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Pursuing an online degree in economics in the state of Maine offers a variety of academic pathways and potential career opportunities. There are online universities and colleges in the region offering both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in economics. These programs are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in economic principles and quantitative methods. Students have the flexibility to tailor their education to their interests, preparing them for careers in business, government, or for further graduate study.
Maine's online educational institutions offer financial economics programs that integrate economics with finance, enhancing the analytical skills needed in the marketplace. Furthermore, with the advancement of educational technology, online programs offer similar comprehensive curricula as traditional in-person degrees, making higher education more accessible to a broader range of students, while accommodating various learning styles and schedules.
Students interested in completing an economics degree in preparation for a variety of jobs can find college and university options all over the state and elsewhere. Options include Colby College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, the University of Southern Maine, and more. Be sure to contact your institution of choice for additional information.
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Why Pursue an Online Economics Degree in Maine?
When you consider the pursuit of an online economics degree, it’s good to know that Maine offers a compelling combination of academic excellence, unique opportunities, and a supportive environment. Courses are designed to employ the latest statistical methodology, equipping you to interpret statistical results with precision.
Professional Opportunities:
- Main focus:
Economics - Relevant applications:
Social justice, climate change, inequality - Career readiness:
Develop analytical and critical thinking skills
Maine's online economics programs encourage you to explore world issues through the lens of economic frameworks. Your coursework will cover essential economics theories and equip you with the relevant professional electives that align with liberal arts and sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
Program Structure:
- Foundational courses:
Economics theories and principles - Advanced coursework:
Specialized economic studies - Complementary studies:
Liberal arts, sciences, and mathematics
The state's economic landscape also provides an authentic backdrop for practical experience, connecting academic theories to the real-world economics that underpin local industries. With an online degree in economics from Maine, you'll find that doors to rewarding careers or further graduate study open for you. If you're aiming for a career enriched by a profound understanding of economic systems on both a local and global scale, pursuing your economics degree online in Maine is a sound investment in your future.
Online Educational Pathways for an Economics Degree in Maine
Maine offers a comprehensive range of economics degree options, from associate to doctoral levels, including flexible online pathways to meet your academic and career goals, whether your final aim is to complete an undergraduate program or graduate degree.
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Online Associates (AS)
An associate degree in economics, whether you earn it online or in-person, provides a foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods. This is the first of the undergraduate degrees you gain access to after high school. Although this degree might not be widely offered, it can serve as a steppingstone to further education or entry-level positions in business or government sectors.
UniversityHQ National Rankings - Top 25 Online Associates In EconomicsOnline Bachelors (BS)
Students journeys toward an in-depth understanding of economics usually begins with a bachelor’s degree in economics. You can enjoy learning a blend of theoretical knowledge and quantitative skills at this level, preparing you for careers in various industries or for advancing to graduate studies.
- Liberal Arts Track:
Focuses on broad-based education in economics - Math Intensive Track:
Prepares you for more quantitatively rigorous roles
Online Masters (MS)
For advanced theoretical and applied skills in economics, a master’s degree is the next step. The University of Maine provides a STEM-designated MS in Economics, beneficial if you're aiming to extend your Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US as an international student. And there are other options both within the state and in nearby institutions for those who are interested in going another way with their education. You can also complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in an economics program and gain access to practical preparation through graduate degrees.
- Traditional MS in Economics:
On-campus programs often offer more immersive learning experiences. - Online Master’s in Economics:
Offers the flexibility to balance your studies with personal and professional obligations.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in economics is the pinnacle of your academic journey, placing you at the forefront of economic research and theory. This degree is ideal if you are seeking a career in academia, high-level research, or policymaking. Online programs are often common at this level, providing more flexibility for working professionals.
Get Our Resources And Scholarships Guide For Business Management Get Additional Financial Aid And FAFSA HelpOnline Certifications
Certifications in economics or related fields can enhance your skills and employability.
These are shorter, focused programs that provide specialized knowledge on top of your degree.
- Short-term investment for long-lasting credibility in your field
- Opportunity to specialize in niches like environmental economics or financial analysis
Navigating the Online Learning Process for Economics Degrees
Before you embark on the pursuit of an economics degree, it's important for you to understand the distinct advantages and to identify accredited programs that can offer a solid foundation for your career or further education.
Benefits of Online Learning
When you choose an online degree in economics, you gain flexibility that allows you to balance your studies with work or other commitments. Online programs often provide interactive and thought-provoking learning environments, employing a variety of digital tools to facilitate communication and collaboration.
