Bachelor of Arts in Economics Online Degree Completion Program
Earn your degree in economics online with the Bachelor of Arts in Economics Online Degree Completion program at SDSU Global Campus. Our program examines some of today’s most pressing economic issues while also working to develop your critical thinking and communication skills.
Applications Now Open! Spring Start: June 1 - Sept. 30 Fall Start: Oct. 1 - May 15
Click here to view upcoming application and document submission due dates.
Earn your degree in economics online with the Bachelor of Arts in Economics Online Degree Completion program at SDSU Global Campus. The program examines some of today’s most pressing economic issues while also giving you an opportunity to develop your critical thinking and communication skills.
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About the Program
Economics analyzes the ways in which individuals and societies decide what to produce, how to produce it, and who gets those products. Because this field of study deals with the fundamental issues of our material well-being, it also examines the reasons why some individuals and societies have wealth, while others do not. This also makes economics a powerful tool for analyzing the costs and benefits of decisions, and how those decisions can affect all members of our society.
$20,943-$30,609
Total Estimated Cost Includes Fees
2 years
Min. Completion Time
Online
Course Format
With SDSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Economics Online Degree Completion Program, ranked #1 in 2023 as the best online bachelors in economics by University HQ, you’re able to earn a valuable degree in economics on your schedule. The online curriculum combines mathematical-based lessons in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and data analysis, with courses designed to boost your critical thinking, oral and written communication abilities, and quantitative analysis skills. Upon graduation, you’ll have attained a high-quality, well-rounded liberal arts education that will prepare you for a wide variety of career paths.
What’s a Degree Completion Program?
This degree completion program is specifically designed for students who have started, but not finished, their four-year undergraduate degree. If you've completed 60 transferable units, satisfied all CSU requirements, and have a 2.4+ GPA, you can earn a valuable degree from San Diego State University that fits your busy schedule.
Is This Program Right for Me?
SDSU’s online economics degree program is designed to provide you with a versatile liberal arts education that focuses on both mathematics and sociology, and how these two disciplines inform and influence one another.
Because of the scope of the curriculum, this program will help you prepare for entry- to mid-level employment in a wide range of fields, including:
Business
Financial Services
Marketing
Government and Public Policy
Education
Law
Journalism
Nonprofit and Social Services
This online economics degree completion program is designed with busy working professionals in mind. With jobs, families, and other responsibilities to take care of, many potential students are unable to earn a college degree due to the time and money associated with a traditional on-campus undergraduate degree program. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for graduate school or other types of professional training.
By studying economics online with SDSU Global Campus, you can earn a well-rounded liberal arts education on your schedule. You’re able to take advantage of lessons designed and taught by experienced instructors from SDSU’s Department of Economics. Upon graduation you’ll have earned the same Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Major in Economics from San Diego State University as our on-campus students.
What Can I Learn?
SDSU’s online economics program will show you how to:
Use appropriate economic vocabulary, models, and concepts to conduct economic analysis.
Compare and contrast varying schools of economic thought, recognizing the limitations of economic models and methods.
Effectively communicate economic ideas using a variety of techniques to a wide range of audiences.
Apply the scientific method to economic problems and be able to complete empirical economic analysis.
You’ll construct a foundation in economics, with core courses on data analysis, microeconomics, and macroeconomic theories. You’ll build on that foundation with a series of courses that focus on the application of economics in different areas of society. These course topics include history, laws and public policy, environmental issues, business and finances, and international trade.
You’ll learn about these topics in virtual courses taught by expert instructors from SDSU’s Department of Economics. Our faculty and lecturers work together to design and deliver lessons informed by their own innovative research into today’s most pressing economic issues.
Career Outcomes
Labor Analysis B.A. in Economics Graduate — Nationwide
17,600
Number of Jobs (2022)
+6%
Projected job growth over 10 years (2022-2032)
$113,940
Median Pay (2022)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning your B.A. in Economics is a smart career move. There have been nearly 2.5 million jobs posted over the 12 months seeking qualified degree-holders with the same skills you’ll learn in an undergraduate economics program, and those numbers are expected to grow by over 10% over the next decade. The average salary for someone with a bachelor's degree in economics is just under $70,000 per year, compared to an average yearly salary of $31,665 for those with an Associate’s degree or less.
Why Should You Choose Us?
Versatility
Any economics program requires a thorough understanding of production, consumption, and transfer of wealth. Where this online economics degree differs is in the flexibility of the curriculum. In addition to learning about economic theories and models, you’ll work towards enhancing your critical thinking and communication abilities, which are vital to your success in almost any career path.
Accessibility
Our online economics degree program makes it easier for you to earn a reputable degree on your schedule. You don’t have to worry about juggling your work schedule and other commitments with spending time on campus. And with courses designed and taught by research-driven instructors from SDSU’s Department of Economics, you’ll get the same academic experience as SDSU’s on-campus economics students.
Reputation
As one of the top 100 public colleges in the country, when you earn a degree from San Diego State University, you’re earning a degree that carries weight in the professional world. In addition to teaching, your instructors perform world-renowned research on some of today’s most pressing economic issues, and they’ll bring that professional experience to every virtual lesson.
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Graduation Requirements
In order to earn a BA in Economics Degree, you’ll need to complete the following:
Upper Division Courses — 27 Units
9 Units of Required Upper Division Courses
18 Elective Units
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement — 3 Units
General Education Courses — 27 Units
Complete the Language Requirement
Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) is required in one foreign language to fulfill the graduation requirement.
