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 Farm Credit in summer 2021.

MAAE: What’s your background and what originally drew you to this field?

ISAAC: I grew up on my family’s farm in central Illinois where I was exposed to agriculture at a young age. This was the largest factor that drew me into the agriculture field and brought me to the University of Illinois. It helped to decide my major and sparked my interest to the point that I decided to pursue my master’s degree.

MAAE: What has been your best experience during grad school?

ISAAC: Getting the chance to be a TA and see the other side of a classroom was one of the best experiences that I had as a graduate student. It was an eye-opening experience that gave me a newfound appreciation for professors and everything they do. It was also a great experience to be able to help students and be a resource for them.

MAAE: What’s the biggest mistake you made in your grad career?

ISAAC: I think the biggest mistake I made was not getting involved more. The MAAE is a shorter program, but I regret not taking the opportunities to get involved within the college more.

MAAE: What will you do next?

ISAAC: Next, I will start a job at Farm Credit Illinois as a Credit Business Analyst.

MAAE: What would you tell students starting the MAAE?

ISAAC: Be curious and ask questions. There is a lot that you can learn in class from listening, but asking questions can enhance your knowledge significantly.

May 20, 2021May 21, 2021

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 Schilling
BS/MAAE May ’21
Sustainability Policy and Management

Nick completed his bachelor’s in Agricultural and Consumer Economics and two minors at the University of Illinois in just three years and decided to pursue the MAAE in his fourth year. Nick completed two summer internships with Cargill and worked as an ambassador for his department during his college career. Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time with nature gardening, hiking, or camping. Nick landed a job with with Guidehouse as a Transportation Cost Estimator after graduation. He will be working in their public sector for the Department of Defense.

Noah Gonzalez
BS/MAAE May ’21
Agricultural Markets and Finance

In addition to his BS/MAAE, Noah completed a Business minor and a Finance and Market Research internship with an outdoor technology company during his studies. He was able to contribute to the growth of the company by creating financial models and researching market trends. Noah now works as as a Business Analyst at WEC Energy Group. in which he provided business analysis and technical support to identify trends and insights for the company. In his free-time, he enjoys relaxing by watching his favorite sports teams and golfing during the summer.

Meghan Selip
BS/MAAE May ’21
Sustainability Policy and Management

Meghan completed her undergrad at the University of Illinois and was awarded the Simms Policy scholarship. From this scholarship, she was able to finance a summer internship in Washington D.C. She developed a love for the chaos and excitement in the city and ended up working full-time while pursuing her master’s degree. While working as a scheduler at the House of Representatives, Meghan realized she wants to work in fundraising or program coordinating in her next role. Meghan enjoys reading and hiking during her free time.

July 20, 2020July 28, 2020

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 campus-level updates for the most timely and accurate information.

How will I attend ACE classes this fall?

Our professors and instructors have spent the summer making their courses accessible for remote-learning. All ACE classes being offered in fall 2020 will have an online option. There will not be any courses that are entirely in person, but there will be an opportunity for an in-person component (i.e. in class once/week) for some courses. We’re calling these “hybrid” courses. Note that course choices may be more limited than a usual semester, and we cannot guarantee that all classes you originally wanted to take will be offered online this semester. You may have to choose a different class than intended in order to maintain a full course load.

Do I have to be on-campus this fall?

For fall 2020, you will be able to take a full course load online. ACE 500, 562 and 564 are the required core courses for your first fall semester, and they will be fully accessible online. Many other 400 and 500-level ACE courses are also being offered online. One benefit to being on campus may be that your experience is better since you may be able to attend some classes in-person and have that interaction with your cohort and professors. However, it is uncertain whether the situation will change later in the semester and is dependent on the Pandemic’s impact on our local population.

Should I plan to be on campus for Spring 2021?

It remains uncertain as to whether classes will go back to fully in-person, remain a hybrid, or go fully online. It is always beneficial to follow the state and university news regarding changes to policies and structure of schooling. We will provide information to our students as soon as we have it.

How will I attend orientation, math camp, and figure out registration?

The MS/MAAE Math Camp is scheduled for Monday 8/10-Friday 8/14. There are 1-2 sessions scheduled each day, but there is not a final schedule yet. It will likely be held in the Stock Pavilion. More details are to come. You will be able to attend in-person; the sessions will also be recorded and potentially live-streamed.

