What is economics, and why should you learn it?
Economics is all about understanding how goods and services are made, shared, and used—and the forces that shape supply and demand. It looks at how markets function, how wealth is spread, and how limited resources get divided up. While the stock market can give us clues about the economy, economics goes even broader, studying how people, businesses, and nations decide to use their money.
Around the world, researchers dive into economic theory to figure out how certain policies or unexpected events shake up the economy. What happens to family budgets when gas prices shoot up? How does taking on more debt affect someone’s finances down the road? Could government spending on healthcare push prices higher? Economists tackle questions like these using theories, past trends, and hard data.
Online economics course curriculum
Studying economics covers a wide range of ideas, introducing learners to different theories and models. Beginner courses often kick off with the basics—supply and demand.
You’ll explore supply and demand curves to see how the amount of a product suppliers are willing to make connects with what buyers are ready to purchase. These curves help break down how prices are set.
Online courses also break things down into two main views:
- Microeconomics: This area zooms in on how individual households and businesses decide where to put their resources. It’s all about the back-and-forth between people, companies, and governments in markets—shaping prices, quantities, and who gets what.
- Macroeconomics: Here, the focus shifts to the big picture—things like inflation, unemployment, and GDP, and how government moves and global happenings sway them. It also looks at how a country’s overall economic health touches everyday lives.
Explore jobs in economics
For anyone passionate about shaping economic policy or financial choices, a career in economics can be incredibly fulfilling. Studying it opens doors to roles like:
- Economist
- Financial analyst
- Accountant or auditor
- Market research analyst
Start your education in economics
If you’re curious about learning economics online, edX has flexible options for every step of your journey:
- Executive Education programs: Short, group-based courses for leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs. These dive into real-world cases to sharpen decision-making and leadership skills in economics.
- Professional Certificates: Programs lasting 2-10 months with 2-6 courses, perfect for professionals looking to level up their skills without hitting pause on their careers.
- Advanced degrees: Online bachelor’s and master’s programs build a strong foundation, whether you’re starting fresh or pivoting to a new role that needs a degree.
- Courses: Self-paced classes (usually 4-12 weeks) let you dig into specific topics, pick up new skills, or stay ahead of trends.