Program Overview

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Economics for Business

The Economics for Business program is an eight-week online course that offers participants the opportunity to explore macroeconomics from a business perspective, guided by renowned economist Professor Roberto Rigobon.

Course Overview

This course is based on the in-person program, Understanding Global Markets: Macroeconomics for Executives, and provides a flexible and personalized way to engage with a portion of the content. Participants will explore the purpose and impact of macroeconomic policies and consider various factors influencing large-scale, global economics.

Key Benefits

• Self-Paced: The course is delivered in a self-paced online format, enabling participants to participate at their own pace within weekly modules.
• Certificate: Earn a certificate of course completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
• Interactive: Learn through a variety of formats, including interactive videos, practice quizzes, presentations, assignments, and discussion forums.
• Support: Access to a Success Adviser who will help manage time and support with any administrative or technical queries.

Course Takeaways

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will learn to:

• Account for the impact of macroeconomic events and trends in decision-making
• Identify and evaluate a range of macroeconomic variables, policies, and financial indicators
• Access tools and frameworks to navigate the economic influences affecting their business
• Engage in problem-based learning to develop a critical intuition for macroeconomic trends
• Benefit from the research and teaching of world-renowned economist, Professor Roberto Rigobon

Sample Schedule

The course runs over 8 weeks with an estimated 6-8 hours per week of study time. The sample schedule includes:

• Orientation module
• Module 1: The Global Economy
• Module 2: Consumer Confidence and Policy Effects
• Module 3: Currencies, Crises, and Cryptos
• Module 4: Measuring Economic Health: the Current Account
• Module 5: Measuring Economic Health: the Labor Market
• Module 6: Economic Shocks
• Module 7: Social Peace and Political Factors
• Module 8: Creating Economic Sustainability

Time Commitment

The recommended weekly time commitment for core content is 4-5 hours, with an additional 2-3 hours for non-compulsory weekly extension activities.

Who Should Attend

The program is designed for business professionals and leaders looking to understand the influence of macroeconomic trends on business and seeking tools, concepts, and models to guide their decision-making.

Faculty & Team

The faculty includes:

• Christian Catalini, Research Scientist
• Simon Johnson, Ronald A. Kurtz (1954) Professor of Entrepreneurship; Professor, Global Economics and Management
• Athanasios Orphanides, Professor of the Practice, Global Economics and Management
• Roberto Rigobon, Society of Sloan Fellows Professor of Management; Professor, Applied Economics

Course Dates & Enrollment

Select your preferred date and enroll in the upcoming sessions:

• Date(s): May 6-Jul 7, 2026
• Location: Online
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Commitment: 6-8 hours/week
• Tuition: $3,250

Reviews

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About GetSmarter

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The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice.