Bachelor of Science in Agricultural & Consumer Economics: Finance in Agribusiness

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural & Consumer Economics with a Finance in Agribusiness concentration prepares students to manage financial decisions across agriculture, farming, lending institutions and the wider financial services industry. Students develop expertise in corporate finance, investment planning, financial modelling, credit evaluation and risk management, making the program suitable for careers in agricultural banking, financial planning, insurance, real estate and investment services.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish a foundation in economics, mathematics and business technology through Introduction to Applied Microeconomics (ACE 100), Introduction to ACE (ACE 123) and Macroeconomic Principles (ECON 103). Coursework in calculus and Computer Concepts & Applications (ACE 161) or Intro Computing: Non-Tech (CS 105) develops quantitative reasoning and digital skills for financial analysis.

Second Year: Students strengthen their financial and analytical knowledge through Accounting and Accountancy I and II (ACCY 201 and ACCY 202), Applied Statistical Methods and Data Analytics I and II (ACE 262 and ACE 264) and Corporate Finance (FIN 221). These courses help students interpret financial information, analyse data and understand how businesses make financing and investment decisions.

Third Year: Students move into specialised finance coursework through Small Business Finance (ACE 345), Spreadsheet Models and Applications (ACE 360) and Modeling Applications in Financial Planning (ACE 446). Intermediate Applied Microeconomics (ACE 300) strengthens their understanding of economic decision-making, while advanced electives such as Commodity Price Analysis (ACE 427) and Commodity Futures and Options (ACE 428) introduce financial strategies relevant to agricultural markets.

Fourth Year: Students deepen their knowledge through Financial Services & Investment Planning (ACE 444) and advanced finance electives such as Retirement & Benefit Planning (ACE 449) or Financial Markets (FIN 300). International coursework or a study-abroad experience broadens their understanding of global business, while free electives allow them to tailor their studies to their career interests.

Focus Areas

Agricultural finance, corporate finance, financial planning, investment management, agricultural lending, credit evaluation, commodity markets, futures and options, spreadsheet modelling, insurance, real estate finance and financial services.

Learning Outcomes

Analyse financial information, evaluate credit and lending opportunities, develop financial plans, apply spreadsheet modelling techniques, assess investment and insurance products, understand commodity markets, interpret economic trends, use statistical and data analytics methods, communicate financial recommendations and make informed decisions in agribusiness and financial services.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program develops financial and analytical skills relevant to banking, investment services and agricultural lending. The official program information does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this concentration.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reports a three-year average salary of $52,500 for Finance in Agribusiness graduates. This outcome is based on its ACES Graduate Destination Survey, covering 82% (63 graduates) from December 2019 through August 2022. Reported employers include BMO Harris, Farm Credit Illinois, AIG and Berkshire Hathaway.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Finance in Agribusiness concentration combines financial theory with applied learning in spreadsheet modelling, investment planning, lending and agricultural markets. Students develop skills relevant to real financial decisions affecting farms, agribusinesses and financial institutions. The college also highlights summer internship opportunities with banks and agricultural lenders, helping students connect academic learning with professional practice.

Spreadsheet Models and Applications (ACE 360): Develop spreadsheet-based financial models to organise information, evaluate scenarios and support business decisions.
Modeling Applications in Financial Planning (ACE 446): Apply financial modelling techniques to financial planning and investment-related decisions.
Financial Services & Investment Planning (ACE 444): Explore financial services, investment planning and the evaluation of financial products.
Commodity Price Analysis (ACE 427): Study commodity price movements and the economic factors affecting agricultural markets.
Commodity Futures and Options (ACE 428): Learn how futures and options operate and how these instruments relate to commodity price risk.
Summer Internships: Pursue practical experience with banks and agricultural lenders, gaining exposure to lending, credit evaluation and financial services.
International Learning: Choose an approved international course or study-abroad experience, with options including Global Agribusiness Management and International Business Immersion.
Career Preparation (ACE 341): Develop professional skills through Careers and Professionalism, supporting career planning and preparation for the workplace.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The degree prepares students for careers in financial services, agricultural lending, investment analysis and business finance. Its combination of financial modelling, economics and agribusiness knowledge is particularly useful for organisations that finance farms, manage agricultural assets or provide financial services to rural and commercial clients. Potential career paths include commercial loan officer, financial analyst, investment analyst and insurance underwriter.

Career Development Services: The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences provides career resources, graduate outcome information and professional preparation to help students explore suitable roles and employers.
Industry Connections: Graduate destinations include organisations such as BMO Harris, Farm Credit Illinois, AIG and Berkshire Hathaway, illustrating potential pathways into commercial banking, agricultural credit, insurance and financial services.
Internships and Professional Experience: Summer internships with banks and agricultural lenders can help students gain experience in lending, credit assessment and financial operations before graduation.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: The college reports a three-year average salary of $52,500 for Finance in Agribusiness graduates. The underlying survey covers 82% (63 graduates) from December 2019 through August 2022, so the figure should be treated as historical graduate outcome data rather than a guaranteed starting salary.
Professional Development: Coursework in financial planning, commodity markets, credit evaluation and financial modelling provides a foundation for further professional learning and specialised finance careers.
Graduation Outcomes: Reported graduate roles include general insurance analyst, associate underwriter, commercial banking analyst, loan officer, credit assistant and finance rotational-program participant. Actual opportunities depend on experience, employer requirements and the economic environment.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a master's degree in finance, agricultural economics, financial planning or applied economics. Those interested in quantitative analysis can consider postgraduate study in financial analytics or risk management, while students interested in agricultural policy and economic research can pursue advanced degrees in agricultural and applied economics. Professional qualifications in financial planning, investment management or lending may also support career development, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.