< College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics
332 Mumford Hall
1301 West Gregory
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1810Students pursuing degrees in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics may choose one of three majors, each of which includes several program options. The majors and the associated options are:
-Agribusiness, farm and financial management with options in agri-accounting, agri-finance, farm management, and in food and agribusiness management;
-Commodity, food and textile marketing with options in consumer and textile marketing and in markets and price analysis; and
-International, resource and consumer economics with options in consumer economics and finance; environmental and natural resource management; individually planned curriculum; and in policy, international trade and development.
Prescribed Courses Including Campus General Education
Hours Composition I and Speech 4 RHET 105-Principles of Composition or equivalent (see college Composition I requirement) 3 SPCOM 101-Principles of Effective Speaking Hours Advanced Composition 3 One of: B&T W 250-Principles of Business Writing RHET 133-Principles of Composition RHET 143-Intermediate Expository Writing Hours Quantitative Reasoning I 3 MATH 124-Finite Mathematics 4-5 MATH 134-Calculus for Social Scientists I or MATH 120-Calculus and Analytic Geometry, I 4-6 ACE 261-Statistics for Agricultural and Consumer Economics or ECON 172-Economic Statistics I and ECON 173-Economics Statistics II Hours Humanities 9 Selected from campus approved list. Hours Natural Sciences 3 Selected from campus approved list. 3 Select one from: ACE/NRES 183-Introduction to Fibers and Textiles BIOL 101-Biological Sciences CHEM 101 and 105-General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory GEOL 101-Introduction to Physical Geology or GEOL 107-General Geology I MCBIO 100 and 101-Introductory microbiology and Introductory Experimental Microbiology PHYCS 101-General Physics PHYSL 103-Introduction to Human Physiology PLBIO 100-Plant Biology Hours Social Sciences 3 ECON 103-Macroeconomic Principles 3 ECON 300-Intermediate Microeconomic Theory or ECON 301-Intermediate Macroeconomic theory 12 Selected from approved list. Hours Cultural Studies 6 Select one course from Western culture and one from non-Western/U.S. minority culture from campus approved list. Hours Aces Prescribed 2 ACES 100-Contemporary Issues in Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Hours Department Requirements 35 Minimum hours in the College of ACES of which 20, excluding 161 and 261, must be in ACE 6 Minimum of two 300-level courses in ACE 4 ACE 100-Economics of Resources, Agriculture and Food 3 ACCY 201-Accounting & Accountancy I 3 One of: ACE 161-Microcomputer Applications C S 105-Introduction to Computing for Nontechnical Majors3 One policy/international course from: ACE 251-The World Food Economy ACE 255-Economics of Rural Poverty and Development ACE 287-Textiles in the Global Economy ACE 351-Economics of International Development ACE 353-Economic Development in South and Southeast Asia ACE 354-Economic Development of Tropical Africa ACE 355-International Trade in Food and Agriculture ACE 356-Agricultural and Food Policies and Programs ACE 371-Consumer Economic Policy ACE 386-Public Policy and the Textile Industry 126 Total hours required for graduationMAJOR IN AGRIBUSINESS, FARM AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, Farm and Financial Management
Agri-Accounting Option
Students in this option complete a comprehensive program that enables them to apply accounting and business management principles to the production, processing, or retailing firms in the agribusiness sector. Opportunities are found as consultants, managerial accountants, or financial analysts in firms in the agribusiness sector. Students who choose additional accounting courses as electives are prepared for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examination or the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination.
Hours Required for the Agri-Accounting option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACCY 202-Accounting & Accountancy II 4 ACCY 301-Accounting Measurement & Disclosure 3 ACCY 302-Decision Making for Accountancy 3 ACCY 303-Institutions and Regulations 3 ACE 243-Agricultural FinanceAgri-Finance Option
Students in this option study finance as used in agribusiness, farming, financial institutions, and more broadly, in the financial services industry. Banks and other lending institutions such as the Farm Credit System seek graduates to serve as loan officers, trust account managers, and for other banking operations. Opportunities are also found in positions in securities, financial planning, insurance, and real estate firms, as well as in the financial management of agribusiness firms.
Hours Required for the Agri-Finance option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACE 243-Agricultural Finance 3 ACE 199F-Agribusiness Financial Mgt. 3 ACCY 202-Accounting and Accountancy II 3 FIN 254-Corporate Finance 3 FIN 300-Financial Markets 3 One of: ACE 343-Intermediate Financial Management and Markets FIN 301-Financial Intermediaries FIN 361-InvestmentsFarm Management Option
Students in this option study the principles of economics, finance, risk, and the decision-making process as applied to the management of a farm enterprise. They develop skills necessary to combine and manage labor, land, and capital resources for a competitive return. Students prepare for careers as a farm owner, tenant, or employee; as a professional farm manager for off-site owners; or as an appraiser, which requires additional course work for certification.
Hours Required for the Farm Management option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACE 222-Marketing Commodity and Food Products 3-4 ACE 232-Management of Farm Enterprises 3 ACE 243-Agricultural Finance 3 ACE 332-Decision Making in the Agricultural FirmFood and Agribusiness Management Option
Students in this option study the principles, tools, and techniques of managing firms in the agri-food system. They develop skills in management functions, strategy development and implementation, and awareness of the interaction between agricultural technology, supply, distribution, processing and marketing firms, and the business environment. Graduates begin their careers as management trainees, sales and marketing representatives, technical analysts, or in a specialty area such as marketing, procurement, or finance, in organizations involved in the production, marketing, sales, and financing of agricultural inputs, commodities, food ingredients, and food products. Joint programs are available with the Departments of Food Science and Human Nutrition (food processing), Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences (horticulture management), Crop Sciences, and Business Administration.