Orientation is scheduled for Thursday 8/20-Friday 8/21 and will be in-person at Mumford Hall while observing all social distancing measures and hygiene procedures set by the University. If you are unable or prefer not to attend in-person, orientation materials will be available via email.

Registration is always done online, and we are available to discuss your options over phone or email.

I am an international student and am concerned about the class times.

If you are attending class remotely from a conflicting time zone, ACE instructors are willing to work with you on a case-by-case basis to ensure you do not have to attend class in the middle of your night. Instructors will likely record their lectures for international students that live in conflicting time zones, but it will be your responsibility to connect with the class instructor to work out your semester plan.

May 4, 2020May 4, 2020

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 a combined degree/4+1 program mean?

A combined degree, also called a 4+1 program (or even a 3+1 or 3.5+1), refers to a program in which you complete your bachelors and masters degree program requirements and share some amount of credit hours between the two programs. Both degrees are conferred at the same time when all requirements are met.

The 4+1 MAAE is a combined degree with the ACE B.S. degree. You may share up to six elective hours (400-level) between the two programs. We refer to this as “double-dipping” credits. This brings the total required hours for the MAAE degree from 32 to 26 hours. Your B.S. degree requirements are unchanged.

Should I apply for the combined BS/MAAE (4+1) or the standalone MAAE?

Are you a University of Illinois ACE undergraduate wishing to complete the masters program directly after your B.S.? Apply for the combined BS/MAAE.

If you are not a University of Illinois ACE student and/or if you are taking a gap between your B.S. and masters studies, apply for the standalone MAAE.

What is the difference between the standalone MAAE and the combined BS/MAAE?

The combined BS/MAAE is for ACE undergraduates enrolling in masters studies directly after completing their B.S. requirements. The combined MAAE can be competed with 26 graduate-level credit hours, while the standalone MAAE requires 32 graduate-level hours. See the timeline differences here.

What does the admissions committee consider a “strong application”?

Overall GPA above 3.25
Good performance in intermediate microeconomics, advanced statistics, and mathematics (preferably differential calculus)
Strong recommendation letters from at least two academic sources and one other professional or academic source
That you are on-track to fulfill all ACE B.S. requirements

Which undergrad courses will best prepare me for the MAAE?

Intermediate microeconomics: ACE 300 (taught as ACE 398 before fall 2020) or ECON 302
Advanced statistics: ACE 262/264 (taught as ACE 261 before fall 2020) or ECON 202 and 203
Calculus, preferably differential/Calculus I: MATH 220, Calculus II: MATH 231

Although alternative course numbers listed above may fulfill ACE B.S. requirements, we recommend you take the ACE versions whenever possible.

Does transfer credit count?
Yes, and you should have strong grades in those classes regardless of institution.

How long will it take to complete the MAAE?

Once you fulfill all ACE B.S. requirements, the masters portion can be completed in two semesters and usually one summer for an internship (before or after you complete the masters-level coursework).

What are the application steps?

In short, submit a provisional application (first-stage) during your junior-standing year. Maintain good student status. Then, submit an official application (second-stage) through the Graduate College application during your senior-standing year. More details.

When are applications due?

January 15^th for fall cohort. October 15^th for spring cohort.

What is the “provisional application”?

The provisional application is only required for the combined BS/MAAE. It must be completed while an ACE student is in their junior-standing year and does not replace the official application they will submit through the Graduate College their senior-standing year. If admitted, the “provisional admittance” is the necessary first step for combined degree students to begin planning out and even taking graduate-level coursework towards your MAAE. That will enable you to complete both your B.S. and MAAE as a combined degree in a shortened timeline. Provisional status means that your official entry into the master’s degree portion is contingent on several factors:

That you maintain an overall G.P.A. of 3.25 or higher
That you focus on good performance in any remaining coursework requirements in intermediate microeconomics (ACE 300), statistics (ACE 262 and 264), and mathematics to ensure good preparation for graduate studies in ACE.
That you continue to receive positive recommendations from your instructors and advisors
That you remain on-track to fulfill all ACE B.S. requirements

When do I get my bachelors and masters degrees if I am in the combined BS/MAAE (4+1) program?

As a combined program, you will receive both degrees at the same time, upon completion of all your undergraduate and graduate program requirements.

Can I take ACE 500. ACE 562/ 564, or a graduate-level elective as an undergraduate, and count towards the MAAE requirements?

