Best Online Master's in Applied Economics Programs

Last updated : October 27, 2026

An online master’s in applied economics can help students develop advanced economic reasoning while building practical skills in data analysis, forecasting, econometrics, and predictive modeling. Programs differ in how much emphasis they place on quantitative methods, programming, research, flexibility, and career preparation. This guide compares leading online applied economics master’s programs based on curriculum, analytics training, flexibility, STEM designation, research opportunities, and career fit.

Looking for the best online master’s in applied economics? UND stands out for its 30-credit M.S. in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics, 100% online format, STEM designation, R and Stata training, predictive analytics coursework, and independent research capstone.

1. University of North Dakota – M.S. in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics

The University of North Dakota’s masters of economics online combines applied economics with hands-on predictive analytics in a 100% online format. The program requires 30 credits, can be completed in about two years, and does not require the GRE.

The curriculum is built around four areas: an economics core covering Mathematics for Economists, Microeconomic Theory & Applications, Macroeconomic Theory & Applications, and Econometrics; a data analytics component covering Time Series Methods & Applications, Further Topics in Econometrics, Quantitative Methods for Impact Evaluation & Causal Inference, and Economic Forecasting; a three-credit Independent Study capstone; and at least one elective. Students work with R and Stata and apply machine learning approaches including classification and regression trees, clustering methods, and model averaging.

The program is STEM-designated in econometrics and quantitative economics, which UND notes can support extended Optional Practical Training eligibility for qualifying international students. Courses are offered synchronously or asynchronously, and students are never required to visit campus.

Career areas identified by UND include economic development, strategic planning, consulting, financial and business analysis, and applied research. Alumni have gone on to organizations including Cargill, the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis, UnitedHealth Group, Ameriprise Financial Services, Wells Fargo, and the Air Force.

For 2026–27, UND lists online tuition at $573.85 per credit plus $79.59 in fees, for a combined rate of $653.44 per credit. Online students pay the same rate regardless of state residency.

Key Differentiator: A 30-credit, STEM-designated online master’s combining applied economics, econometrics, predictive analytics, R and Stata, machine learning, forecasting, causal inference, and an independent research capstone.

Best for: Students who want an online applied economics master’s with strong quantitative and data analytics training and the flexibility to continue working while studying.

2. Johns Hopkins University – M.S. in Applied Economics

Johns Hopkins University’s M.S. in Applied Economics provides graduate-level training in economic analysis, quantitative methods, and applied economics, available online or on campus. Students can tailor the degree through electives and complete it in approximately 12 to 24 months.

Key Differentiator: Applied economics education at a major research university with a flexible completion timeline and elective options.

Best for: Students seeking advanced applied economics training with the ability to customize toward business, policy, or research interests.

3. University of Maryland – M.S. in Applied Economics

The University of Maryland’s 30-credit, STEM-designated M.S. in Applied Economics emphasizes quantitative methods and applied econometrics. The online version features weekly synchronous sessions and can be completed in as little as 15 months.

Key Differentiator: A STEM-designated, quantitatively focused program with an accelerated completion option.

Best for: Students who want a fast, rigorous applied economics master’s with a strong econometrics foundation.

4. Southern New Hampshire University – M.S. in Economics

SNHU’s online economics master’s covers advanced economic concepts and analytical skills applicable to business, policy, and research, with a flexible format designed for students managing professional and personal commitments.

Key Differentiator: Flexible online graduate economics education with accessible scheduling and no campus requirement.

Best for: Students looking for an online economics master’s with straightforward scheduling flexibility.

5. American Public University – M.A. in Economics

American Public University’s online master’s in economics covers economic theory, policy, quantitative analysis, and applied economics through a fully online delivery model designed for working adults.

Key Differentiator: Broad online economics education with flexible delivery suited to students balancing work and study.

Best for: Students seeking flexible online economics graduate study without campus obligations.

6. Georgia Southern University – M.S. in Applied Economics

Georgia Southern’s applied economics master’s provides graduate-level training in economic analysis and quantitative methods, with coursework oriented toward applied economic problems and career applications beyond academia.

Key Differentiator: Applied economics training with a practical, career-oriented focus on quantitative economic analysis.

Best for: Students seeking graduate applied economics training with direct career applicability.

7. Texas A&M University – M.S. in Economics

Texas A&M offers graduate economics education emphasizing economic analysis, quantitative methods, and research within a major public research university environment, with strong infrastructure for students interested in research-intensive careers.

Key Differentiator: Advanced economics education within a large public research university with strong quantitative depth.

Best for: Students who want graduate economics training with significant research resources and institutional depth.

Program Comparison

What Is an Online Master’s in Applied Economics?

An online master’s in applied economics is a graduate degree that uses economic theory and quantitative methods to analyze real-world problems, delivered in a format that removes the requirement to relocate or attend campus. Programs typically combine economic theory with econometrics, statistics, data analysis, forecasting, and policy evaluation.

Applied economics differs from a more theory-heavy economics master’s in its emphasis on practical application: coursework focuses on tools and methods students can use to answer specific questions about markets, policy, behavior, and outcomes, rather than on developing abstract economic models for their own sake.

Applied Economics vs. Data Analytics

Applied economics grounds quantitative work in economic theory, using econometrics to analyze markets, policy, and economic behavior. Data analytics focuses more broadly on statistical analysis, programming, visualization, and machine learning without necessarily centering economic theory. Programs like UND’s M.S. in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics bridge both areas, combining economic reasoning with machine learning and predictive methods.

What to Look for in an Online Applied Economics Program

The most important factors to compare are econometrics depth - whether the program covers regression, time-series methods, panel data, and causal inference - economic theory, statistical software and programming training, research or capstone requirements, STEM designation, online flexibility, career support, and tuition relative to program length.

Ranking Methodology

Programs were compared based on applied economics curriculum, econometrics depth, quantitative methods, predictive analytics, programming tools, machine learning exposure, forecasting, causal inference, research components, STEM designation, online flexibility, career support, working-professional fit, program duration, and cost. Programs were not ranked solely by university prestige, general rankings, tuition, or enrollment size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an online master’s in applied economics?

A graduate degree that uses economic theory and quantitative methods to analyze real-world problems, delivered online. Programs typically cover econometrics, statistics, forecasting, data analysis, and policy evaluation.

What are the best online master’s in applied economics programs?

Leading programs include UND, Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland, SNHU, American Public University, Georgia Southern, and Texas A&M. UND leads this guide for its STEM designation, predictive analytics curriculum, and fully online format.

Is applied economics a STEM degree?

Some programs are STEM-designated. UND’s M.S. in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics is STEM-designated in econometrics and quantitative economics.

How long does an online applied economics master’s take?

UND’s 30-credit program is designed for approximately two years. Other programs range from 15 months to two years depending on course load.

Does UND require the GRE for its applied economics master’s?

No GRE is required under UND’s current program requirements.

Can you work full time while earning an online applied economics master’s?

UND states the program is designed for working professionals, with no campus visits required and both synchronous and asynchronous course options available.

What careers can you pursue with an applied economics master’s?

Common career areas include economic research, forecasting, consulting, strategic planning, financial and business analysis, policy research, economic development, and data analytics roles.

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