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Economics

Explore the career you could build with this skill.

What Is Economics?

From the prices consumers pay to the decisions businesses make, economics helps explain how people and organizations respond to resource availability and changing conditions. It examines topics such as supply and demand, employment, trade, inflation, and public policy to better understand how economies function.

Studying economics also develops skills in critical thinking, data analysis, research and logical reasoning. These skills help professionals recognize complex relationships, evaluate potential outcomes and use evidence to make informed decisions.

A picture of a female data analyst.
Image of female giving business presentation

Economists use statistical tools, economic models and large datasets to analyze trends and explore complex questions across business, government and society. These methods help organizations forecast market conditions, understand consumer demand and make strategic decisions.

Technology, global markets and changing economic conditions continue to create new questions for economists to explore. Strong analytical and quantitative skills help professionals interpret these changes and communicate meaningful insights to decision-makers.

Economics Courses

American College of Education (ACE) offers standalone courses that can help you develop your skills in this area.

Economics Careers

Learn more about the career paths you can pursue with this skill on your resume.

Economist

Learn about the vital contributions of economists in understanding global economic forces and resource management.

Expected Growth: 900 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $115,440

Business Analyst

The rapid evolution of technology advancements, artificial intelligence and digital marketing has shed light on data and its impactful applications to successful business processes and operations. Such improvements include reducing costs, improving products and services, assessing customer behavior and more.

Expected Growth: 11%
Estimated Annual Wage: $101,190

Market Research Analyst 

Discover the key responsibilities of a market research analyst and how their work shapes organizational strategies effectively.

Expected Growth: 7%
Estimated Annual Wage: $76,950

Financial Advisor

Learn about becoming a Financial Advisor and the key areas they cover in budgeting, retirement, and wealth management strategies.

Expected Growth: 24,103 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $102,140

Actuary

Discover the role of an actuary in assessing risk and shaping financial strategies across the insurance industry and beyond.

Expected Growth: 22%
Estimated Annual Wage: $125,770

Underwriter

Obtaining insurance and making financial investments comes with some level of risk. Underwriters are business professionals who evaluate the risks you’re looking to take to either approve, deny or modify your request. 

Expected Growth: 8,200 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $79,880

Business Operations Manager

Effective businesses have streamlined processes and structures that allow them to operate smoothly, often resulting in successful revenue and lead generation. Behind such productivity is a business operations manager – sometimes referred to as a business ops manager – who is working behind the scenes to ensure operational functions perform optimally. 

Expected Growth: 308,700 positions
Estimated Annual Wage: $102,950

Course Stackability

Graphic depicting the stack-ability of courses at the American College of Education

We want our students to get the most out of their hard work. That’s why we design our courses and programs with stackability in mind. Some courses can be applied toward a micro-credential or certificate, which can in turn be applied toward a master’s degree, subject to program requirements. That master’s degree coursework could then be applied toward a doctorate. Even by taking a single course at ACE, you're taking a smart step toward a larger educational future. 

The courses you take in this skill area can earn you academic credit that you can apply to these ACE degrees. 

Course Admissions

For students taking single courses without enrolling in a program, admission requirements will depend on the level of the course. Students must meet ACE’s general admission requirements and be admitted to the college before signing up for a stand-alone class.

Bachelor’s Level

  • At least 30 semester credits 
  • Minimum GPA of 1.75 

Master’s Level

  • A bachelor’s or highest post-baccalaureate degree
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5*

Doctoral Level

  • A master’s or doctoral degree
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0

*Applicants whose overall GPA is between 2.0-2.49 may be considered for admission if their degree was conferred more than 10 years from the start date at ACE or the applicant has five or more years of experience in the field appropriate for intended courses.

Economics FAQs

What topics are covered in economics courses?

Economics courses explore how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions and respond to changing economic conditions. Depending on the course, you may study supply and demand, competition, inflation, employment, taxation, international trade, monetary policy, and other factors that shape markets and economies.

Can I take economics courses online?

Yes. Economics courses online offer a flexible way to explore economic concepts while balancing your class with work and other commitments. Online courses can give you opportunities to analyze economic issues, interpret data and apply economic principles to real-world situations.

What skills can you gain from an online course in economics?

An online course in economics can strengthen critical thinking, logical reasoning, data analysis and problem-solving skills. You can also develop skills for economics that help you recognize relationships between complex factors, evaluate potential outcomes and communicate evidence-based conclusions.

Who should study economics?

Economics benefits anyone interested in understanding how individuals, organizations and governments make decisions and respond to changing conditions. It can provide valuable knowledge for students, educators and professionals working in business, finance, government, management and other fields where economic factors influence decisions.

How can economics skills benefit your career?

Economics skills strengthen your ability to analyze information, recognize patterns and approach complex problems logically. These transferable abilities can support work in areas such as business strategy, financial decision-making, research, policy analysis and organizational planning.

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