UMass Lowell Recognized as Top Research Institution with R1 Classification. Read More »

Available entirely online!

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Take the next step in your career and expand your knowledge of economics with UMass Lowell's fully online Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Get Information:

Please see our Privacy Policy.
Please see our Privacy Policy.
Emily SaylerGraduate
Online Economics Degree Student, Emily Sayler
Alarm Clock Next Start Date: September 3

Online Bachelor of Arts in Economics

UMass Lowell's online Bachelor of Arts in Economics equips you with the skills to make informed, data-driven decisions grounded in economic theory. You'll develop strong conceptual, analytical, and technical abilities that prepare you for a variety of high-paying careers or graduate study.

Explore advanced topics such as Managerial Economics, Investments, Financial Markets, Public Finance and International Macroeconomics. The curriculum builds a solid foundation in economic principles, quantitative analysis, and real-world application — while allowing you to tailor your coursework to match your interests and career goals.

Fully online and designed for flexibility, this program is ideal if you're looking to finish your degree efficiently while managing work or personal commitments. Generous transfer credit options also make it a great fit for students seeking an accelerated path to graduation.

Career Outlook

By earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree, you can provide insights that drive business decisions, influence public policy and shape economic strategies. Economics majors can expect a higher median entry salary than any other business concentration. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for diverse roles in both the public and private sectors.

278,368
Jobs (2023)
+9.1%
% Change (2023-2035)
$106.8K/yr
Median Earnings
24,329
Annual Openings
Source: Lightcast (2025) Target Occupations in New England for Economics Majors

Occupations

  • Economist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Economic Analyst
  • Financial Advisor
  • Business Consultant
  • Market Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
"The median annual wage for economists was $115,440 in May 2024."
— Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Economists (visited April 18, 2025)

Key Takeaways

  • Draw inferences and analyze data based on economic studies
  • Apply economic theory using graphs, algebra and statistical methods
  • Identify the role of supply and demand in a market economy
  • Discover the advantages of a market system
  • Understand the sources of market failure
  • Examine the use of government tax and transfer policies
  • Evaluate fiscal policy

Success Story

"At UMass Lowell, I was able to get leadership experience. I don't think my experience is unique; I think those opportunities are there for anyone who seeks them out and is willing to work for them."

Emily Sayler, Bachelor of Arts in Economics

One Success Leads to Another

Apply credits from lower credentials to higher ones. Our programs are designed to build upon themselves:

Curriculum Outline

- Number of Courses Required: 40 (120 Credits)
- For students entering the program in Fall 2023 and beyond.
- View Course Descriptions »

Economics Requirements (6 Courses / 18cr)

Economics Electives (6 Courses / 18cr)

Choose 6 Economics courses with a prefix of ECON.xxxx at the 3000/4000 level.

  • ECON.3120 Managerial Economics (3cr)
  • ECON.3160 Investments: Instruments and Strategies (3cr)
  • ECON.3180 Financial Markets and Monetary Policy (3cr)
  • ECON.3190 Public Finance (3cr) - Available Summer 2025!
  • ECON.3250 United States Economic History (3cr)
  • ECON.4010 Special Topics in Economics (3cr)
  • ECON.4060 International Macroeconomics (3cr)

Note: This is a partial list of approved courses. View additional courses that may be used as Economics Electives.

Free Electives (16 Courses / 48cr)

This program gives you the freedom to choose any 16 courses that interest you. Transfer credits may also satisfy this requirement. You may also choose to pursue a minor. Please speak with your advisor for additional information.

ECON.3020† and ECON.3450† are two courses that may interest students in the economics program. In addition, they can be used to satisfy the University's Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcomes for Diversity and Cultural Awareness (DCA) and Social Responsibility and Ethics (SRE).

University Core Curriculum (12 Required Courses / 36-38 credits)

Under UMass Lowell's Core Curriculum, students must meet Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) requirements and Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs).

