# 2026-2027 Course Catalog
**Source**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/aces/agricultural-applied-economics-maae/
**Parent**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/
*for the Master of Agricultural and Applied Economics in Agricultural and Applied Economics*
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The MAAE degree is a course-based (non-thesis) program that provides students with training in economic theory along with the quantitative skills needed to pursue careers as analysts and managers in industry, government, and related organizations. Available course offerings cover a broad range of potential specialization areas within agricultural and applied economics to suit student interests. Course plans must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. In addition to coursework, the MAAE program includes a required internship component.
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## **Admission**
Graduate College requirements apply, including a 3.0 (A = 4.0) GPA for the last two years of undergraduate coursework and any graduate work completed. International applicants whose native language is not English must have a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) score of at least 88 (230 computer-based and 570 paper-based) or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic examination overall score of at least 6.5 with a minimum sub-section score of 6 in each of the four modules (speaking, listening, writing, and reading). Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores are suggested, but not required for MAAE applicants. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong background in mathematics, microeconomics, and statistics.
## **Financial Aid**
MAAE students are not eligible for graduate assistantships. Limited scholarship funds may be available for outstanding applicants.
*for the Master of Agricultural and Applied Economics in Agricultural and Applied Economics*
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Students must earn a 3.0 (A = 4.0) GPA for a minimum of 32 graduate hours of credit.
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Microeconomic Theory | | |
| [ACE 500](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20500 "ACE 500") | Applied Economic Theory | 4 |
| Quantitative Methods | | |
| [ACE 562](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20562 "ACE 562") | Applied Regression Models I | 2 |
| [ACE 564](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20564 "ACE 564") | Applied Regression Models II | 2 |
| At least 4 additional hours in approved quantitative methods course(s) | | 4 |
| Field Specialization | | |
| 12 hours of approved graduate field courses | | 12 |
| (Must include at least 8 hours in ACE, and at least 4 hours at the 500 level) | | |
| Professional/Research Internship | | |
| Select one of the following: | | 2 |
| [ACE 591](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20591 "ACE 591") | Independent Study | |
| [ACE 592](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=ACE%20592 "ACE 592") | Special Topics | |
| Graduate Electives | | 6 |
| Total | | 32 |
#### Other Requirements
Grad Other Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Other Requirements may overlap | |
| A minimum of 20 hours of credit within the unit. | |
| A minimum of 16 hours at the 500-level overall. | |
| Minimum program GPA | 3.0 |
*for the Master of Agricultural and Applied Economics in Agricultural and Applied Economics*
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1. Develop a knowledge base in, and demonstrate an understanding of how to use, microeconomic concepts to set up and analyze economic problems.
2. Develop mastery of quantitative methods which can be used to analyze and address economic problems.
3. Understand features of agriculture and natural resources (e.g., inherent risk, institutions, unique government policies, and cultural importance of food) that make them unique for applications of economic principles and methods.
4. Gain experience in applying skills developed in the program in a real-world professional setting.
5. Practice highest levels of professional conduct (e.g., in professional activities take responsibility, be accountable, show integrity, have strong ethics, and respect diversity).
---
## **Graduate Degree Programs in Agricultural and Applied Economics**
- [Agricultural and Applied Economics, MAAE](https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/aces/agricultural-applied-economics-maae/)
- [Agricultural and Applied Economics, MS](https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/aces/agricultural-applied-economics-ms/)
- [Agricultural and Applied Economics, PhD](https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/aces/agricultural-applied-economics-phd/)
*for the Master of Agricultural and Applied Economics in Agricultural and Applied Economics*
---
## **Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics**
[Agricultural & Consumer Economics Department Website](https://ace.illinois.edu/)\
Department Head: Sarah Low ([salow2@illinois.edu](mailto:salow2@illinois.edu))\
Director of Graduate Studies: Maria Teresa Serra Devesa ([tserra@illinois.edu](mailto:tserra@illinois.edu)) \
Director of MAAE: Nick Paulson ([npaulson@illinois.edu](mailto:npaulson@illinois.edu))\
MAAE Academic Advisor: Lindsay March ([lmarch@illinois.edu](mailto:lmarch@illinois.edu))
326 Mumford Hall\
MC-710\
1301 West Gregory Drive\
Urbana, IL 61801\
phone: (217) 333-1810\
fax: (217) 333-5538\
[ace-maae@illinois.edu](mailto:ace-maae@illinois.edu)
## **College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences**
[College Website](https://aces.illinois.edu/)
## **Admissions**
[Grad College Admissions & Requirements](https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply)