Learn economics with online courses and programs
How do people decide whether to spend or save? What actions should a government take to address inflation? The study of economics examines these questions and more. Learn economics with online courses delivered through edX.
What is economics, and why should you learn it?
Economics is the study of how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed, exploring the factors that affect supply and demand. It examines how markets work, how wealth is distributed, and how scarce resources are allocated. While the stock market can be a reflection of the economy, economics seeks to more broadly understand how people, businesses, and countries choose to spend their money.
Economic theory is widely studied around the world by researchers who seek to better understand the impact of certain policies or shocks on the economy. What is the effect of rising gas prices on household spending? How does incurring larger debt affect an individual's long-term financial health? Will spending on government health care programs cause inflation? Researchers and economists aim to answer these kinds of questions using economic theories, historical trends, and data.
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Online economics course curriculum
The study of economics can explore a range of topics, introducing learners to various theories and models. Introductory economics courses may start by exploring the fundamental economic concept of supply and demand.
Learners will study supply and demand curves to understand the relationship between the quantity of a product or service that producers are willing to supply and the quantity of that same product or service that consumers are willing to purchase. These curves help explain pricing models.
Online economics courses can also take a look at the field from a macro or micro lens:
- Microeconomics: This branch of economics studies the behavior of individual households and firms when deciding where to allocate resources. It examines how individuals, firms, and governments interact within markets to determine prices, quantities, and distributions of goods and services.
- Macroeconomics: This branch of economics examines the economy as a whole, including how economic variables such as inflation, unemployment, and gross domestic product (GDP) are affected by government policies and global events. It also looks at how the overall economic performance of a nation impacts the lives of individuals.
Explore jobs in economics
Economics can be a rewarding career for anyone interested in driving economic policy and financial decision-making. An education in economics can potentially lead to several different careers, including:
Start your education in economics
If you're interested in studying economics online, edX offers flexible learning options with courses and programs designed for learners at every stage of their journey.
- Executive Education programs: These are short, cohort-based programs for senior leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs. In Executive Education economics programs, participants engage with real-world case studies to deepen their understanding of economics for actionable decision-making while honing their leadership skills.
- Professional Certificates: Typically spanning 2-10 months, these programs include 2-6 courses that cover specialized economics topics. Professional Certificates are ideal for professionals seeking to upskill or reskill for advancement without pausing their careers.
- Advanced degrees: Online bachelor's and master's degree programs offer foundational and comprehensive knowledge in economics, preparing individuals to enter the field or transition into new roles that require a degree.
- Courses: Self-paced online courses typically last 4-12 weeks and allow learners to explore specific economics topics, develop new skills, or stay current with industry trends.
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