By Andi Anderson
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has expanded its undergraduate academic offerings in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE). The new structure provides students with more specialized degree options and clearer pathways to careers in agriculture, business, finance, public policy, and environmental management.
Starting this fall, incoming students can choose from six majors and two concentrations. The updated programs are designed to help students develop industry-specific knowledge while gaining practical experience that supports career readiness.
Sarah Low, ACE department head, highlighted the value of the new academic structure and its benefits for students preparing for professional careers.
“ACE students learn to apply business and economics tools to solve critical challenges in food, agriculture, consumer finance, energy, and the environment,” said Sarah Low, ACE department head. “These new majors give students clearer pathways to specialize in areas such as agribusiness, financial planning, environmental economics, and public policy while building the hands-on experience they need to launch their careers.”
The new undergraduate majors include Agricultural & Consumer Economics, Consumer Economics & Finance, Environmental & Resource Economics & Policy, Financial Planning, Food & Agribusiness Management, and Public Policy & Law. In addition, the Agricultural & Consumer Economics major includes concentrations in Agri-Accounting and Agricultural & Applied Economics.
Previously, the department operated with one major and nine concentrations. The revised structure transforms several concentration areas into independent degree programs, making it easier for students and employers to understand the skills and expertise associated with each field of study.
Each program focuses on developing practical and professional skills. Students interested in agriculture and economics can explore global food systems, finance, and business management. Those choosing Consumer Economics & Finance study personal finance, consumer behavior, banking, and insurance. Environmental & Resource Economics & Policy examines environmental challenges, energy issues, and policy solutions.
Students pursuing Financial Planning gain knowledge in investments, insurance, retirement planning, and financial management. The Food & Agribusiness Management program prepares students for roles in agribusiness, agricultural technology, supply chains, marketing, and finance. Public Policy & Law focuses on legal systems, regulations, and policies affecting agriculture, consumers, natural resources, and international relations.
The ACE department also emphasizes experiential learning. Students can participate in internships, undergraduate research projects, study abroad programs, student organizations, competitions, and other hands-on learning activities. These opportunities allow students to connect classroom learning with real-world challenges.
“Employers are looking for graduates who can think critically, analyze complex problems, and apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings,” Low said. “Our students have always developed those skills. These new majors make their areas of expertise more visible while giving students a clearer way to connect what they study at Illinois with where they want to go next.”
Through these expanded degree options, the University of Illinois aims to prepare students for successful careers while meeting the evolving needs of agriculture, business, finance, and public policy sectors.
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Categories: Illinois, Education