What Are the Math Requirements for a Finance Major?

<p>Students interested in earning a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Can_I_Do_with_a_Bachelors_Degree_in_Finance.html">degree in finance</a> may find themselves wondering what the finance major math requirements are. While each program will vary slightly, students earning a finance degree can expect to take a sizable amount of math classes. </p> <p><b>Finance degrees will often cover more basic mathematical concepts such as algebra and statistics, as well as more industry-specific math courses such as probability and business mathematics.</b> </p> <p>Here we will cover all the types of math requirements for finance majors and what you can expect when you enroll in a finance degree program. </p> <h2 id="section---MathRequirementsForAFinanceMajor">Math Requirements for a Finance Major</h2> <h3 id="section---Algebra">Algebra</h3> <p>Algebra is the foundation of many mathematical concepts. Students interested in finance will most likely learn linear, quadratic, and rational functions and exponential and logarithmic functions. </p> <p>There are many computer programs, such as Excel, that can be used to calculate algebraic functions, but understanding the basic concepts behind these equations is an important skill to have. This ensures that you are less likely to make a mistake when looking at the results. </p> <h3 id="section---MentalArithmeticFastMath">Mental Arithmetic (fast math)</h3> <p>Finance experts who can do mental arithmetic will benefit greatly in their role. This skill allows financial analysts to think on their feet and do quick calculations without having to pull out a calculator. This can often save time and impress employers. </p> <h3 id="section---Statistics">Statistics</h3> <p>The study of statistics involves organizing and describing data. Statistics courses will often look at the variability of data as well as correlations and hypothesis testing. </p> <h3 id="section---Probability">Probability</h3> <p>Finance students will study probability as it relates to the possible outcomes in finance and business decisions. Probability allows financial analysts to make decisions based on the most likely outcome of events with the data available to them. </p> <h3 id="section---DataAnalysis">Data Analysis</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Data_Analyst_Degree_Programs_and_Classes_Your_Questions_Answered.html">Data analysis</a> is a growing field and the ability to analyze trends in data is an invaluable skill in finance. Data analysis involves using various tools to find and present information in a way that tells a clear narrative. </p> <p>In finance, data is often used to find solutions to problems and explore trends in the economy. </p> <h3 id="section---FinancialAccounting">Financial Accounting</h3> <p>Accounting is an important skill in finance. Accounting classes will cover topics such as cash flow, bookkeeping, and internal control. </p> <p>Students in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_a_Financial_Accountant_Do.html">financial accounting</a> will also learn how to prepare and present financial statements. Learning financial accounting is often one of the more important finance major math requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---BusinessMathematics">Business Mathematics</h3> <p>Business mathematics looks at the management of funds at a business level, as well as how funds are acquired and used. Understanding how mathematics is used on a larger scale in business is extremely helpful when taking on leadership and management positions. </p> <h3 id="section---Trigonometry">Trigonometry</h3> <p>Trigonometry is not always required for finance majors, although it can be useful when looking at more advanced financial areas such as quantitative trading. </p> <h3 id="section---TimeSeriesAnalysis">Time Series Analysis</h3> <p>Being able to understand time series data is a very important part of finance. </p> <p>Time series analysis allows finance students to explore trends and patterns in datasets such as daily stock prices and other variables that change over time. </p> <p>A time series analysis course will usually cover basic principles of time series such as stationarity, seasonality, autocorrelation, and moving averages. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQs">FAQs</h2> <h3 id="section---HowHardIsAFinanceDegree">How Hard Is a Finance Degree?</h3> <p>Finance degrees are somewhat challenging as they require a decent amount of math. However, students interested in finance can find academic support to ensure they can succeed in their program. </p> <p>Taking advanced math courses in high school or at a community college can give you an idea of what a degree in finance will be like and can even help you earn some transfer credits into your degree. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithAFinanceDegree">What Can I Do with a Finance Degree?</h3> <p>A finance degree gives students the quantitative skills to work in many business contexts. Some common roles for finance graduates include: </p> <ul><li>auditor </li><li>financial analyst </li><li>budget analyst </li><li>banker </li><li>actuary </li><li>investment analyst </li><li>data analyst </li><li>controller </li><li>loan officer </li><li>economist </li></ul><p>Finance major math requirements are designed to prepare students for the day-to-day demands of real-world finance jobs. Students who gain stronger math skills may be qualified for a broader range of roles within finance. </p> <h2 id="section---FindAFinanceProgramToday">Find a Finance Program Today</h2> <p>Finance jobs are expected to grow by eight percent, a rate that is faster than average for other industries. While the finance major math requirements can feel overwhelming for some students, finding a university with academic tutoring and support can help you succeed. </p> <p>Earning a degree in finance can help you kickstart your career and find job security with a high-paying salary. Contact Learn.org to find a program that fits your needs and start your journey today.</p>