What Are the MBA Math Requirements?

Find out how much math is required to get an MBA degree. Get answers to related questions about how much math you need to know as an MBA student and how to improve your skills.

If you're looking to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), chances are you already have some experience in the business world.

You know that business administration requires some math skills. But what, exactly, are the math requirements for an MBA program?

While all MBA programs do have some math requirements, they are typically not as advanced as the requirements for some other master's degrees. A working knowledge of how to apply basic math principles is most important.

Read on as we take a closer look at this topic.

What Are the Math Requirements for an MBA Degree?

Applied math skills are essential for business executives at every level. However, most MBA programs don't have as many math requirements as many people expect.

Generally speaking, you may be required to take at least one class related to each of the following math-related subjects:

Exact requirements vary from school to school, as well as from program to program.

For example, most MBA specializations require at least one finance course, but an MBA in finance will require you to take multiple finance courses and have a better grasp of money math.

The math courses you took as an undergraduate student may impact the math classes included in your MBA program.

If, for example, you are enrolled in an MBA specialization with fewer math requirements (such as human resource management) and you took a calculus class as an undergrad, any math classes you take as an MBA student may be easier.

Again, the focus of MBA programs is on applied math and developing the practical skills you use every day as a business manager or administrator.

Do MBA Students Need Math Skills?

If you already work in business administration, there's a good chance you work with numbers daily.

The math requirements of an MBA program are designed to build upon the working knowledge you've already gained in your academic and professional experience.

These skills are necessary for success in the business world, as well as success in the classroom as an MBA student.

That said, even if math isn't your strongest subject, you can still obtain an MBA and succeed in business.

The business field is multidisciplinary, and it is possible to choose an MBA specialization that doesn't require as much math as others.

Examples of such specializations include:

Strategy and Leadership
Marketing
Corporate Communication

Even the specializations that require more math courses, such as finance, accounting, and business analytics, tend to focus on practical math as opposed to theoretical math.

An understanding of college-level algebra and some basic calculus skills are usually enough to help you get through the more advanced courses of an MBA program.

What's more important is having a good basic number sense and the ability to convert numbers to other expressions, as well as knowing how to simplify operations, make financial projections, and understand the flow of money within a business.

Where Can I Get Math Skills for My MBA?

If you're still not certain you have what it takes to get through the math classes of your MBA program, there are things you can do to brush up on your skills and give yourself the best chance of success.

Many schools offer pre-MBA boot camps or refresher courses.

Enrolling in one of these programs will allow you to refresh your memory and polish your existing math skills.

You could also enroll in a GMAT prep program to help you improve your chances of getting into grad school.

These programs will typically include a college math refresher.

Finally, a variety of math courses can be completed online for little to no cost.

Look for courses in algebra, statistics and probability, and basic calculus, as well as basic business math courses.

What Else Should I Study If I'm an MBA Student?

As an MBA student, you will study a variety of subjects in a range of different fields.

This will ensure you receive a well-rounded education to help you succeed in various areas of business.

Classes may vary depending on your MBA specialization but, in general, you will take many different business courses such as:

You may also need to take some classes in leadership and management principles, basic technology skills, and strategic thinking.

Meet the Math Requirements for an MBA Degree

MBA programs do have some math requirements, but not as many as people often think.

The most advanced math courses you'll likely have to take as an MBA student include algebra, statistics and probability, and basic calculus.