What Are Popular College Mathematics Courses for Business Majors?
Most aspects of business require some number crunching, so it's important for business majors to take mathematics courses. Finance, economics, marketing and production all rely on concepts learned through college-level math classes. A bachelor's degree program in business administration will include several mathematics courses, such as those listed in this article.
Popular Mathematics Courses for Business Majors
Math is a core subject that drives the world of business, from budgets and sales figures to market research and modeling. The skills required may vary depending on the career a graduate seeks. Some math subjects have many applications and can benefit any business major. The following are some of the mathematics courses often taken by students who are pursuing educational credentials such as a business administration bachelor's degree.
Important Facts About Popular Mathematics Courses for Business Majors
| Degree Field Concentrations | Finance, Information Technology, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Operations |
| Possible Careers | Investment Broker, Office Manager, Project Manager |
| Online Availability | Yes |
| Degrees | Associate, Bachelor's, Master's |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 23% (Operations Research Analysts) |
| Median Pay (May 2021) | $82,360 (Operations Research Analysts) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Statistics
Businesses often use research and data samples to make decisions. This requires the use of statistics that business administration majors learn in college. Market behavior is predicted through analysis of survey data and past performance. Production efficiency, product performance and advertising penetration are all evaluated through statistical analysis. Multiple areas of business require the use of statistics, including these fields:
- Marketing
- Operations management
- Investment analysis
- Quality management
Algebra
Algebra is a fundamental math subject that is included in almost any degree program that involves mathematics. The business major is no exception. Functions, equations and other elements of algebra find application in finance and accounting. College algebra is also an important course in that it lays the groundwork for business calculus, which is part of many college-degree programs in business. Algebra comes into play in a variety of basic business operations, such as:
- Payroll
- Insurance
- Depreciation
- Taxes
Business Calculus
Business majors often take a specialized course in calculus that focuses on the subject's applications in a business environment. Calculus is used in business to determine cost and rates of change in order to maximize profit while minimizing expenditure. Here are some of the mathematical subjects covered in a business calculus course:
- Derivatives
- Integrals
- Differential equations
- Optimization problems