Business Math Course Requirement

Incoming Class, Fall 2024

Purpose 

To ensure preparedness for the quantitative rigor of the Master of Management (MM) program, candidates are required to complete a Business Math and Statistics prep course prior to the start of classes. This course, developed and taught by our GSM faculty, is hosted on the UC Davis Canvas site. The course is designed to be asynchronous, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit materials as needed.

Course Content

The prep course covers essential mathematical and statistical concepts that will be critical for your success in the MM program. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Excel Proficiency: Gain foundational skills in Excel, focusing on operations essential for your curriculum
  • Measures of Central Tendency: Understand the mean, mode, median, and standard deviation, along with their significance and limitations
  • Correlation and Causation: Learn about the correlation between variables, and how to differentiate between correlation and causation
  • Time Value of Money: Grasp the concept that money earned in the future is worth less than money earned now, with practical examples

These topics will prepare you for the quantitative aspects of the MM curriculum, easing your transition into more advanced materials.

Accessing the Course

  1. Create your UC Davis computing account
  2. Once you receive your UC Davis email, share it with the MM Program Manager via email
  3. The Program Manager will add you to the Business Math Canvas course
  4. Accept the invitation and begin the modules

Assessment

After completing the course modules, you will take a test that will cover all the main concepts discussed in the course. To successfully complete the requirement, students must achieve a score of 75% or higher. 

Waiver Eligibility

Candidates may be eligible to waive the Business Math and Statistics course if they meet one of the following criteria, subject to Admissions Committee approval:

  • GMAT or GRE Quant score in the 50% percentile or higher
  • Undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher (or the equivalent if another grading scale is used) in a quantitative area
  • Master or doctoral degree, or professional credential (e.g., Certified Public Accountant or Certified Financial Analyst)
  • Five or more years of professional work experience after completing undergraduate degree
  • Four or more years of military experience