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Requirements

Mathematics Perspective (1 Course / 3cr)
STEM Perspective (1 Course / 3cr)
College Writing I and II (2 Courses / 6cr)
Arts & Humanities Perspective (AH) (3 Courses / 9cr)
  • ----.---- Arts & Humanities (AH) Course (3cr)
  • ----.---- Arts & Humanities (AH) Course (3cr)
  • ----.---- Arts & Humanities (AH) Course (3cr)
Social Sciences Perspective (SS) (3 Courses / 9cr)
  • ----.---- Social Sciences (SS) Course (3cr)
  • ----.---- Social Sciences (SS) Course (3cr)
  • ----.---- Social Sciences (SS) Course (3cr)
Science with Lab Perspective (SCL) (2 Courses / 6-8cr)
  • ----.---- Science with Lab (SCL) Course (3/4cr)
  • ----.---- Science with Lab (SCL) Course (3/4cr)

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs)

Students must meet the University's 7 Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs).

†Satisfies an ELO. Check your advertisement report in SiS or speak with your advisor to make sure you are fulfilling all 7 ELOs.

Course Descriptions

ECON.2010 Principles of Microeconomics (3cr)

Studies the principles of production and exchange. An introduction to demand, supply, pricing, and output under alternative market structures. Derived demand and resource markets are introduced. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Quantitative Literacy (QL).

ECON.2020 Principles of Macroeconomics (3cr)

This course studies national accounts, inflation, and aggregate unemployment, as well as the driving forces behind business cycles and long-run growth in the context of aggregate demand and aggregate supply. In addition, it examines monetary and fiscal policy, the Federal reserve, and select additional topics, such as an introduction to open-economy macroeconomics.

ECON.2110 Statistics for Business and Economics I (3cr)

Presents descriptive statistics, sophisticated counting techniques and other components of probability, simple random variables and their distribution, bivariate functions, sampling theory properties of estimators.

Requirements:

MATH 1210 pre-req

ECON.2120 Statistics for Business and Economics II (3cr)

Discusses interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, applied regression theory, correlation analysis, and other selected topics.

Requirements:

ECON 2110 pre-req

ECON.3030 Microeconomic Theory (3cr)

Provides an advanced examination of price and production theory and the theory of the consumer and the firm.

Requirements:

ECON.2010 pre-req

ECON.3040 Macroeconomic Theory (3cr)

Building on Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON.2020), this course studies goods markets and money markets in further detail. Emphasis is placed on aggregate labor markets and also on the relationship between inflation, unemployment, and aggregate output. These topics are contextualized in order to examine aggregate economic developments in the short, medium, and long run. Optimal monetary and fiscal policies are examined against this background. Select additional topics are covered, such as the basics of open-economy macroeconomics. This course meets the Essential Learning Outcome of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (CTPS) as defined under the Core Curriculum requirements.

Requirements:

49.202 pre-req

ECON.3120 Managerial Economics (3cr)

Applies the economic theory and statistical methods to business decision making. Estimation of demand, production, cost functions and accompanying elasticity estimates, pricing and output decisions, value maximization problems, and capital budgeting.

Requirements:

ECON.2010 pre-req

ECON.3160 Investments: Instruments and Strategies (3cr)

In this course we will look at different types of investments, from stocks, bonds and real estate top mutual funds, hedge funds and derivatives exploring how and when to use them. Students will create a diversified investment portfolio using an online trading program that incorporates products covered in class. In addition we will look at how different exchanges operate and the role of financial investments in real capital accumulation and rising living standards.

Requirements:

ECON.2010 pre-req

ECON.3180 Financial Markets and Monetary Policy (3cr)

This course studies the formal role of money, interest rates, interest rate determination, and financial markets within the context of aggregate economic activity. These topics are related to central banks, with a focus on the Federal Reserve, and linked to money supply and the tools of monetary policy. Formal theories and practical implementation of strategies and tactics of monetary policy are addressed, as well as their implications for aggregate economic activity. This course meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Information Literacy (IL) and Written & Oral Communication (WOC).

