What is an Economics degree?
International students looking to begin their degree in Economics will study how to successfully allocate resources, wealth, and incentives in fields such as law, public affairs, business, and many other fields. International students will begin their academic studies by developing a solid knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and calculus, during their freshman and sophomore years and then pursue more advanced coursework during their junior and senior years.
Majoring in economics can be a perfect option for you as an international student if you like to use analytical reasoning to study behavioral patterns, business practices, or problems in policy. Using your critical thinking skills in economics can help you develop as a professional and are useful in many fields and businesses. While international students planning for a career in business may lean to study economics, this degree is relevant to those interested in medicine, government, law, policy, and other paths. If you have strong logical reasoning skills, think of yourself as a good problem solver, or are constantly thinking about how the world could run more efficiently, an economics degree might be the choice for you.
Which universities offer economic degrees for international students?
EduBookings.com is partnered and works with several universities in the U.S.A that offer Economic programs for International students. Some of our more notable programs and best-ranked universities in civil engineering include the following:
- University of California San Diego # 14 in Economics in the USA*
- John Hopkins University #22 in Economics in the USA
- University of California Davis #26 in Economics in the USA*
- University of Virginia #30 in Economics in the USA
- University of California Santa Barbara #34 in Economics in the USA*
- Arizona State University #38 in Economics in the USA
- University of Arizona #38 in Economics in the USA
- University of California Irvine #38 in Economics in the USA*
- University of Oregon #57 in Economics in the USA
- University of Houston #65 in Economics in the USA
- Virginia Tech University #65 in Economics in the USA
- University of Connecticut #71 in Economics in the USA
- George Mason University #74 in Economics in the USA
- The University of Illinois Chicago #74 in Economics in the USA
- Tulane University #79 in Economics in the USA
- University at Albany New York #79 in Economics in the USA
- University of Kansas #79 in economics in the USA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst # 79 in Economics in the USA
- American University #88 in Economics in the USA
- Louisiana State University #88 in Economics in the USA
- The University of Alabama #88 in Economics in the USA
- University of Delaware #88 in Economics in the USA
- University of Utah #88 in Economics in the USA
- Washington State University #88 in Economics in the USA
* Through our UC pathway program. All rankings above are according to the US News and World Education 2022.
International students looking to study Economics in the U.S.A have hundreds of program options and universities that they can choose from besides the ones listed above. An Economics degree will give you the flexibility to work in a great variety of fields and it can be one of the more versatile degrees available for international students.
The application to each university can be challenging for many international students, but EduBookings.com can help you with the entire process! Book a free online consultation with one of our advisors by clicking on this link.
HOW MANY CONCENTRATIONS ARE OFFERED IN AN ECONOMICS DEGREE IN THE USA?
Choosing a concentration when planning your economics degree program in the U.S.A is quite important. Choosing a specialization can help you focus your Economics degree on the field you wish to work in the future. Here are some of the most popular economics concentrations in the USA:
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Finance
- Management
- Accounting
- Organizational Management
- Economics Development
- Policy and Law
- Marketing
- Financial Planning
- Financial Markets
- International Economics
- Mathematical Economics
- Public Policy
- Quantitative Economics
BS or BA in Economics in the USA?
As you look at the university programs you will quickly realize that some universities offer a Bachelor of Arts(BA) or Bachelor of Science(BS) program in Economics. As an international student, it is important that you understand and know the difference between both types of degrees; even though you will study the same major.
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
With the Bachelor of Arts in Economics or BA in Economics, you can expect a broader mix of courses; the BA in Economics is the social track of the degree. You will not be required to take several classes in calculus, like a BS in Economics does and usually liberal arts universities or colleges only offer the Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics, while large institutions or big universities will offer both.
The BA in Economics is designed for international students looking to learn more about the theory of economics and its practical applications. You will have more flexibility on which classes you can choose within your economics degree and you will not have to focus so much on the technical and analytical classes.
