Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Agricultural Economics
• Environmental/Natural Resource Economics
• Consumer Economics
• Financial Mathematics
• Economics, General
• Applied Economics
• Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
• Development Economics and International Development
• International Economics
• Economics, Other
• Political Economy
• Business/Managerial Economics

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Master's degree

Economists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. However, some entry-level jobs - primarily in government - are available for workers with a bachelor’s degree.

Insider Info

Additional Information

If you want to study the economy, be prepared to put in some years at university. To pursue a career as an economist, a PhD in economics is strongly recommended. There may be some employment opportunities with a master's degree in economics, but most opportunities will require a PhD.

"Not many people do much with a master's degree in economics. You either stay at one level with an undergraduate degree or you go to school for your PhD," says John Irons, an economist in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Space in popular programs is limited, especially at the graduate level. Selection is made on grades, so top marks are essential for anyone wanting to become an economist. In addition to good grades, a natural aptitude for learning and ability in mathematics are important.

Topics studied in economics include such things as micro-economic theory, macro-economic theory, economic history, econometrics, international trade and finance, public finance, labor economics, monetary theory, economics of natural resources and growth theory.