Course List
General Education Explorations Courses (9 Units) Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Humanities
Writing Proficiency Requirements (3-6 Units) RWS 305W: Writing in Various Settings (3 units) or ECON 449W: Economic Literacy (3 units)
Required Upper Division Courses in the Major (9 Units) ECON 301: Collection and Use of Data in Economics (3 units)
ECON 320: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (3 units)
ECON 321: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (3 units)
Electives (18 Units) (at least six units selected from the international group) ECON 330: Comparative Economic Systems (3 units) [GE]*
ECON 360: International Economic Problems (3 units)*
ECON 365: Economics of Underdeveloped Areas (3 units)*
ECON 460: Economics of Financial Crises (3 units)
ECON 464: Economic Problems of Latin America (3 units) [GE]
ECON 561: International Trade (3 units)
ECON 592: International Monetary Theory and Policy (3 units)*
*Units will be counted as international economics electives
Recommended Additional Courses for Students Needing Additional Units ECON 380: Labor Economics (3 units)
ECON 403: Health Economics (3 units)
ECON 406: Economics of Sports (3 units)
ECON 422: Business Cycles (3 units)
ECON 441: Introduction to Econometrics (3 units)
ECON 487: Economics of Strategy (3 units)
To successfully complete the program and earn your degree, you’ll need to complete all required units of coursework. You'll need to complete any remaining lower division CSU and General Education requirements externally before graduation at SDSU (with the exception of approved bridge courses that are offered internally at SDSU Global Campus). Once admitted, please refer to your degree evaluation to determine if there are any remaining degree requirements listed in the SDSU General Catalog for your major, as well as the requirements outlined in your degree evaluation. If you have any questions, your Admissions Advisor is here to help.
Out-of-State Applicants
While we welcome out-of-state students, SDSU Global Campus currently cannot accept applications from students residing in some specific states. Please check back often, as this list of approved states does change. View the list of authorized states here.
Admission Requirements
Below is a list of general admission requirements for the B.A. in Economics degree completion program.
We understand that every student's academic journey is unique, and we encourage you to contact one of our Student Service Representatives to find out what you'll need to successfully apply to the program.
Have a minimum of 60 transferable semester (or 90 quarter) units by the semester prior to transfer, which includes:
15 Lower Division Preparation Course Units with a grade of C (2.0) or better:
Economics 101, 102
Economics 201 or Statistics 119 or 250
One course selected from Mathematics 120, 124, or 150
Management Information Systems 180
Students completing the California Community College Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer (AA-T) will satisfy preparation for the major. If Management Information Systems 180 was not completed as part of the AA-T, it should be completed at SDSU.
These prerequisite courses may not be taken Cr/NC; except for courses taught as Cr/NC only.
A minimum of 30 Units of General Education Courses
The Golden Four Requirement, which includes:
Oral Communication — complete a basic public speaking course or other communication course with a grade of "C-" or higher in at least 3 semester (or 4 quarter) units
Written Communication — complete a freshman composition course that emphasizes essay writing or reading and writing concurrently with a grade of "C-" or higher in at least 3 semester (or 4 quarter) units
Critical Thinking — complete, with a grade of "C-" or higher, a second semester composition or writing course, or a course in reasoning and effective argumentative writing
Mathematics — complete a mathematics course above the level of intermediate algebra with a grade of "C-" or higher in at least 3 semester (or 4 quarter) units
Have an overall 2.4+ GPA
Graduation Requirements
Satisfy the CSU mathematics and writing requirements
Complete the American Institutions Graduation Requirement
The American Institutions requirement is designed to demonstrate that students have an understanding of American history, the United States Constitution, and California state and local government.
Application Instructions
If you meet the admissions requirements and wish to apply, please complete an application through Cal State Apply.
A $70 nonrefundable application fee is required of all applicants at the time of application.
Admission decisions are initially based on self-reported information provided via Cal State Apply. You must provide complete and accurate information on your application. Any misreporting will jeopardize an admission offer.
Please do not send your official transcripts unless you are offered admission.
Electronic transcripts are highly encouraged. Please ensure that you indicate this preference when making your request. If you are required to provide an email address to send the secure online document to SDSU, please use transcriptsforsdsu@sdsu.edu.
For more detailed admission requirements and other application information, please consult our Transfer Admissions Information.
If you have any questions regarding the financial aid process, please call the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships on weekdays from 10 am–3 pm at (619) 594-6323.
We encourage you to apply for financial aid as soon as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Will my degree say “online”?
No, it won’t. Upon graduation, you’ll have earned the same degree as SDSU’s on-campus students — a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University.
What career fields are availables can I get into with a Bachelor's in Economics?
This program is designed to provide you with a versatile liberal arts education that focuses on both mathematics and sociology, and how these two disciplines inform and influence one another. Because of the scope of the curriculum, this program will help you prepare for entry- to mid-level employment in a wide range of fields, including business, financial services, marketing, government and public policy, education, law, journalism, nonprofit and social services, and more. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for graduate school or other types of professional training.
SDSU's online economics program will show you how to use appropriate economic vocabulary, models and concepts to conduct economic analysis, compare and contrast varying schools of economic thought, recognizing the limitations of economic models and methods, effectively communicate economic ideas using a variety of techniques to a wide range of audiences, and apply the scientific method to economic problems and be able to complete empirical economic analysis.
You’ll also construct a foundation in economics, with core courses on data analysis, microeconomics, and macroeconomic theories then build on that foundation with a series of courses that focus on the application of economics in different areas of society.
Courses in our online Economics bachelor program are offered fully online, which means you can learn and complete your classes on your time when it works best for your schedule. The program can be completed in as short as two years.
When you enroll in an academic program at SDSU Global Campus, you’re joining the San Diego State University community even if you’re not on campus. This means that you’ll have access to many of the same services, programs, cultural centers, clubs, and resources that SDSU’s on-campus students enjoy. Click here to learn more.
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