Bachelor of Science in Economics
The Bachelor of Science in Economics or BS in Economics is much more technical and you will have a more heavy focus on calculus and STEM classes. The BS in Economics is also a better degree if you are planning to get your graduate degree or Ph.D. in Economics since it will give you a strong foundation for the courses to come. The BS in Economics is also a more desirable degree for employers who want employees with good technical and analytical skills.
The BS in Economics is designed for international students that want a strong emphasis on the practices of Economics. The Bachelor of Science in Economics is also designated as a STEM degree, which allows you to work up to three years during your Optional Training Program (OPT); as opposed to only two years if you study a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Usually, students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Economics will also be paid more initially as opposed to students who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts.
Tips to help you decide between a BA or BS in Economics?
Choose your field
You as an International student need to decide which area within the economics field you would like to focus on and determine if you want to focus on Mathematics, Law and Policy, International Economics, or any of the concentrations available. Choosing a specific specialization will help you determine which degree is best for you between the BS or BA.
Compare Graduation Requirements
If a university offers both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science in Economics, compare both degree study plans and see how the coursework varies and aligns with what you see yourself working on in the future. See if both programs offer the specializations you want or if the coursework includes unique courses that interest you.
Consider Program Rankings
In the U.S.A, most universities are ranked nationally as an overall institution but more importantly; the programs are also ranked individually. Check and see which are the highest-ranked universities in the field of Economics, and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Students graduating from higher-degree-ranked institutions can find better-paying jobs and secure a position much faster than others.
Talk to an EduBookings Advisor
EduBookings advisors have several years of experience working with universities and international students, take advantage and book a free online appointment with one of our advisors and get all your questions answered.
Master’s in Economics in the USA
International students that already have a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Economics can apply for a Master’s in Economics degree. To be considered for a Master’s in Economics in the U.S.A, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, or a related field such as Business Administration, or Accounting from your home country or any other country. You will need to have adequate knowledge of Business and Finance practices, and work experience is usually preferred. Most likely you will need to take the GMAT exam for the higher ranked universities while some others might not require the exam at all and of course one of the approved English proficiency exams.
In the U.S.A, a Master’s degree in Economics usually requires you as an International student to choose a specific concentration or specialization, and in many cases; students wishing to be admitted into the program need to write a statement of purpose and a resume during their admission process. Getting your Master’s degree in Economics will not only give you access to a higher salary, but employment trends in the last five years have shown that employers are much more interested in hiring candidates that have more specialized experience and education than those with more general degrees such as the Master’s in Business Administration.
Requirements for the application for Economics in the USA
Bachelor’s in Economics
Usually, for the Bachelor’s in Economics as an international student, you will only need the following documents:
- Copy of your passport
- High School Transcripts for the last three years
- English Proficiency Exam
- Copy of your High School Diploma
- Proof of Sufficient Funding for the duration of the program
The application sometimes requires additional documents, EduBookings.com is here to help you with the entire process! you can book a free online consultation with one of our advisors by clicking on this link.
Master’s in Economics
Usually, for the Master’s in Economics as an international student, you will only need the following documents:
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your 4-year bachelor’s degree
- Copy of your bachelor’s degree diploma
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Two(2) or more letters of recommendation
- GMAT or GRE exam result( For some universities)
- English Proficiency Exam
- Proof of Sufficient Funding for the duration of the program
The application can sometimes require additional documents and in some cases, the GRE exam requirement can be waived but usually depending on your experience, GPA, and other factors. If you find the process challenging remember that EduBookings.com can help you with the entire process! All you need to do is book a free online consultation with one of our advisors by clicking on this link.
Career Opportunities in Economics
The field of Economics provides several job opportunities for International students graduating with an economics degree; students can apply for jobs in Financial Planning, Accounting, Data Analyst, Financial Analysis, and public roles sectors to name a few. The field of Economics is expected to grow annually and graduates can find jobs in many industries as most businesses will need an employee with the skills and knowledge an economist has. It is a very versatile degree for international students looking to have several options after graduation.