Online B.S. in Economics
Analyze and influence real-world economic issues.
Learn how to make strategic decisions based on social and statistical economic trends with the University of Utah’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics degree program. The skills you gain through this online economics degree allow you to improve outcomes in finance, business, government, and more.
Credits Required
What Does It Cost
$520/credit*
*Subject to change without notice
Tuition Estimator
Learning Format
Start Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
Why Choose UOnline’s Economics Bachelor’s Degree?
UOnline’s economics major offers more than a solid foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods—it provides the tools to understand how economics impacts daily challenges. As part of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the program combines core coursework with specialized electives so you can explore areas such as international trade, economic development, inequality, and sustainability.
Whether you're interested in analyzing global markets, addressing economic inequality, or understanding how law and policy work together, this program offers the flexibility to tailor your education to your interests and earn an economics bachelor’s degree on your own schedule.
By the time you graduate, you can use your new knowledge to critically evaluate complex situations, shape markets in the global economy, and contribute to meaningful decision-making in your chosen field.
Application Deadlines
With an economics bachelor’s degree, you can meet your career goals—apply now!
Any Semester Admission
You have the flexibility to start the online economics degree program in any semester. UOnline’s fall deadline is April 1, and the spring deadline is Nov. 1.
Economics Overview
At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.
Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:
- Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
- Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
- Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.
Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:
- Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
- Participate in and guide online discussions.
- Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
- Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.
Bachelor of Science in Economics from the College of Social and Behavioral Science.
All of the courses at the university, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members.
To earn UOnline’s economics bachelor’s degree, you must complete 122 credit hours, which include general education and undergraduate course requirements. The online economics major requires 48 credit hours with 36 credits in economics courses and 12 allied credits.
Most students complete the major-specific coursework in economics and allied areas over three to four semesters, taking 12 to 15 credits per semester.
At the same time, the program offers flexibility, allowing you to customize your degree through focus areas, electives, and allied credits:
- Focus Areas: Choose courses from two focus areas in econometrics, economic history, and history of economic thought.
- Electives: Take four upper-division economics electives.
- Allied Credit: Complete 12 hours of upper-division courses in disciplines outside of economics.
view program curriculum & requirements
Transferring Credits
The department reviews and applies transfer credits the University of Utah accepts toward the major. Core economics courses—such as principles, intermediate theory, and math/statistics—are similar across universities and usually transfer smoothly. Elective courses may also count toward the major, even if the University of Utah doesn’t offer the exact course, as long as it's designed for economics majors. To receive allied credit, you must complete upper-division courses in a relevant department.
The tuition rate for the online economics major is $520 per credit hour and is subject to change. Estimate your cost of attendance.
Tuition does not include additional fees, such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program.
Learn more about UOnline’s costs, financial assistance, and scholarships.
Note: New students beginning their studies with UOnline in fall 2024 may be eligible for university employee tuition reductions in certain cases. Email us at uonline@utah.edu to find out if you qualify.
Complete the University of Utah application to apply to the economics bachelor’s degree program.
Career Outcomes
An online economics degree opens doors to a wide range of careers in academics, government, and international organizations. Many economists pursue roles in health care administration, data analytics, market research, and public policy, while others find rewarding work in the nonprofit sector. Employers highly value UOnline graduates for their problem-solving skills and deep understanding of market dynamics.
Potential Roles
You can apply your economics knowledge in career roles like:
- Budget Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Economic Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Health Care Administrator
- Market Research Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Research Associate
Further Your Education
Some students continue their studies in law, public policy, business administration (MBA), and economics master’s degree programs. The foundation of UOnline’s economics major gives students an advantage when pursuing advanced degrees or professional certifications.
$115,730
Median Annual Wage
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median salary for economists in 2023 was $115,730.
17,500
Currently Employed
According to the BLS, there were 17,500 economics professionals employed in 2023.
5%
Expected Growth
The BLS projects a 5% increase in job openings for economists through 2033.
Department Contact
Have questions about UOnline’s economics bachelor’s degree program? Contact us to get the answers you need.
Nic O'Shea
Associate Director, Student Activities and Advising
Theo Maltby
Lead Academic Advisor