Do you need calculus for a business degree? Does a business degree require a lot of math? These are just a couple of questions students considering going back to school may ask about the curriculum. Don't let fear of a certain subject deter you from a degree that can ultimately help you have the career of your dreams. Here is what you can expect from an undergraduate business degree and an MBA. We'll also show you some options for business majors that require last math classes, and supply some considerations when choosing your business major. Keep reading for more.
What Math You Can Expect to Take with an Undergraduate Business Degree
The curriculum will vary at each college or university you may attend. Depending on the program, you may be required to take college algebra, statistics, and more. At SNU, the undergraduate Business Administration degree requires accounting, economics, and finance.
You'll notice that these courses aren't simply ones that will give you a list of questions and expect you to memorize equations and spit them out. These will have real-world applications whether you decide to work in an organization, lead a team, or create a business of your own. Attending a school that understands your unique needs as an adult student will be important, as you may need additional support through tutoring, deep network of peers, and professors who are eager to provide support.
Related article: Use These Resources to Succeed as an Adult Student
Here are some classes students take for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at SNU:
- Business Communication In A Global Environment
- Personal & Professional Development
- Accounting
- Economics For Managers
- Human Resource Management & Workforce Diversity
- Managerial Accounting
- Biblical Perspectives – Western Culture
- Principles Of Management Science
- Marketing For Managers
- Finance For Managers
- Business Law
- International Business And Ethics
- Business Policy
As you can see, the math courses are often spread out, and when you take one class at a time you have plenty of time to decompress from the courses that challenge you most!
Related Article: How a Bachelor's Degree Boosts Earning Potential
What Math You Can Expect to Take for an MBA
An MBA prepares you to become a leader in your field, whatever that may be. That means that you'll need to be prepared to think big picture, plan for the future, and also understand the financial impacts of your decisions. That is why MBA degrees may be more heavily focused in math like accounting and finance.
Related article: 8 of the Best Jobs You Can Get with an MBA
SNU’s MBA degree requires accounting and finance classes, but does not require calculus or statistics. However, some programs at other universities may require calculus, advanced statistics, and more. Depending on your goals, you will want to look at the course schedule and see that they are meeting your needs. Don't be deterred by 6 credit hours or so of mathematics, when the program is 30 credit hours or more, as that will only be a small portion of your degree that you can get through with extra support if needed.
Here are some courses you may expect to take to earn your Master of Business Administration at SNU:
- Organizational Communication
- Management Of Organizational Behavior
- The Accounting And Finance Environment
- Marketing Management
- The Economic Environment
- Human Resource Management And Administration
- Legal Environment Of Management
- Ethics In Management
- Management Accounting
- Financial Management
- Managerial Economics
- Management Science
- Management Seminar – Entrepreneurship
- Strategic Management
As mentioned, these courses focus more on what you’ll need to be a true leader in your organization, on a multitude of levels. With the math classes right in the middle, you’ll have developed good study skills and time management skills by the time you reach them, so they might not be as challenging as you expect.
Related article: 7 Benefits of an MBA That Will Make You Want to Enroll Today
Business Majors That Require Less Math
One consideration for students is the theory of soft skills and hard skills. Hard skills are commonly referred to as mathematics, statistics, things that can be measured quantitatively. Soft skills require more finesse and often can be difficult to teach.
If you would like to be in a leadership role working directly with people, you may consider a degree with more human relations or organizational behavior courses.. Some degrees you might consider are:
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Management
- Master of Leadership
Related article: Financial Benefits of an MBA and M.S. in Management
Don’t turn away from a degree you truly desire simply because of the math classes. Instead, look at learning outcomes and what will apply best to your future career. If the degree only includes a class or two, you can make it through with determination, improved study methods, and the support of resources like tutors, peers, and professors!
Choosing Your Business Major
Many people ask, should I major in business if I am bad at math? That depends completely on your goals and your level of determination! If you absolutely do not want to work with numbers in your studies or career, you may need to consider a degree with fewer math classes or seek a college that provides a high level of support to students. Keep in mind, if you have a condition like dyscalculia, you may be eligible to receive additional services and accommodations like extra time on tests from your college’s disabilities office.
Here are some considerations or questions you may ask before choosing your business major.
- What careers do graduates of this degree pursue?
- How competitive is the current job market or careers in this field?
- Do the courses involved in this program interest me or apply to my future goals?
- Do I want to work toward managing systems or leading teams?
- What do the job requirements look like for currently open positions I could see myself enjoying?
- Are there other students or recent graduates I can speak to about what they have learned?
You may also consider speaking with an academic advisor or enrollment counselor. They have experience working with students determining their majors and charting the best path toward a desired outcome.
At SNU, we understand going back to college, especially after a long period away, can be daunting. We want to put your fears at ease by letting you know we are here to support you. With academic advisors available to provide guidance, as well as free tutoring and a chaplain to support you spiritually, we care about assisting you with all aspects of your educational journey. Contact us today to discuss the business major that might be right for you.
