Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Economics professor education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become an economics professor. Economics professors usually study economics, business, or finance. 49% of economics professors hold a bachelor's degree, and 36% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 199 real economics professor resumes to see exactly what economics professor education sections show.
The most common colleges for economics professors are the Florida International University and the Florida International University.
There are also many online economics professor courses to help get the education required to be an economics professor.
What education do you need to become an economics professor?
What degree do you need to be an economics professor?
- Bachelor's, 49%
- Master's, 36%
- Doctorate, 11%
- Associate, 2%
- Other Degrees, 2%
What should I major in to become an economics professor?
Most common colleges for economics professors
| Economics professor common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Florida International University | 10.00% |
| Teachers College of Columbia University | 10.00% |
| University of Phoenix | 7.50% |
| University of Akron | 5.00% |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | 5.00% |
Best majors for economics professors
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Economics | 43.4% |
| 2 | Business | 15.7% |
| 3 | Finance | 9.4% |
| 4 | Political Science | 5.0% |
| 5 | Accounting | 3.1% |
Best colleges for economics professors
The best colleges for economics professors are Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Carnegie Mellon University.
An economics professor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for economics professors. 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 economics professors.
1. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
2. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Private
In-state tuition
$14,760
Enrollment
31,451
3. University of Georgia
Athens, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,830
Enrollment
29,474
4. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA • Private
In-state tuition
$13,620
Enrollment
27,730
5. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
6. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
In-state tuition
$10,726
Enrollment
45,769
7. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI • Private
In-state tuition
$10,555
Enrollment
30,360
8. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
9. University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT • Private
In-state tuition
$15,730
Enrollment
18,830
10. SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,625
Enrollment
17,407
20 best online courses for economics professors
Advertising disclosure
1. 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...
2. 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...
3. 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!...
4. Econ 101: The Complete Intro to Economics For Beginners
Economics 101: Economics Made Easy For You! Become an Economics Pro With This Course...
5. 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...
6. 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...
7. Microeconomics: A Comprehensive Economics Course
A Course Designed to Give You a Better Understanding of the World Around You--Perfect for University and Adult Learners!...
8. (Oxford) Master Diploma: Economics (Includes Macro/Micro)
NINETY HOURS : Micro/Macro/Global/Business/Behavioural Economics...
9. 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...
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: Mastering Microeconomics 101
A comprehensive study aid for anyone studying economics...
12. Economics: Market Forces of Demand, Supply and Equilibrium
Economics: Analyzing Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium with real life case studies...
13. Social and Economic Networks: Models and Analysis
Learn how to model social and economic networks and their impact on human behavior. How do networks form, why do they exhibit certain patterns, and how does their structure impact diffusion, learning, and other behaviors? We will bring together models and techniques from economics, sociology, math, physics, statistics and computer science to answer these questions. The course begins with some empirical background on social and economic networks, and an overview of concepts used to describe and...
14. 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...
15. The Macroeconomics Course
Aggregate Output and Economic Growth. Business Cycles. Monetary and Fiscal Policy. International Trade and Capital Flows...
16. 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!...
17. Economics: Macroeconomic Fundamentals for Managers 2023
Learn fundamental MBA-level principles for business: outsourcing/offshoring, fiscal & monetary policy + more from Eazl...
18. (Oxford) Joint Diploma: Microeconomics and Business
Micro economics (Oxford Diploma) — Accredited; basic upwards (includes Business Microeconomics)...
19. The economic model of emerging countries - Michael Spence
Understanding Economics. Learn how the world works and why it is the way it it...
20. Introduction to Behavioral Economics & Consumer Psychology
Learn how to apply some of the most powerful principles from consumer psychology to increase conversions...
Top 10 most affordable universities for economics professors
The most affordable schools for economics professors are Baruch College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and california state university - bakersfield.
If the best universities for economics professors 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 economics professors.
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. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
3. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
4. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
5. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
6. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,410
Cost of attendance
20,456
7. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
8. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
9. USF St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,821
Cost of attendance
19,849
10. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for economics professors
The hardest universities for economics professors to get into are Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Some great schools for economics professors 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 economics professors 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. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
Admissions rate
5%
SAT average
1,520
3. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
4. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
5. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
6. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
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. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
10. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for economics professors
The easiest schools for economics professors to get into are University of the Incarnate Word, oklahoma wesleyan university, and university of baltimore.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an economics professor 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 economics professors.
1. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
2. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
3. University of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,020
4. The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,046
5. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
6. Holy Names University
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions rate
70%
SAT average
849
7. Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,033
8. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
9. Kean University
Union, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
991
10. Iona College
New Rochelle, NY • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,089
Average economics professor salary by education level
| Economics professor education level | Economics professor salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $97,556 |
| Doctorate Degree | $125,293 |
Economics professor education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common education, training, and library questions.
Search for economics professor jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025