Requirements:

ECON 2010 and 202 pre-req

ECON.3190 Public Finance (3cr)

The economics of the public sector. Principles of public expenditure, taxation, and the public debt applied to federal, state, and local governments.

ECON.3250 United States Economic History (3cr)

The evolution of institutions and their functions, and sources of economic development. The contributions of railroads, agricultural population growth, immigration, capital formation and technological progress to economic development. Other areas addressed: rapid industrialization and antitrust laws; evolution of financial institutions, the creation of the Federal Reserve System, crash of 1929, the depression of the 1930s, the New Deal and various banking acts, the labor movement, the growth of international trade.

Requirements:

ECON 2010 or ECON 2020 pre-req

ECON.4010 Special Topics in Economics (3cr)

Special Topics in Economics is a course for advanced undergraduates in Economics. The content will vary from semester to semester depending on the research interests of the Faculty member teaching the course.

Requirements:

ECON.2010 pre-req

ECON.4060 International Macroeconomics (3cr)

This course is part of the two sub-disciplines that compose the overall discipline of International Economics, with the other sub-discipline being International Trade. As such, International Macroeconomics is complementary to International Trade, but neither course is a prerequisite for the other. This course provides an overview of open economy macroeconomics, and international financial markets and policies. The focus is on exchange rate determination, the importance of the balance of payments for both the domestic economy and the economies of other countries, international capital flows, the impact of internal debt on the balance of trade, and the interaction and potential conflicts between domestic and international economic police objectives.

ENGL.1010 College Writing I (3cr)

A workshop course that thoroughly explores the writing process from pre-writing to revision, with an emphasis on critical thinking, sound essay structure, mechanics, and academic integrity. Students will read, conduct rhetorical analyses, and practice the skills required for participation in academic discourse. Students will write expository essays throughout the semester, producing a minimum of four formal essays.

ENGL.1020 College Writing II (3cr)

A workshop course that thoroughly explores the academic research writing process with an emphasis on entering into academic conversation. Building on the skills acquired in College Writing I, students will learn to write extensively with source material. Key skills addressed include finding,assessing, and integrating primary and secondary sources, and using proper documentation to ensure academic integrity. Students will produce analytical writing throughout the semester, including a minimum of four formal, researched essays.

MATH.1205 Applied Precalculus (3cr)

Intended for students in online degree programs. The objective of this course is to provide students with problem-solving and computational techniques needed for further coursework and/or in their occupations. Topics covered include a comprehensive review of algebra, functions, and relations, system of linear equations in two variables, polynomial functions, rational functions, and inverse functions. Applications from business, IT, and biological sciences are included. ANTI-REQUISITES: Credit will only be granted for one of the following: MATH.1200/1225, MATH.1205 or MATH.1210.

MATH.1220 Management Calculus (3cr)

Review of difference quotient, least squares modeling, limit of difference quotient, differential calculus: derivatives, differentials, higher-order derivatives, implicit differentiation, relative and absolute maxima and minima of functions, and applications of derivatives to business and economics. Integrals and applications to business. No credit in Science or Engineering.

Requirements:

MATH.1200 Precalculus Mathematics I, or MATH.1210 Management Precalculus, or MATH.1270 Preparation for Calculus, or MATH.1280 Calculus IA, or MATH.1290 Calculus IB,or ALEKS score of 67 or higher.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to earn a minimum 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA), to present a minimum of 120 semester hours, to fulfill the residency requirements, to conform to the general regulations and requirements of the University, to satisfy the regulations and academic standards of the colleges which exercise jurisdiction over the degrees for which they are matriculating, to satisfy the curriculum requirements established by the departments or programs in their major, and to complete the University's Core Curriculum requirements, which are listed within the program's curriculum outline. For additional information regarding the University's general policies and procedures, transfer credit information and residency requirements; please refer to our Academic Policies & Procedures.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.

