11 Online Economics Courses for High School Students
- Jessica Zhou
- Oct 20, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 7
If you're interested in economics, taking online economics courses is a good option to consider. Online economics courses can deepen your understanding of economics, give you practical insights, and demonstrate your dedication to the subject in your college applications and resume.
Online economics courses can boost your college applications by showcasing your commitment to academic excellence and practical knowledge in the field. Admission committees value candidates who exhibit a passion for their chosen discipline. The impact of an online economics course on your application depends on its alignment with your academic goals and the reputation of the institution offering the course.
Courses from established institutions or those with a track record of producing successful students can carry substantial weight. However, regardless of the course's prestige, emphasizing your coursework, accomplishments, and the skills you've acquired through online economics courses is vital to showcase your dedication to economics.
Specific online economics courses for high school students can vary widely in terms of availability and popularity. Here's what to look out for.
What should I look for when choosing which course to take?
Accreditation and Credibility: When considering an online economics course, ensure that the institution or platform offering the course is accredited and credible. Accreditation ensures that the course meets certain quality standards and that the credits you earn will be recognized by admission officers. Look for institutions that are regionally accredited or have reputable national or international accreditation in the field of economics.
Instructor Qualifications: Investigate the qualifications of the instructor who will be teaching the course. They should have a strong academic background in economics, ideally with a relevant advanced degree (such as a Ph.D.) or extensive professional experience in the field. Check for their teaching credentials and past student reviews, as a knowledgeable and engaging instructor can greatly enhance your learning experience.
Course Content and Structure: Review the course content and structure carefully. Ensure that the curriculum covers the topics and areas of economics that align with your learning objectives and goals. Look for a well-organized course with clearly defined learning objectives, assignments, and assessments. Assess whether the course offers a comprehensive overview of economics principles, including microeconomics and macroeconomics, as well as any specific areas of interest, such as behavioral economics, international trade, or financial economics.
Interactivity and Support: Online courses can vary in terms of interactivity and support. Choose a course that offers opportunities for active learning, such as discussion forums, live webinars, or group projects, as these can foster collaboration with peers. Additionally, consider the level of support available, including access to instructors or teaching assistants, as well as technical support for any issues you may encounter during the course.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can make a well-informed choice that aligns with your academic and career goals. To help you get started, here are 11 online economics courses for high school students! Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.Â
Application deadline:Â On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates:Â Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility:Â High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the AI + Finance program, students gain a deeper understanding of AI applications in the financial field. They get a chance to engage in lectures, code walkthroughs, and real-world projects using AI & ML models to predict future financial patterns using past data, forecasting stock prices, and more. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
Cost: Free without a certificate and $49 with a certificate
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced (approx 33 hours)
Financial Markets by Yale University is designed to give you essential knowledge about the structure and functioning of financial markets. Taught by Yale's School of Management instructors, this course covers a wide range of topics, including stocks, bonds, derivatives, and risk management. It provides a comprehensive overview of financial market dynamics, enabling you to comprehend the factors that impact these markets. Through video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments, you will acquire the expertise needed to navigate financial markets.
Cost: Free without a certificate and $50 with a certificate
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced (approx 10 weeks at 5-10 hours a week)
Harvard’s Principles of Economics on edX provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of economics. Through video lectures, assignments, quizzes, and readings, you will gain insights into various economic concepts, including supply and demand, market equilibrium, consumer behavior, and macroeconomic principles like inflation, unemployment, and fiscal policy. The course features content and valuable insights from Harvard's faculty, allowing you to grasp economic concepts and their real-world applications.
Cost: Free without a certificate and $199 with a certificate (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
Entrepreneurship For All (Part I): The UC Berkeley Startup Guide for Students by Silicon Valley Insiders offered by BerkeleyX on edX is a valuable resource for students looking to explore startups and entrepreneurship. Taught by Silicon Valley insiders, this course provides a guide to the entire startup process, from idea conception to launch and scaling. You will gain insights into crucial aspects such as identifying market opportunities, developing business models, and crafting effective pitches. The course also offers case studies and practical advice, drawing from the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Silicon Valley. It includes video lectures, readings, projects, and peer collaboration.
Cost: $6,500 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: 16-18 years old high school sophomore or junior
Application Deadline: November (Early) and January (Regular)
Course Dates: 2 week sessions
The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program offers educational experiences to exceptional high school students from around the world. The "Economics, Politics, and Law" program at YYGS explores the dynamics of politics and governance and the underpinnings of legal systems. The program features seminars, discussions, and workshops conducted by Yale's faculty and experts in these fields. Through interactive activities, group projects, and access to Yale's resources, you will gain insights into how these domains intersect to shape the global landscape. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Cost: $329
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
The UPenn Wharton Global Youth Program's "Understanding Your Money" course is a valuable educational opportunity for students interested in financial literacy and personal finance. This online economics course, led by instructors from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, introduces key financial concepts, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and making informed financial decisions. You will explore various aspects of personal finance through activities, workshops, and discussions. You will learn how to manage your own finances, set financial goals, and make responsible decisions about spending and saving. Additionally, the course may cover fundamental economic principles and the broader financial landscape.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced (approx 4 hours)
"Economics for Everyone: Basics of Economics" on Udemy is a foundational course that provides an accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of economics. This course is designed to make economics comprehensible to individuals of all backgrounds without complex jargon. It covers key economic principles, including supply and demand, market structures, pricing, and basic economic theories. This course aims to demystify economics and show how it relates to everyday life and decision-making.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) offers two courses, "Principles of Microeconomics" and "Principles of Macroeconomics," which cover the core principles of economics. "Principles of Microeconomics" explores the behavior of individual consumers and firms in various market structures, delving into concepts like supply and demand, elasticity, and market efficiency. On the other hand, "Principles of Macroeconomics" focuses on the broader economic picture, examining topics such as economic growth, inflation, monetary policy, and fiscal policy. Both courses include lecture notes, assignments, exams, and other educational materials used in MIT's classrooms.
Cost: Free without a certificate
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced (approx 5 hours)
Duke’s "Behavioral Economics" course on Coursera provides an overview of how psychological and emotional factors influence economic decision-making. This course is taught by faculty members from Duke University. Throughout the course, you will explore key concepts such as cognitive biases, prospect theory, and the implications of behavioral economics in various real-world contexts. By examining the interplay between human behavior and economic choices, you will gain insights into why people often make decisions that appear irrational from a traditional economic perspective. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing students to study at their own pace through video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments.
Cost: Free without a certificate and $199 with a certificate (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
The "Foundations of Finance" course offered by the University of Cambridge on edX offers a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of finance. This course covers a wide range of financial topics, including risk management, financial markets, valuation, and investment strategies. It includes video lectures, readings, case studies, and assignments. The course is taught by faculty from the University of Cambridge. You can expect to gain insights into both theoretical concepts and practical applications.
Cost: Free without a certificate and $49 with a certificate
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
Financial Markets: A Beginner's Guide on Udemy is a valuable online course aimed at individuals who are new to finance and eager to understand the workings of financial markets. This course provides an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of financial markets, including stocks, bonds, commodities, foreign exchange, and other financial instruments. You will gain insights into market dynamics, investment strategies, and the factors that impact financial markets. You will benefit from video lectures, quizzes, and case studies that will help you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Also, check for free or low-cost options, as there are many available that can suit various budgets. For example, you can audit most of the courses on Coursera and Edx for free. You can also access MIT’s OpenCourseware platform for free courses and material. These courses can provide a strong foundation for students looking to deepen their understanding of economics and prepare for college-level coursework.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you would like to further explore the field of economics and play a more direct role in market research, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business!
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