Here's how you benefit:
- Flexibility:
You can access course materials and complete assignments on your schedule. - Tech-Savvy Skills:
Engaging with online platforms enhances your digital literacy, a transferable skill in the modern workforce.
| Benefits |
|---|
| Time Management |
| Set your study schedule according to your personal and professional life. |
| Accessibility |
| Study from anywhere with an internet connection, removing geographical barriers. |
| Resource Richness |
| Access to a wealth of online resources and databases for comprehensive economic research. |
| Networking |
| Connect with diverse peers and faculty from various backgrounds through virtual interactions. |
Finding Accredited Online Programs
Seeking an accredited online program ensures the quality and recognition of your economics degree. Accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous academic standards. Confirming the accreditation status of your school’s BA in Economics, for instance, is a crucial step.
As you search for the right program for you, examine these aspects:
- Accreditation:
Look for regional accreditation, like the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which certifies the University of Maine. - Curriculum:
Assess the program's courses to ensure they cover analytical and critical economic theories and applications. - Faculty Expertise:
Choose programs where faculty are experienced in online teaching and have a passion for student success. - Technology:
Check that the university utilizes up-to-date online platforms for delivering course content and facilitating discussions.
Remember, an accredited online undergraduate degree in economics from a reputable institution can prepare you for various careers in business, government, or for graduate education.
Potential Career Options and Salaries for Economics Graduates in Maine
As an economics graduate in Maine, you have access to a diverse array of career paths that leverage your analytical skills and understanding of economic systems. Salaries vary depending on the role and your experience level, but here are some specific options and salary expectations in the state.
Risk Manager
Job description: In the role of risk manager, you will identify and assess financial risks that organizations may face and develop strategies to mitigate them. Your expertise in economics can be vital for understanding market trends and minimizing potential economic losses for companies.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, 5 years or more work experience
- Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization
- Make recommendations to limit risk.
- Analyze market trends to maximize profits and find expansion opportunities
- Help management make financial decisions
Median Salary: $ 116,140
Postsecondary Economics Teacher
Job description: If you are passionate about imparting knowledge, becoming a postsecondary economics teacher could be your calling. You will educate future economists, sharing insights from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Requirements:
- PhD or other Doctorate Degree
- Develop an instructional plan (known as a course outline or syllabus) for the course(s) they teach and ensure that it meets college and department standards
- Work with colleagues to develop or modify the curriculum for a degree or certificate program involving in-person, online, or hybrid delivery of course material
- Stay informed about changes and innovations in their field
- Serve on academic or administrative committees, as needed
Median Salary: $ 122,750Â
Market Research Analyst
Job description: As a market research analyst, your days will be filled with deciphering market trends and consumer preferences to inform company decisions. Your economics degree equips you with the skills to analyze large datasets and forecast market dynamics.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree, 13% (Much faster than average)
- Monitor and forecast marketing and sales trends
- Measure the effectiveness of marketing programs and strategies
- Devise and evaluate methods for collecting data, such as surveys, questionnaires, and opinion polls
- Gather data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions
Median Salary: $68,230 per year
Operations Manager
Job description: Stepping into the role of an operations manager, you'll positioned at the heart of an organization's functional processes. Your economic knowledge will be crucial for streamlining operations and boosting productivity.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree, 5 years or more work experience
- Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations
- Formulate policies, manage daily operations, and plan the use of materials and human resources
- Direct and oversee an organization’s financial and budgetary activities
- Consult with other executives, staff, and board members about general operations
Median Salary: $122,860
learn moreYour background in economics could also prepare you for roles like statisticians or economists, focusing on data interpretation or economic policy making; the specific degrees you've earned in Maine will provide the analytical foundation necessary for these positions.
Check Out All Business Careers And SalariesFrequently Asked Questions
Can an economics degree be completed entirely online at any Maine institution?
While specific online degree offerings are subject to change, you should check directly with Maine universities to see if an entirely online economics degree option is available, as these programs frequently update their delivery formats. However, there are several Maine institutions, and others throughout the country, that offer online degree programs to students.
What career opportunities are available to graduates with an economics degree?
As an economics graduate from a Maine university, you may be prepared for diverse roles in private companies, universities, colleges, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This degree has a high degree of job satisfaction and potential median incomes around $100,000/year as reported by graduate alums.
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