Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics

Undergraduate Program - Consumer Economics and Finance

Studies in Consumer Economics and Finance*

Students in the Consumer Economics and Finance concentration in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics develop knowledge and skills to help consumers with everyday problems. Course work in consumer economics, personal finance, and economics give the student a broad based background and understanding of the role of consumers in the marketplace. A student can choose an emphasis in consumer economics, family economics, or financial planning and counseling.

Career Opportunities

Students prepare for a variety of exciting and challenging careers. Interests in consumer economics lead to jobs in consumer affairs, consumer policy, consumer investigation and mediation, marketing, and sales. An emphasis in family economics prepares students for jobs in government agencies and non-profit organizations. The financial planning and counseling emphasis can lead to careers in the financial services industry in jobs such as financial planner, insurance agent, realtor, stockbroker, financial counselor, and credit counselor.

Internships have been an important stepping-stone toward a meaningful career. Recent students have held internships at the following institutions: Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Champaign National Bank, Frey Financial, Walsh Financial Services, American Express Financial Services, BankOne, The Andersons, The Federal Trade Commission, Illinois Attorney General’s office, and the Chicago Lyric Opera.

Graduates have begun careers in a variety of professions related to the concentration. Some job titles of recent graduates include the following: Certified Financial Planner, Insurance Underwriter, Personal Banker, Commercial Banker, and Consumer Investigator.

For more information please contact:
Dr. John B. Braden
304 Mumford Hall
1301 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, Illinois 61801
Phone (217)333-1811
Fax (217)333-5538
jbb@illinois.edu

More details are provided in the ACES Student Handbook.

The University of Illinois provides equal opportunity in programs and employment.

*This curriculum is available effective Fall 2006. The information provided herein is correct to the best of our knowledge as of May 2006. Specific requirements may change as programs and courses evolve. Students considering applying may contact the Department of Agricultureal and Consumer Economics for the most current information.