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 Accepted for:
Spring 2025:
June 1 - Sept. 30, 2024
Fall 2025: Oct. 1, 2024 - May 15, 2025

Click here to view upcoming application and document submission due dates.

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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:

  1. Use appropriate economic vocabulary, models, and concepts to conduct economic analysis.
  2. Compare and contrast varying schools of economic thought, recognizing the limitations of economic models and methods.
  3. Effectively communicate economic ideas using a variety of techniques to a wide range of audiences.
  4. 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

Job Postings
17,600
Number of Jobs (2022)

Projected Growth
+6%
Projected job growth over 10 years (2022-2032)

Salary Range
$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.

Click here for information about our drop policy.

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Learn More About Transferring to SDSU Global Campus

We host a series of application workshops and transfer information sessions throughout the year to answer any questions about finishing your degree.

Upcoming Workshops

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.

Financial Aid

This program is approved for financial aid. To begin the financial aid process, visit the Financial Aid webpage. There, you can access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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

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.

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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.

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What will I be learning?

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.

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How does this program compare to others?

The SDSU online bachelors degree in Economics is the #1 online bachelors in economics for 2023, according to University HQ.

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What is the program format?

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.

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What else does SDSU Global Campus offer?

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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I’m interested. How do I get started?

Ready to take the next step? Click here to connect with the SDSU Global Campus Welcome Center.

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Want to Learn More?

Click here to connect with SDSU Global Campus at one of our upcoming virtual events.

Submit the form below and we’ll be in touch to answer all your questions and explain the next steps in the process.

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Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
AFRAS 0380.03 Blacks in the American Justice System
Interpretation and application of constitutional principles and judicial decisions to political and social problems faced by Afro-Americans.
Course Date(s)

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CHEM 0300.02 Forensic Science
Techniques and case studies of mysteries solved by molecular analysis: chemical and DNA analysis of crime scenes, biochemical explanations of mysterious deaths and accidents, molecular hallmarks of forgery, chemical methods in crime deterrence, chemical causes of fires and structure failure.

Prerequisite: Chemistry 100 or completion of General Education requirement in Foundations of Learning II.A. Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning.
Course Date(s)

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COMM 0371.05 Intercultural Communication
Study of communication with emphasis on influence of cultural background, perception, social organization, language and nonverbal messages in the intercultural communication experience.
Course Date(s)

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ECON 0301 Collection and Use of Data in Economics
Economic data gathering via Internet and other sources, data entry into spreadsheets and graphing techniques, statistics using spreadsheets, and introduction to basic regression.
Course Date(s)

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ECON 0320 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
Determination of output, income, unemployment, and inflation. Policies for economic stabilization and growth in an open economy
Course Date(s)

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ECON 0321.01 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
Behavior of consumers, firms and industries with respect to product and input markets. Price system and other models of economic decision making. Economic efficiency and welfare; property rights and externalities. ECON 330. Comparative
Course Date(s)

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ECON 0360 International Economic Problems
International problems, economic communities, organizations, and other selected topics.
Course Date(s)

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ECON 0365 Economics of Underdeveloped Areas
The nature and causes of economic underdevelopment. Problems of and policies for the economic development of underdeveloped areas of the world.
Course Date(s)

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ECON 0381 Economics of Immigration
Examination and history of immigration policy in the United States and its intended and unintended consequences. Debates over economic assimilation, immigration policy, impact of native labor market, and perceptions about immigrants and the welfare system.
Course Date(s)

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ECON 0460 Economics of Financial Crises
Economic theories of crises and economic histories in qualitative and quantitative perspective to include recent crises in US and Europe. Empirical analysis of variety, frequency, and consequences. Policies for ending crises.
Course Date(s)

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Instructors
Cristina Pintado
ECON 0490 Money and Banking
Money’s measurement and use; monetary theory and policy; returns on financial instruments; international payments and foreign exchange; evolution of banking institutions, and global competition.
Course Date(s)

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Instructors
Cristina Pintado
ECON 0592 International Monetary Theory and Policy
International monetary spillovers from domestic macroeconomic policies. Foreign exchange markets and balance of payments. Fixed, flexible and managed exchange rates. Bretton Woods, international monetary fund, and world debt crisis.
Course Date(s)

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Instructors
Cristina Pintado
NUTR 0313.03 Contemporary Nutrition
Food and nutrient classifications, functions, requirements, and recommendations. Relationship of nutrition to health, fitness, performance, and disease. Menus and recipes, food packaging labels, nutrition literature.
Course Date(s)

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