Top 10 Online MBA in Managerial Economics Programs 2018

An Online MBA in Managerial Economics is quickly becoming the standard for students who have a clear and specific direction for their careers as well as those who want to keep their options open for future positions in business leadership. This well-rounded degree focuses primarily on the areas of developing a professional’s ability within teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and networking. Anywhere you look in business, managers are often approached by employees and organizations for ways to make a business productive and efficient. Managers who display good communication skills and the ability to get the most out of an organization’s staff and resources are always in high demand. Those who can grasp the intricacies of local economies, global markets, micro- and macroeconomics can expect to see their careers take off and reach satisfying heights.

One benefit to our current time in business and technology is that some of the top business schools in the nation now deliver high-quality online MBA in Managerial Economics programs. Featuring curriculums designed by top-tier educational staff, these programs deliver a balance between trusted business theory and real-world application. Many of these programs are delivered as 100% online experiences while some offer great opportunities for cohort learning and networking through a hybrid experience. While pursuing a top-shelf MBA used to mean sacrificing an established career and having to relocate to a different region or state, these programs offer extreme convenience and flexibility, allowing students to maintain their positions in corporate America and take classes during evenings and weekends. Graduate students looking for an accelerated experience can find a program which allows for completion of all coursework in as few as 12 months.

One of the most attractive reasons to pursue an online MBA in Managerial Economics is the financial benefit graduates experience. While some business schools deliver these distance-learning degrees at a very affordable tuition rate, the increase in salary associated with attaining an MBA has been a proven commodity. Beyond this, many business schools offer attractive incentives to students including grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts based on factors like a student’s previous academic and professional experience. For these reasons, we have assembled a comprehensive ranking of the very best online MBA in Managerial Economics programs currently available at the very best business schools in the country.

For more information about other online MBA programs, check out our article on the top MBA specializations and explore our other Online MBA Rankings.

Note: A detailed explanation of the methodology we used to determine the best online MBA in Managerial Economics can be found at the end of the ranking.

#1 Wright State University Raj Soin College of Business – Dayton, Ohio

Photo creditAn online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Business Economics is offered at Wright State University’s Raj Soin College of Business. The business school has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as delivering the 128^th best online MBA in the nation. This 33-credit hour program is classified as average in total tuition cost based on a tuition range of $20,000 and $29,999. Some students of the Raj Soin College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $58,600 after graduating showing an attractive return on the investment of education. The business school, which receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, has designed this program with flexibility in mind, allowing students to take courses online, in the classroom, or experience a hybrid education by completing coursework in both settings. Students can graduate with this degree within two years. The curriculum for this program trains students to “predict and study responses to changes in fiscal and monetary policy and the market through analytic and quantitative skills. You will study advanced skills in analyzing the ever-changing global business environment and the role economics has in business, government, and public policy decisions.” Courses within this impressive program include Strategic Cost Management, Economics for Managers, Financial Analysis and Decision Making, Leadership and Ethics, International Business Management: Operations and Environments, and Developing and Implementing Competitive Strategies.

Home of the Raiders, Wright State University got its start in 1964 as a small, one-building branch campus organized through an agreement between Ohio State University and Miami University. The property the campus was built on in Dayton, Ohio was excess acreage of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, owned by the U.S. Air Force and donated for the school to be developed. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, Wright State is named after famous aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright, who lived in Dayton. This four-year, public school currently offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 16,655 students enrolled there. Wearing the official school colors of green and gold, the sports teams at Wright State University compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Horizon League.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 100.00

#2 Mercer University Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics – Macon, Georgia