Undergraduates can take grad-level coursework, given they have taken the prerequisites, receive permission from the instructor and there is space in the class. You should have performed well in the prerequisites and feel confident in moving up to the grad-level curriculum. See the prerequisites below. Yes, the course work can count towards your MAAE requirements.

ACE 100 >> ACE 300 (formerly ECON 302 or ACE 398) >> ACE 500
ACE 562/564 prereqs/Statistics/Econometrics
ACE 262 and 264 (formerly ACE 261 or ECON 202 and 203) >> ACE 562 and 564

Can I start the program in spring of my senior year?

Yes, but it is off-cycle, so the timeline is different. ACE 500 and ACE 562/564 are MAAE requirements that are currently only offered in the fall semester, so you would have to successfully complete those during the fall of your senior year in order to move forward with your graduate requirements. That may mean you are short on undergraduate hours, but those could possibly be taken during your graduate program if approved by your advisor. You will be considered a graduate student during your last two semesters, so spring and fall (and summer if taking courses).

If I was provisionally admitted, do I have to create a new application for the full application through the Graduate College?

Yes, you must create a new application to the graduate program. You will use the same login information as when you created your provisional app, but you will go to this URL instead: http://choose.illinois.edu/apply. Some information will push over (like personal info, academic history, and test scores), but you will need to select the new degree/term in the program page, upload new documents (you could use the same ones, just need to be uploaded again, but you must add your most recent transcript), and add references (can be same references, just need to be added to the references page in the app). If your references are the same, they will not be notified; we will use their original references. You will also need to pay the app fee.

April 8, 2020April 8, 2020

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 offer courses for the program this Fall so that students can begin their MAAE studies as planned. Please continue to check the University COVID-19 Updates for the most up-to-date information.

If you have any questions, hesitations, or simply want to talk to us before you make a decision about your plans, please reach out to us and we will set up a time to talk via Zoom or by phone.

We sincerely hope and expect to launch our fall semester with an in-person orientation the week prior to classes. This is a much anticipated time for getting to know faculty, staff and other students while you get all the information that you will need to thrive as a masters student at the University of Illinois, and we look forward to seeing you in again face-to-face in August.

We miss seeing all of you around Mumford Hall, hopefully fall will look something like this photo!

March 17, 2020March 17, 2020

The First Graduate

Hayden at the ACES library

Fifth-generation farmer, grad student, data analyst, sustainable farming advocate. Hayden Schaumburg also manages 15 beef cows. As the first student to complete the new nonthesis Master in Agricultural and Applied Economics (MAAE) program, Hayden will graduate with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree from the Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE) department in just four years.

Despite being the first MAAE graduate, Hayden Schaumburg was not the best high school student. He explained how that all changed his freshman year in ACE, “It makes a big difference when you’re studying something you’re really passionate about. I’ve always been interested in math and science, and agriculture touches those two subjects quite a bit. I’ve always been very proud of being a fifth-generation farmer. The sense of carrying on that tradition means a lot to me.”

Hayden cares for his cows at the family farm.

Growing up on a family farm that grew corn, soybean, and livestock, Hayden knew he had a heart for farming. However, he wanted to make a big impact on sustainability and success of farms as businesses. Hayden knew he could achieve both dreams by working at the intersection of farming, technology, and sustainability while preparing himself to be leader in his field.

“I’ve always been outdoorsy, but humans have changed the world in an irreversible way. I want future generations to enjoy the earth as past generations have – move ahead in a way that’s sustainable. I’m interested in how cover crops, water management, agtech and carbon sequestration can make a huge impact on sustainability in agriculture.”

Those passions landed Hayden’s first internship, then first job at Granular in Research Park. Now, Hayden works as a Data Analyst, using technology to improve farming practices for farmers and the land. Hayden’s current role at Granular enables him to do that, but in an unexpected way. “When I had started the position a couple years ago, I had hoped to work more like closely with producers and talk more one on one. But the more that I’ve delved into my work I found that I’m much better at and more interested in the analysis side of things, especially in the quantitative methods that we learn in this graduate program.”

Hayden will always be a farmer at heart.

“Be open minded and never settle.”

The MAAE is a way for Hayden to move further in his career while honing his quantitative and statistics skills. It makes him more competitive in the job market ahead of other graduates in ACE, allowing him “to bring more to the table and understand some concepts on a higher level than my peers”.

Hayden’s advises students starting out to “be open minded and never settle.”