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Director of economic development education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a director of economic development. Directors of economic development usually study business, political science, or economics. 62% of directors of economic development hold a bachelor's degree, and 25% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 934 real director of economic development resumes to see exactly what director of economic development education sections show.
The most common colleges for directors of economic development are the University of Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma.
There are also many online director of economic development courses to help get the education required to be a director of economic development.
There are certain director of economic development certifications that you should consider. These director of economic development certifications include Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Economic Development Certification (CEcD).
What education do you need to become a director of economic development?
What degree do you need to be a director of economic development?
- Bachelor's, 62%
- Master's, 25%
- Associate, 6%
- Doctorate, 3%
- Other Degrees, 4%
What should I major in to become a director of economic development?
- Business, 24%
- Political Science, 14%
- Economics, 11%
- Other Majors, 45%
Most common colleges for directors of economic development
| Director of economic development common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma | 8.33% |
| Harvard University | 7.41% |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | 6.48% |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | 6.48% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5.56% |
Best majors for directors of economic development
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business | 24.2% |
| 2 | Political Science | 14.0% |
| 3 | Economics | 11.0% |
| 4 | Public Administration | 5.9% |
| 5 | Finance | 5.3% |
Best colleges for directors of economic development
The best colleges for directors of economic development are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
A director of economic development with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for directors of economic development. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become directors of economic development.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
2. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
5. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Enrollment
9,142
6. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
7. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,308
Enrollment
6,819
8. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
9. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Enrollment
9,394
10. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
20 best online courses for directors of economic development
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1. The Art and Science of Economic Policy
Economic policy affects every citizen. And economic policymaking is best done as a collaborative process with a wide range of stakeholders. This course brings an understanding of the relevance and impacts of economic policymaking in everyday life, and the ways for citizens to be involved in shaping economic policy, in an accessible and interesting manner. Taught by Dr. Vijay Kelkar and Dr. Ajay Shah, along with Aromar Revi, Director, IIHS, the course synthesises more than one hundred years of...
2. Introduction to Economic Theories
Wondering why economists have not predicted serious financial crises? Shocked by economic assumptions of human behavior as self-centered and focusing only on what can be measured? Asking yourself if there are no sensible economic alternatives to free markets? Then you are at the right place to learn economics! This is the first online course that teaches economics from a pluralist perspective. Economic pluralism means that a plurality of theoretical and methodological viewpoints is regarded as...
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4. Economics: Market Forces of Demand, Supply and Equilibrium
Economics: Analyzing Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium with real life case studies...
5. Managerial Economics and Business Analysis
In the exceedingly fast-paced business world, growing business demands a clear grasp of how a firm obtains a competitive advantage in its operations, how the business cycle and monetary policies impact the firm’s ability to maximize shareholders’ wealth, and how to obtain and efficiently use data to develop actionable business strategies. The Managerial Economics and Business Analytics Specialization is targeted towards aspiring managers, senior managers, and business executives who wish to...
6. Earth Economics
After this course you will be an Earth Economist that can provide evidence-based advise on the best global policy. As an Earth Economist you will better understand the behavior and advice of economists, have become a better economist yourself and know where to find Earth's data and how to analyze these world observations. Our planet is too important: we need you to get engaged! Earth Economics offers a completely new angle to policy analysis by its focus on the truly global level and its...
7. (Oxford) Master Diploma: Economics (Includes Macro/Micro)
NINETY HOURS : Micro/Macro/Global/Business/Behavioural Economics...
8. The economic model of emerging countries - Michael Spence
Understanding Economics. Learn how the world works and why it is the way it it...
9. The Economics of AI
The course introduces you to cutting-edge research in the economics of AI and the implications for economic growth and labor markets. We start by analyzing the nature of intelligence and information theory. Then we connect our analysis to modeling production and technological change in economics, and how these processes are affected by AI. Next we turn to how technological change drives aggregate economic growth, covering a range of scenarios including a potential growth singularity. We also...
10. China’s Economic Transformation Part 1: Economic Reform and Growth in China
In 1978, after nearly 30 years of socialist planning under Mao Zedong, China was one of the world’s poorest countries, saddled with an inefficient, inward-looking economy. Today, China is an upper-middle income country and the world’s largest trading nation, contributing more to global economic growth than any other nation. How could such a remarkable transformation take place? This course will examine in detail the reforms that have contributed to China’s economic development and the current...
11. Economics Decoded: 10 Essential Principles Shaping Our World
Master the application of 10 core economics principles to make informed decisions in both professional and personal life...
12. Business Strategy Development: The Art of Differentiation
Learn 3 key business strategy tools. Improve your business innovation skills and drive profitable business development...
13. Business English: Finance and Economics
Do you work in finance or interact with finance professionals? Is it necessary to speak, write or understand English in your career? Follow the authentic characters in this course as they work through common business situations in finance and economics. Learn from your successes and failure, and think critically about your own communication options. After taking this course, you will be able to read and create efficient e-mails, reports, and impactful presentations with words and phrases...
14. Business Mind - Mastering Business Development
Master in Practice the Product, Sales and Marketing Perspective of Business Development...
15. Economics: Behavior of Buyers and Sellers & Product Pricing
The Easiest Beginner level Course on Economics with real life examples and graphic content. Perfect for Newbies!...
16. (Oxford) Joint Diploma: Microeconomics and Business
Micro economics (Oxford Diploma) — Accredited; basic upwards (includes Business Microeconomics)...
17. Business Development For Startups and Tech Companies
Unlock massive growth using the business development channel. Learn pitching, BD strategy, cold emailing, & deal closing...
18. The Ultimate Guide to Startup Business Development
Learn and master the function of business development in this practical, actionable, and content-rich training course...
19. Macroeconomics: A Comprehensive Economics Course
A Course Designed to Give You a Better Understanding of the World Around You--Perfect for University and Adult Learners!...
20. Executive Coaching and Business Case Development
The Guide to Executive Coaching and Business Case Development Success...
Top 10 most affordable universities for directors of economic development
The most affordable schools for directors of economic development are Baruch College of the City University of New York, suny farmingdale, and california state university - bakersfield.
If the best universities for directors of economic development are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for directors of economic development.
1. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
3. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
4. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
5. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
6. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
7. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
8. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
9. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
10. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for directors of economic development
The hardest universities for directors of economic development to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Some great schools for directors of economic development are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for directors of economic development based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
5. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
6. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
7. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
8. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,407
9. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
10. Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,517
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for directors of economic development
The easiest schools for directors of economic development to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, lim college, and thomas more university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a director of economic development without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for directors of economic development.
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
2. LIM College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,061
3. Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, KY • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,099
4. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
5. Kean University
Union, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
991
6. Iona College
New Rochelle, NY • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,089
7. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
8. Holy Names University
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions rate
70%
SAT average
849
9. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
10. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,069
Average director of economic development salary by education level
| Director of economic development education level | Director of economic development salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $129,945 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $111,631 |
Director of economic development education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025