Academics
Degree requirements Sample curriculum

Students in this concentration develop knowledge and skills to help consumers with everyday problems. Course work in consumer economics, personal finance, and economics give the student a broad-based background and understanding of the role of consumers in the marketplace.

A student can choose an emphasis in consumer economics, family economics, or financial planning and counseling.

Students working with an instructor at a desk

Learn

Develop knowledge and skills to help consumers with everyday problems. Explore consumer economics, personal finance, and behavioral economics to gain a broad understanding of the role of consumers in the marketplace. Analyze data using financial and statistical tools.

Do

Take advantage of internship opportunities at places like Aldi, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Illinois Attorney General’s office. Conduct independent research through course work and through independent studies with faculty members. Past topics have included credit card debt of college students and University housing policy.

Advance

Pursue career opportunities as an insurance underwriter, banker, financial analyst, data analyst, or consumer fraud investigator. Use knowledge of family economics working for government agencies and non-profit organizations that make consumers and families better off. Go to graduate school in applied economics, business, or law.

Sample Curriculum

Consumer Economics and Finance
Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE) Major (10KL5007BS)

NOTE: This is merely a sample schedule. It is not the only schedule by which classes may be taken.

First Year

Fall Course & Hours   Spring Course & Hours  
ACE 100 4 ACE 161 3
ACE 123* 2 RHET 105 or CMN 1011 3-4
RHET 105 or CMN 1011 3-4 MATH 234 3-4
Language Requirement 3-4 ECON 103 3
Natural Sciences 3-5 Natural Sciences 3-5

1 An acceptable substitute is CMN 111/112 or ALEC 115.
*Students admitted to ACE FA23 or earlier should complete ACES 101. Students admitted to ACE FA24 should complete ACE 199.

Second Year

Fall Course & Hours   Spring Course & Hours  
ACE 240* 3 ACE 270 3
ACE 341 CEF 1 ACE 300* 3
ACE 262** 3 ACE 264** 3
ACCY 201* 3 Cultural Studies 3
Soc/Behavioral Sciences 3 ACE or ACES Electives 3
Cultural Studies 3 Soc/Behavioral Sciences 3

*Prerequisites:
ACE 240: Sophomore standing
ACCY 201: ACE 100 or ECON 102 or ECON 103; credit for or concurrent enrollment in remaining ACE 100, ECON 102, or ECON 103
ACE 264: ACE 262
ACE 300: ACE 100 or ECON 102; MATH 220, MATH 221, or MATH 234
**Students who started in ACE/CEF in SP20 or earlier may meet the QR2 requirement with ACE 261 only, ACE 262/264 or ECON 202/203. Contact your advisor with any questions.

Third Year

Fall Course & Hours   Spring Course & Hours  
Advanced CEF ‘Pick 2’ list1 3 Advanced CEF ‘Pick 2’ list1 3
400-level International2 3 ACE 474* 3
Advanced Composition 3 Humanities 3
Humanities 3 Cultural Studies 3+
ACE or ACES Elective 3    

* Prerequisites:
ACE 445: ACE 240, ACE 300 or ECON 302, and junior standing, FIN 230 or ACE 349 recommended
ACE 455, ACE 456, ECON 418, ECON 440: ACE 300 or ECON 302
ACE 471: ACE 100 and junior standing
ACE 474: ACE 300 or ECON 302; a course in statistics, junior standing
FIN 221: ACE 100 or ECON 102 or ECON 103
1 Advanced CEF ‘Pick 2’ list - CEF concentration reqs. Take two of: ACE 335, ACE 345, ACE 346, ACE 444, ACE 445, ACE 455, ACE 456, ECON 418, ECON 440, FIN 221
2 Choose from ACE 411, 435, 436, 451, 452, or 455. May also be fulfilled by 3 hours of credit from studying abroad in an approved program.

Fourth Year

Fall Course & Hours   Spring Course & Hours  
ACE or ACES Electives 9+ ACE 476*
ACE or ACES Electives		 3-6+
    Other Electives 6+

* Prerequisites:
ACE 476: ACE 300 or ECON 302, a course in statistics, and senior standing
Students entering UIUC as of Summer 2018 or later have 3 cultural studies general education requirements. Students entering prior to Summer 2018 have 2 cultural studies generals education requirements.

Academic Advisor and Experiential Learning Coordinator
Chaya Sandler

304C Mumford Hall
217-300-8131
csandle2@illinois.edu

Concentrations covered: Consumer Economics and Finance; Environmental Economics and Policy; and Policy, International Trade and Development

ACE minors: Environmental Economics and Law, Food and Agribusiness Management, and International Development Economics

Schedule an appointment
Chaya Sandler