Photo creditThe Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics at Mercer University delivers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Economics focus. Qualifying students with the proper academic background can waive up to nine-credit hours and complete all requirements for this degree by taking 36-credit hours in as few as 18 months. This program is available to students without a business undergraduate degree. This degree is divided between 21 core credits, 12 concentration credits, and three capstone credits. The Core Program courses within this degree include Managerial Economics, Managerial Accounting, Issues in Business Law and Corporate Responsibility, Marketing Concepts and Practices, Corporate Finance, Operations Management Science, and Ethical Leadership. Candidates for this degree are encouraged to complete the Stetson School of Business and Economics Application for Admission found on the business school’s website and submit a $50 non-refundable application fee, proof of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, official GMAT or GRE score, and a current resume into the admissions office in order to begin the acceptance process. The business school, which receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, delivers this program as an “average” in total tuition cost based on a tuition range of $20,000 and $29,999. An average early career salary of $51,700 has been reported by some students of the Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics after graduating showing a strong return on the investment of education. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 61^st best online MBA in the nation.

Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Mercer University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus situated in Macon, Georgia. Featuring a student body of 8,615, the university offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Mercer currently exists as the oldest private university in the state of Georgia and is home of the Bears. The athletic department at the school supports 18 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Southern Conference. The university was established in 1833 as a boys’ prep school in Penfield, Georgia. Originally founded with an affiliation with the Georgia Baptist Convention, the school cut ties and became independent in 2006. Mercer’s official school colors are black and orange.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 95.94

#3 Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Photo courtesy of Carnegie Mellon UniversityCarnegie Mellon University offers a part-time online hybrid Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Economics at the Tepper School of Business. The business school has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as delivering the 2^nd best online MBA in the nation and by the Princeton Review as offering the 6^th best online program in the country. This 16-mini-semester program is classified as very expensive in total tuition cost based on a tuition range of $100,000 and above. There is a chance to offset the cost of tuition as some students of the Tepper of Business have reported an average early career salary of $109,000 after graduating showing healthy return on the investment of education. The business school, which receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, has designed this program with flexibility in mind, allowing students to take online courses just two evenings a week in order to accommodate an active schedule. This program also includes access weekends between mini-semesters allowing for networking within cohort classes. Courses within this program include Managing Networks and Organizations, Global Economics, Interpersonal Communication, Statistical Decision Making, Financial and Managerial Accounting I and II, and Ethics and Leadership.

Home of the Tartans, Carnegie Mellon University got its start in 1900 as the Carnegie Technical School and was founded by Andrew Carnegie. The hope was to provide a training school for the children of Pittsburgh residents who worked in the mills. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Carnegie Mellon is a four-year, private not-for-profit university which currently offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 13,258 students enrolled there. Wearing the official school colors of cardinal, black, grey, and white, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at CMU compete at the NCAA Division III level as members of the University Athletic Association.

Affordability Score: Very Expensive
OMBAT Ranking Score: 95.32

#4 Southern Illinois University Carbondale College of Business – Carbondale, Illinois

Photo creditAn online Master’s of Business Administration with an Agribusiness Economics specialization is featured at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Business. The business school has designed this program in order to train students how to “develop critical thinking skills through in-depth analysis of business problems, strengthen communication skills through class discussions, written assignments and required multimedia, digital presentations, increase organizational leadership through skills through team projects and online collaboration, and broaden comprehension of environmental variables affecting organizational performance.” This 43-semester hour program is classified as above average in total tuition cost based on a tuition range of $30,000 and $49,999. The College of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The business school has recently been recognized as offering the 54^th best online MBA in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Courses within this program in Agribusiness Economics include Brand Management, Business Communication for MBA Professionals, Critical Issues for Business, Seminar on Career Effectiveness, Advanced Seminar in Leadership Development, Managerial Accounting and Control, and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.