Hours Required for the Food and Agribusiness Management option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACE 231-Food and Agribusiness Management 3 ACE 233-Agribusiness Market Planning 3 ACE 331-Strategic Management in Food and Agribusiness 3 ACCY 202-Accounting and Accountancy II 3 AGCOM 270-Agricultural Sales Communications 3 One of: ACE 222-Marketing Commodity and Food Products ACE 288-Retail Market Analysis B ADM 202-Principles of MarketingMAJOR IN COMMODITY, FOOD AND TEXTILE MARKETING
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Commodity, Food and Textile Marketing
Consumer and Textile Marketing Option
Students in this option study marketing with applications to the textile sector of the economy. Relationships between production systems, distribution systems, and consumer issues are emphasized. Graduates are prepared for positions in marketing research, retail management, product development, merchandising, and customer relations. Opportunities are found in textile manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing as well as in auxiliary industries and firms providing advisory services.
Hours Required for the Consumer and Textile Marketing option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACE 182-Consumer Issues in Textile Marketing 3 ACE 287-Textiles in the Global Economy 3 ACE 288-Retail Market Analysis 3 ACE 386-Public Policy and the Textile Industry 3 B ADM 202-Principles of Marketing 3 B ADM 212-Principles of RetailingMarkets and Price Analysis Option
Students in this option study the marketing, pricing, and distribution of production inputs and services used by farmers; the marketing and pricing of grain and feed, livestock, and livestock products; and the marketing and pricing of processed food and fiber to consumers. Students may focus on the commodities futures markets. Graduates may work for a commodity firm as grain merchandisers, for a commodity exchange, or with member firms trading commodities. Others find opportunities in marketing positions with seed, fertilizer, chemical, food processing and distribution, or machinery firms.
Hours Required for the Markets and Price Analysis option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACE 222-Marketing Commodity and Food Products 3 ACE 327-Commodity Price Analysis 10-11 Three of: 4 ACE 320-Economics of Commodity Marketing 4 ACE 325-Economics of Food Marketing 3 ACE 328-Commodity Futures and Options Markets 3 ACE 355-International Trade in Food and Agriculture
MAJOR IN INTERNATIONAL, RESOURCE AND CONSUMER ECONOMICS
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in International, Resource and Consumer Economics
Consumer Economics and Finance Option
Students in this option study consumer economics, personal finance, and economics to understand the role of consumers in the market place. Students may emphasize consumer economics, family economics, or financial planning and counseling. Emphasis in consumer economics leads to careers in consumer affairs, consumer policy, consumer investigation and mediation, marketing and sales. Emphasis in family economics prepares students for positions in government and public agencies. Financial planning and counseling students find positions in the financial services industry such as a planner, counselor, insurance agent, realtor, or stockbroker.
Hours Required for the Consumer Economics and Finance option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACE 245-Personal Finance 3 ACE 270-Consumer Economics 3 ACE 370-Family Economics 3 ACE 374-Economics of Consumption 6 Two courses approved by the Department which may include: ACE 345-Financial Planning and Counseling ACE 199D-Economic Information and Regulation ACE 371-Consumer Economics Policy FIN 254-Corporate FinanceEnvironmental and Natural Resource Management Option
Students in this option study economics, law, policy, management, administration, and quantitative methods important in addressing problems related to the quality of the environment and the management of natural resources. Students find positions in government, industry, consulting firms, public interest groups, and resource management agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management. They also find opportunities as analysts, consultants, lobbyists, advocates, and managers.
Hours Required for the Environmental and Natural Resource Management option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACE 210-Economics of the Environment 3 ACE 306-Environmental Law 3 ACE 310-Intermediate Natural Resource Economics 2 ACE 319-Regional Environmental Management SimulationIndividually Planned Curriculum Option
Students choosing this option have the flexibility to tailor a program to suit their interests. Students may choose to study an issue in great depth or to explore a wide range of interests. The option can be used to prepare for graduate school or a professional degree program such as the M.B.A. or law.
In addition to meeting department requirements, students pursuing the individually planned curriculum option must consult with their adviser to choose courses which will provide depth and quality of exposure to their individually identified topic.
Policy, International Trade and Development Option
Students in this option study what government policies are, why they are implemented, and whom they affect. Public sector institutions in developed and developing countries are examined in detail. The role of international trade and trade policy in economic performance is considered. Graduates are prepared for positions in firms with international business; in federal or state government agencies dealing with policy, trade, or development; in consumer and producer groups; in trade organizations; and in public interest groups.
Hours Required for the Policy, International Trade and Development option in addition to Department Requirements 3 ACE 251-The World Food Economy 3 ACE 351-Economics of International Development 3 ACE 355-International Trade in Food and Agriculture 3 ACE 356-Agricultural and Food Policies and Programs 3 A course on the economy of a country other than the U.S. or a region other than North America such as: ACE 353-Economic Development in South and Southeast Asia ACE 354-Economic Development of Tropical Africa ECON 339-The European Economies ECON 351-The Development of the Japanese Economy ACE/ECON 352-Economic Development in Latin America ECON 358-The Economy of China< College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences