Does Business Administration Require a Lot of Math?

Many students considering studying business administration are curious about how much math the degree requires.

Math is a polarizing subject. Some students enjoy math while others would prefer to avoid it when possible.

The math requirements of each degree program will vary but there are general patterns. Students should also consider which business specializations require more or less math.

Find out more about how much and what kind of math you will likely study in a business administration degree.

Common Math Requirements in Business Administration Degrees

Here are some types of math that are required in most general business administration programs.

Algebra

Common courses like College Algebra or Algebra I provide students with the mathematical foundation that future skills can be built on.

While advanced areas of algebra are typically not required, basic algebra skills are utilized in common tasks such as pricing, budgeting, accounting, and buying.

Many students will be familiar with the algebraic concepts from high school. A business administration degree will expand on these skills and put them in real-world contexts.

Even students who didn't enjoy math in high school may find the concepts more accessible when they are situated within meaningful business scenarios.

Probability and Statistics

The market forces that businesses deal with are notoriously unpredictable. Having an understanding of probability and statistics will help students think about risk and strategy.

Making informed decisions in business often involves interpreting data from previous outcomes and identifying patterns or trends.

Data analysis is a growing part of business and requires a strong foundational understanding of statistics.

Probability and statistics can change the way students think and help them become more rational decision makers.

Less Common Math Requirements for Business Administration

While algebra, probability, and statistics are included in the majority of business administration degrees, there are several other areas of math that are occasionally required.

Calculus

Calculus is required in some but not all business administration programs. Calculus is considered a gateway to more advanced areas of mathematics and can give students an edge in quantitative methods.

Calculus allows students to understand how systems change over time, so it can be useful in the dynamic world of business.

Bachelor of Science (BSBA) degrees are more likely to require calculus than Bachelor of Arts (BABA) degrees.

Students concentrating in more technical areas of business such as market research analysis, economics, finance, and data analysis are also more likely to use calculus.

Time Series Analysis

Time series analysis allows businesses to understand patterns across time. For example, the stock price of a company fluctuates over time.

Business students specializing in finance or economics are most likely to study time series analysis. Time series analysis can help business students identify trends, assess volatility, and create forecasts.

Concentrations in Business Administration that Require Less Math

Students who dislike math should be aware of areas within business that use little to no math.

Bachelor of Arts in business administration (BABA) degrees tend to offer a broader humanities education and may involve less math than Bachelor of Sciences in Business Administration (BSBA) degrees.

While quantitative skills are useful in some areas, business is such a broad subject of study that there are many concentrations and career paths that contain minimal math.

Students should be aware that one or two introductory math classes are part of most business degrees, however.

Human resources is a common concentration offered within business administration programs and requires little math. Human resources emphasizes interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and communication.

Marketing is another big area of business that does not necessarily require much math.

While market research analysis will likely use a good deal of math, most marketing specialists are more likely to need creative thinking skills and a keen understanding of consumer behavior.

Sales can also be a good area of business for students who don't enjoy math. Sales requires charisma, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Concentrations in Business Administration that Require More Math

There are also areas of business that will be a good match for students who excel in math. Students who are looking to avoid math may do well to consider other areas.

Actuarial science deals with probability and risk and is often utilized in the context of insurance. Actuaries will need to use a number of advanced mathematical techniques.

Finance is a common business specialization that can include a significant amount of math. Financial analysts will need to understand complex patterns in prices and valuations.

Economics can also involve quite a bit of math, depending on the program. Economics studies the complex interplay of forces influencing markets and quantitative methods are sometimes needed.

Find a Business administration program Today

Whether you love or hate math, it's important to find a business administration degree that suits your skills and interests. Find the perfect program and begin developing your business skills today.