Located in Carbondale, Illinois, Southern Illinois University Carbondale was established in 1869 as the Southern Illinois Normal School and featured a student enrollment of 53 taught by a staff of eight. Founded as the second normal school in the state, the university saw steady and impressive growth after World War II until today. SIU Carbondale receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. This four-year, public university’s school motto is “Deo Volente” (God Willing). The athletic department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale supports 16 varsity men’s women’s sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Missouri Valley Conference. Home of the Salukis, the university’s official colors are maroon and white.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 92.17

#5 Regent University School of Business & Leadership – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Photo creditRegent University’s School of Business & Leadership delivers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Economics. Courses within this impressive program include Data Analysis for Decision Making, Principles of Economics, Economic Policy, Multinational Organizations, International Business Law, Corporate & Personal Ethics, Managerial Economics, Innovation & Technological Success, and Marketing. The business school has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as delivering the 122^nd best online MBA in the nation. This 42-credit hour program is classified as average in total tuition cost based on a tuition range of $20,000 and $29,999. Some students of the Raj Soin College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $41,700 after graduating showing an attractive return on the investment of education. The business school, which receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, has designed this program to train students in how to “study the foundations of work and wealth, enterprise and stewardship, money, interest and debt, and the role of the government in the economy, understand trade policies as you learn to conduct cost/benefit analysis and solutions to trade and finance issues, and learn to formulate and research a problem, collecting and analyzing data to support a decision.”

Home of the Royals, Regent University was established as the Christian Broadcasting Network University by CBN founder and university chancellor, Pat Robertson in 1977. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Regent features the official school motto of “Christian Leadership to Change the World.” This four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning currently offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 8,389 students enrolled there. Wearing the official school colors of blue and green, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at the university compete within the National Christian College Athletic Association.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 90.32

#6 Bellevue University College of Business – Bellevue, Nebraska

Photo creditThe College of Business at Bellevue University offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a Global Economic Threat Environment emphasis. This 36-credit hour program has been designed to train students with the abilities to “critically access business performance to strategically manage business opportunities in an international context, analyze human capital dynamics and management tactics to enhance work force productivity, collaboration, and innovation, and integrate industry and discipline-specific tools to the analysis of targeted business sectors and problems.” This high-quality program is classified as average in total tuition cost based on a tuition range between $20,000 and $29,999. An average early career salary of $52,200 has been reported by some students of the School of Business after graduating reflecting an attractive return on the investment of education. The business school receives its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Divided between 27 core credits and nine concentration credits, the Global Economic Threat Environment-specific courses included in this program are Green Security: Eco-conflict and its Challenges, Hard and Soft Power: Balancing Hawks and Doves, Transitional Crime and Corruption: The Dark Side of Globalization, Democracy, Ethnicity, and Development in Africa, and Democracy, Political Economy, and Human Rights across Asia.

Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, Bellevue University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning located in Bellevue, Nebraska. Featuring a student body of 8,896, the university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Bellevue is home of the Bruins and supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams. The school competes at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level as a member of the North Star Athletic Association and Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference. Bellevue University was established in 1966 as Bellevue College with the intent to educate working adults in the region. In the 90’s the school began offering graduate degrees and was awarded its university status.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 86.55

#7 Southern New Hampshire University School of Business – Manchester, New Hampshire

Photo creditAn online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Economics is featured at Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Business. This high-quality program focuses on the areas of “managerial economics, mathematics and statistics for economics, and micro- and macroeconomics theory and analysis.” Students taking two courses each 10-week term can complete all requirements for the degree in as few as 15 months. This 12-course program is classified as average in total tuition cost based on a tuition range of $20,000 and $29,999. Some students of the School of Business have reported an average early career salary of $52,600 after graduating revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. Students interested in applying for this program are encouraged to contact an admission counselor who will aid in the application process which includes completing a graduate application and submitting a $40 fee and all undergraduate transcripts. There is no GMAT/GRE requirement for this program. Degree courses within this program include Mathematics and Statistics for Economics, Microeconomics Theory and Analysis, and Macroeconomics Theory and Analysis.

