Master of Agricultural and Applied Economics
The non-thesis Master of Agricultural and Applied Economics (MAAE) is a professionally-oriented degree designed to prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers in the private and public sectors.
When your graduate with your MAAE, you will have successfully trained in advanced microeconomics and econometrics, data science, system optimization and data analysis, all in relation to real-world applications in:
- Food and Agribusiness
- Agricultural Markets and Finance
- Sustainability Policy and Management
- Trade and Development
The MAAE’s focus on mastery of quantitative methods, field specialization, and internship experience prepares you for many career paths. Upon earning your master’s, you might become a(n):
- Economic consultant
- Environmental policy analyst
- Agricultural data analyst
- Mid-level associate in major food and agribusiness industries
- Commodity trader
- Food security analyst in an NGO
Explore more resources and information on the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (ACE) website
- Faculty Profiles
- What We Do & Why It Matters
- Graduate Student Directory
- Graduate Student Organization (GSO)
- Research and Outreach
Student Profiles
See the bios of current MAAE students and career placements of alumni.
Blog
Highlights on students, faculty and program events, announcements, and upcoming opportunities.
Best Decisions and Biggest Mistakes - We caught up with Isaac Werries, a combined MAAE student specializing in agricultural markets and finance, before he graduates this December. After taking graduate-level courses in Fall of his senior year, Isaac entered the master’s in spring 2020. While classes started off on campus, Isaac finished his first semester remotely and completed an internship with … 
Class of ’21 is done! - We are so proud of our May 2021 MAAE graduates! Despite incredibly challenging circumstances due to the ever-changing nature of school and career uncertainty due to COVID-19, each of our three May ’21 BS/MAAE students graduated. What’s more, they all landed jobs in their respective fields! A sincere congratulations to each of these alums. Nicholas … 
Fall 2020 Program Update - Last updated 7/28/2020 We have received many questions from our students starting their master’s level coursework this fall 2020 concerning the structure of classes and program activities. Some common questions are below, along with the best responses we can currently provide. Note that these responses only apply to fall 2020. As always, refer to the … 
Frequently Asked Q’s: Answered! - We get a lot of questions about the MAAE program. It has some unusual processes and the structure is different than a regular two-year, thesis-driven graduate program. But that is what makes it especially valuable to many students! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and our responses. Frequently Asked Questions What does … 
Program Update during COVID-19 - We know there is a lot of uncertainty for everyone with the onset of COVID-19 and the University of Illinois community is monitoring developments closely. Whether you are currently in the program, intend to start this fall, or have yet to accept our offer, we would like to reassure you that we do intend to …