Summer 2025 Tuition

Cost Per Credit Cost Per 3-Credit Course*

Undergraduate

Online and On Campus $385 $1,155
*Tuition is priced on the listed credit hour unless the contact hour is different. Tuition is then based upon the listed contact hour.

Additional Costs

Cost
Term Registration Fee $30
Returned Check Fee $30
Undergraduate Degree Application $60

Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Tuition Calculator

Online Tuition Calculator

Estimate the cost of this program with our online tuition calculator

hand and coin

Looking for Financial Assistance?

UMass Lowell offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship options.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The course requirements are the main difference between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics. A B.A. in Economics has a broader curriculum, focusing on social sciences and humanities and offering many free electives. The free electives make the B.A. in Economics an ideal choice for transfer students or those who want to include a minor. A B.S. in Economics has a heavily structured curriculum, emphasizing mathematics and statistics and offering fewer elective courses.
  • There are many lucrative and rewarding career paths open to economics majors. Economics is a versatile and in-demand field, offering career opportunities in finance, consulting, market research, data analysis, business intelligence, government and public policy and more. Economics graduates are also well positioned to advance to graduate studies to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Finance, or a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
  • A Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) is an excellent choice for economics majors who want to combine their knowledge of economics with business skills. An MBA will expand your career options in finance, consulting and management. You'll learn about topics like financial analysis, strategic planning and marketing.

    While an economics degree and an MBA focus on business and finance, these degrees have some key differences. A Bachelor of Arts in Economics typically focuses on the theoretical and analytical aspects of economics, including micro and macroeconomic theory. An MBA is more practical and focuses on developing management, leadership, and decision-making skills.
  • An online economics degree can lead to many rewarding and in-demand career opportunities that often require a balance of analytical (left brain) and creative (right brain) thinking.

    If you're interested in pursuing a Bachelor's in Economics but are concerned with your return on investment, the earning potential for economics graduates is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "The median annual wage for economists was $105,630 in May 2021." However, those working in the finance and insurance industry had a median annual wage of $130,230, while those working in the federal government had a median yearly salary of $116,020. Consulting firms also offer high earning potential, with some entry-level positions offering salaries of $80,000 or more.

Apply

Applying into a Undergraduate Degree Program

You can apply anytime. There are no deadlines. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

All applicants must submit:
  • An application
  • An application fee ($60)
  • Official transcripts
    • Please submit official transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities. We're able to help you retrieve transcripts if needed. If you do not have previous college experience, please contact your high school's guidance office to request your transcripts be sent to us
    • If you hold a GED/HiSET, to request they send us your official transcripts please visit:
    • Applicants with foreign transcripts: Transcripts demonstrating completion of a degree require a credential evaluation from:
  • Official test scores
    • SAT or ACT scores are optional, but may be requested if you have been out of high school for less than three years. If you have not taken the SAT or ACT, please email OCE_Admissions@uml.edu to discuss alternative options

Additional Information

Students must be admitted to a degree or certificate program in order to be eligible for most financial aid.

Official transcripts can be sent to us directly from your previous institution either electronically or mailed to:

GPS Undergraduate Admissions
University of Massachusetts Lowell
839 Merrimack St., Floor 2
Lowell, MA 01854-5104

We cannot accept previously opened transcripts, photocopies, PDF email attachments or faxed transcripts.

F1 student visas are not issued for this program.

Apply Now

Questions Regarding Your Undergraduate Application?

Email OCE_Admissions@uml.edu or call 978-934-2474.

For General Assistance:

Call the Advising Center at 978-934-2474 or 800-480-3190. Our academic advisors are here to help!

Already Applied?

Check the Status of Your Application

Complete Your Online Bachelor of Arts in Economics from an Award Winning Public University.

Apply Now Request Info