Established in 1932 by Harry and Gertrude Shapiro, Southern New Hampshire University was first founded with the intent to train young business leaders in New Hampshire. Operating under the original name of New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science, the school moved from downtown Manchester to 300 acres along the Merrimack River in 1971. Receiving its university status in 2001, the school exists today as a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning which offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels to the 73,177 students attending classes there both on campus and through online instruction. Receiving its regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, SNHU is home of the Penmen and features the official school colors of blue and gold.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 86.03

#8 University of Houston-Victoria School of Business Administration – Victoria, Texas

Photo courtesy of the University of Houston-VictoriaAn online Global Master’s of Business Administration with an Economic Development concentration is featured at the School of Business Administration the University of Houston-Victoria. Qualifying students with the proper academic background can waive up to 24-credit hours and complete all requirements for this degree by taking only 30-credit hours in as few as 18 months. This program is available to students without a business undergraduate degree. This degree is divided between 18 core credits and 12 concentration credits. The Economic Development-intensive courses within this program include Introduction to Economics Development and Entrepreneurship, Economic Development and Entrepreneurial Finance, Methods in Economic Development, Practice of local Economic Development, and Theory & Practice of Regional Economic Development. Candidates for this degree are encouraged to complete the Texas Common Application found on the business school’s website and submit proof of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and official GMAT or GRE score into the admissions office in order to begin the acceptance process. This very affordable program is priced between $2,000 and $14,999. The business school receives its excellent business accreditation through the AACSB.

Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the University of Houston-Victoria is a four-year, public institution of higher learning located near Houston, Texas, in the city of Victoria. Featuring a student body of 4,384, the university offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. UHV is home of the Jaguars and supports men’s varsity baseball, golf, and soccer teams and women’s golf, soccer, and softball. The school competes at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I level as a member of the Red River Athletic Department. The University of Houston-Victoria was established in 1973 after years of work by the local community to bring a center for higher learning to the city Victoria. The school has grown steadily since its inception; the first residence hall was constructed on the campus in 2010.

Affordability Score: Very Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 82.82

#9 North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management – Chicago, Illinois

Photo creditNorth Park University delivers an online Master’s of Business Administration with a certificate in Economics at the School of Business and Nonprofit Management. The business school has designed this program in order to train students how to “study determinants of the aggregate level of economic activity, the basis for international trade, and how macroeconomics influence policy-making. Upon completion of the certificate, you’ll be prepared to analyze the organizational, technological, industrial, and informational structure of your firm’s competitive environment, and understand how the behavior of consumers and firms affects the marketplace.” Consisting of 13 core courses and five electives, this 36-semester hour program is classified as above average in total tuition cost based on a tuition range of $30,000 and $49,999. The School of Business and Nonprofit Management receives its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Touting small class sizes and extreme flexibility, the business school has recently been recognized as offering the 136^th best online MBA in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Students looking for an accelerated experience have the option of completing courses both online and in the classroom and complete this degree in just one year. Courses within this program include Global Macroeconomics for Managers, Microeconomics for Managers, Econometrics, Industry and Competitive Analysis, and Multi-Sector Convergence and Social Responsibility.

Located in north Chicago, Illinois, North Park University was founded in 1891 by what is now known as the Covenant denomination which got its start by Swedish immigrants in the late 19^th century. Awarded its university status in 1997, the school continues to be associated with the Evangelical Covenant Church and today receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. This four-year, private not-for-profit university’s school motto is “Preparing Students for Lives of Significance and Service.” The athletic department at North Park supports seven men’s varsity sports teams and eight women varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division III level as members of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Home of the Vikings, the university’s official colors are blue and yellow.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 71.55

#10 Gardner Webb University Graduate School of Business – Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Photo creditThe Graduate School of Business at Gardner Webb University features an online Master’s of Business Administration with an Economics emphasis. This 36-credit hour program is classified as affordable in total tuition cost based on a tuition range of $15,000 and $19,999. The Graduate School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Students interested in this program are encouraged to submit a completed application with $40 non-refundable processing fee, original transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, the completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited university showing an overall GPA of at least 2.5, a current resume showing professional experience, three confidential letters of recommendation, and GMAT/GRE score to the admissions office in order to begin the acceptance process. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.7 or higher may waive the GMAT/GRE requirement. This program has been designed to train students in the important business-leadership areas of accounting, finance, logistics, marketing, and senior administration.

