by our College Data Analytics TeamApplied Economics was the 534th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 618 degrees in this year alone. This 34 less than the prior year, a decrease of 5.5%.
This year's Best Applied Economics Schools ranking compares 29 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom applied economics rankings further below.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems has been highlighted as one of the most essential skills for careers related to applied economics. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents and talking to others to convey information effectively are all required skills for careers related to this major.
applied economics degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific applied economics careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different applied economics degree levels. Applied Economics programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest applied economics degree you can get. Depending on the applied economics degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to applied economics, with approximately 40.8% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to applied economics tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 35.6% |
| Master’s Degree | 23.0% |
| Doctoral Degree | 19.2% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 3.2% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 2.8% |
About 51.9% of workers in careers related to applied economics obtain at least master's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in applied economics have received.
This of course varies depending on which applied economics career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your applied economics degree? Applied Economics careers are expected to grow 13.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to applied economics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Managers | 1,071,700 | 8.0% |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 733,700 | 23.2% |
| Economists | 22,600 | 6.1% |
| Economics Professors | 18,300 | 10.9% |
| Survey Researchers | 14,900 | 2.1% |
As you might expect, salaries for applied economics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for applied economics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers applied economics grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Economics Professors | $117,180 |
| Economists | $116,020 |
| Managers | $115,590 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $70,960 |
| Survey Researchers | $63,240 |
With over 76 different applied economics degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased applied economics school rankings to help you with this.
Applied Economics is one of 5 different types of Economics programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Economics | 28,837 |
| Econometrics & Quantitative Economics | 18,364 |
| Development Economics & International Development | 593 |
| International Economics | 328 |
| Other Economics | 315 |
