Business Economics
Most entry-level positions for economists are available to those with a bachelor's degree, but an advanced degree is required for many positions. Future economists need good quantitative skills. A master's or Ph.D. degree in economics is required for many economist jobs and for advancement to more responsible positions. Economics includes numerous specialties at the graduate level, such as econometrics, international economics, and labor economics. Some schools help graduate students find internships or part-time employment in government agencies, economic consulting or research firms, or financial institutions before graduation.

Whether working in government, industry, research organizations, or consulting firms, economists with a bachelor's degree usually qualify for entry-level positions as a research assistant, for administrative or management trainee positions, or for various sales jobs. A master's degree usually is required to qualify for more responsible research and administrative positions. A Ph.D. is necessary for top economist positions in many organizations. Also, many corporation and government executives have a strong background in economics.

Students should gain experience gathering and analyzing data, conducting interviews or surveys, and writing reports on their findings. This experience can prove invaluable later in obtaining a full-time position in the field because much of the economist's work, especially in the beginning, may center on these duties. Related job experience, such as work as a stock or bond trader, may be beneficial.

Demand for economic analysis should grow, but the increase in the number of economist jobs will be tempered as firms hire workers for more specialized jobs with specialized titles. Many workers with economic backgrounds will work in related occupations with more specific job titles, such as financial analyst, market analyst, public policy consultant, researcher or research assistant, and purchasing manager.

Ashford University

• BA in Economics
  You can transfer up to 12 approved credits of Economics coursework to qualify as your concentration in the Social Science degree program. Your knowledge of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services will supplement your studies in Social Science resulting in a well-rounded degree.

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Ellis College

• MBA in Strategy and Economics
  The Strategy and Economics specialization explores how to set and manage corporate strategy by applying economic fundamentals to practical business problems.

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Strayer University

• AA Economics
  Studies in economics provide excellent preparation for employment in a wide range of positions in business and government, as well as for graduate programs in the fields of management, business, law, and other fields. The Associate in Arts in Economics program provides relevant, up-to-date grounding in economic principles and policies. It prepares you for a career in financial institutions, the corporate world, and government agencies. The graduate of the Associate in Arts in Economics program may apply all the credits earned toward a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
• BS Economics
  Studies for the Bachelor of Science in Economics degree further delve into the fundamental economic principles and policies.. A major in economics is excellent preparation for employment in business and/or government. Additionally, you will be well-prepared for graduate programs in the fields of management, business, law, and economics.

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