colleagues have also asked me about my experience at SNHU as they research programs they are interested in pursuing."

McBeath said that what he learned in the program has helped his resume and LinkedIn profile stand out. "In most cases, I have been one of the only staff members to have completed a graduate degree at my level and age," he said.

Don't have an economics or business background? SNHU offers foundation courses for students who have neither an economics degree nor a business degree. Depending on your background, you may be required to take courses like:

- Economics for Business

- Financial Reporting and Analysis

- Mathematics and Statistics for Business

Engel, who entered the program with an undergraduate social science degree, found that the foundation courses were one of the benefits of studying at SNHU without having a business background. "The instructors were always engaging and supportive," she said. "I recall one instance where an instructor spoke with me over the phone to help me with a concept I was having difficulty understanding."

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That's why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials with no GRE or GMAT required. Students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.75 are eligible for provisional acceptance. To apply, use the online application.

$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)