Operating under the official school motto of “Pro Deo et Humanitate” (For God and Humanity), Gardner-Webb University was first established as Boiling Springs High School through an agreement between the Kings Mountain Baptist Association and the Sandy Run Baptist Association. The campus was planted just between the two counties that both associations resided in. The school became Boiling Spring Junior College in 1928 and would change its name to honor Governor O. Max Gardner and his wife Fay Webb-Gardner in 1942. GWU was awarded its university status in 1993, and today exists as a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning offering degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 3,915 students enrolled there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the school is home to the Runnin’ Bulldogs. Wearing the official school colors of scarlet and black, the sports teams at Gardner-Webb University compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Big South Conference.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 68.46

For more information, check out our Guide to Online MBAs in Managerial Economics.

Also, check out our Frequently Asked Questions about Managerial Economics:

Is Managerial Economics important for business managers?
What does an online MBA in Managerial Economics entail?
What is Managerial Economics?

Methodology

A list of almost 470 online and hybrid MBA programs was evaluated first for Managerial Economics focused curriculum, and then ranked on the following four factors:

Estimated Tuition Cost (25%): Each program is evaluated on the estimated total base tuition cost. All tuition data was gathered from the most recent information given on each specific online MBA program or school website. The data was calculated for the entirety of the degree, but does not included fees, books, or room and board; with the exception of programs that use all-inclusive figures. For schools that offer a lower in-state tuition cost, the in-state pricing was used in order to show the best possible Return on Investment. The final OMBAT ranking score is based 25% on this calculated figure.

Using the base tuition data, each program was then given an Affordability Score:

Very Expensive = $100,000+
Expensive = $50,000-$99,999
Above Average = $30,000-$49,999
Average = $20,000-$29,999
Affordable = $15,000-$19,999
Very Affordable = $0-$14,999

Accreditation (25%): Accreditation is an important factor in business education. Accreditations help prospective students identify which school has gone to extensive measures to reach high national and global standards in its research and education. Each program in this top online MBA ranking is evaluated on whether it holds a regional accreditation from one of the six institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additionally, business school accreditations affect an MBA’s brand and prestige, which affect a student’s competitive advantage in the job market. Each school was also evaluated based on if they hold an business accreditation from the IACBE, ACBSP, or AACSB. AACSB is widely regarded as the most prestigious level of business accreditation, and schools that hold this accreditation are given the highest marks. The final ranking score is based 25% on this calculated figure.

PayScale Early Career Salary (25%): The salary data is highlighted in this top online MBA ranking because it is important for prospective students to understand the affect a degree can have on a professional’s salary, and the possible financial ROI from a particular online MBA program. This financial data is collected from the 2016-17 PayScale College Salary Report. The early-career salary data reports the median salary for recent alumni, from each school’s master’s or MBA program, that have 0-5 years of experience. Programs without a recorded early-career salary from PayScale was calculated at zero because of no available third-party data. The final ranking score is base 25% on this calculated figure.

Prestige (25%): The prestige for each program was calculated by evaluating rankings from some of the most prestigious educational rankings systems for online MBA programs: US News and World Report’s Online MBA Ranking, the Princeton Review’s Online MBA Ranking, the Financial Times’ Global Online MBA Ranking, and Quacquarelli Symonds’ Distance Online MBA Ranking. Each online MBA in Managerial Economics was evaluated on how many rankings included their program. The final ranking score is based 25% on this calculated figure.

All of the data for each four factors was weighted equally, averaged, and then calculated on a 100-point scale. This score is the OMBAT Ranking Score, which provides the ranking order for this list. By evaluating the tuition cost, accreditation, early-career salary, and prestige, this ranking helps prospective students find the highest quality online MBA program available in the area of Managerial Economics.