Agricultural & Applied Economics
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Agricultural & Applied Economics

Navigate to sections on this page:

AAE Student Voices

In Agricultural & Applied Economics (AAE), students learn how to use economic principles to assess real-world challenges related to environmental sustainability, energy, trade, poverty, economic development, food systems and biotechnology. This degree is a perfect complimentary to support higher education in globalized thinking and problem solving.

Experiential Education

“I had the incredible opportunity to take part in another CALS case study competition! These events are an amazing way to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience in problem-solving and strategic thinking.”

Morgan Knilans

Agricultural & Applied Economics B.S. ’25

Case Study Competitions Info

AAE & ABM, what’s the difference?

The way I understand the difference between AAE and ABM is that AAE is a broader degree that can have a focus on several different things: environmental economics, international development, and community economics to name a few. While ABM focuses more on the business side of the agriculture industry primarily in developed contexts such as the United States.

Brayden Paur

Agricultural and Applied Economics B.S. ’19

Data Analyst & Reporting Specialist, Water Mission

AAE and ABM Programs Info

Impact of AAE

The [AAE] department’s philosophy of exploring “economics for the real world” aligned closely with my personal ideology, and I hoped to expand my understanding of how economic and statistical modeling can be incorporated across many different academic and professional disciplines. I’ve learned so much from my coursework and independent research, and I’m excited to continue this journey next year as a Master’s student here.

Griffin Beronio

Agricultural & Applied Economics B.S. ’25

Pursing a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Economics—Professional Option (MSPO)

Accelerated Master’s 4+1 MSPO Info

Alumni Inspiration

Brayden Paur

AAE B.S. ’19, Certificate in Developmental Economics
Data Analyst and Reporting Specialist, Water Mission

Maiah O’Rourke

AAE, Journalism, and International Studies B.S. ’24,
Certificate in Environmental Studies
Development Analyst, TED Renewables

Cole Hicken

AAE B.S. ’24, Certificates in Science Communications and Environmental Science
Assistant Loan Manager, Alcivia

Find Your Community & Customize Your Pathway

Clubs and Student Organizations

Find a community that suits you best for personal, academic, or professional interests or development. There's a place for all interests from sports and recreation, nature, to arts, or AAE topics in econ, policy, environment, business, & agriculture!

Experiential Learning and Career Preparation

AAE 267, a career development seminar prepares students to network and explore internships +careers with an updated resume. The capstone class, AAE 500, partners with companies and organizations for consulting projects on real-world scenarios.

Carson Gulley Commons filled with Case Competition participants clapping for the final presenting group.

AAE Trading Club

AAE 250, a one credit course available in the spring with Prof. Sheldon Du is a space for students interested in trading and commodity futures. Gain technical trading skills to participate in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange trading competition.

Beyond the AAE Curriculum

Students are highly encouraged to customize their own unique experiences through study abroad, research, double majors, or certificates (minors). Need-based and merit-based scholarships are available to afford and expand opportunities to succeed.

AAE in practice