Mathematics is fundamental to concepts in a wide variety of fields, including data science, finance, economics, marketing, and operations management. Bentley Mathematical Sciences majors learn how to think critically, solve complex problems, apply mathematical models to real-world problems, and communicate results effectively. A Mathematical Sciences Major also prepares students for quantitatively-oriented graduate programs such as quantitative finance, economics, or data science by developing essential mathematics knowledge and skills.
Fundamentals in calculus, probability, statistics, and linear algebra / real analysis will be mastered in core courses. Students may elect to complete the Mathematical Sciences Major with a tailored set of elective courses to suit their interests or choose a concentration in Applied Statistics or Mathematics of Finance.
For further information about degree requirement policies and guidelines, see the Degree Requirements page.
Major Requirements
Mathematical Sciences
This approach to the major offers maximum flexibility and is the best option for students who wish to create their own area of expertise.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| MA 139 | Calculus II | 3 |
| or MA 139L | Calculus II with Lab | |
| MA 214 | Intermediate Applied Statistics | 3 |
| MA 233 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MA 239 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MA 241 | Introduction to Proofs with Real Analysis | |
| MA 252 | Regression Analysis | 3 |
| MA 263 | Continuous Probability for Risk Management | 3 |
| Select three additional 200-level or higher Mathematical Sciences (MA) electives. Students are encouraged to consult with Mathematical Sciences faculty to identify electives that best suit their career goals. | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Mathematical Sciences with Concentration
This approach to the major offers students specific areas of focus.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| MA 139 | Calculus II | 3 |
| or MA 139L | Calculus II with Lab | |
| MA 214 | Intermediate Applied Statistics | 3 |
| MA 223 | Linear Models for Business Decision-Making | 3 |
| MA 239 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MA 241 | Introduction to Proofs with Real Analysis | |
| MA 252 | Regression Analysis | 3 |
| MA 263 | Continuous Probability for Risk Management | 3 |
| Beyond these core courses, select from the following concentrations: | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
General Degree Requirements
Foundations for Success (15 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FDS 100 | Falcon Discovery Seminar | 3 |
| Communications and Writing | ||
| Select one from: | ||
| EMS 101 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
| or EMS 101L | Critical Reading and Writing with Lab | |
| or EMS 102 | Critical Reading and Writing for Multilingual Students | |
| or EMS 102L | Critical Reading and Writing for Multilingual Students with Lab | |
| And one from: | ||
| EMS 104 | Multimodal Communication | 3 |
| or EMS 105 | Multimodal Communication for Multilingual Students | |
| Information Technology | ||
| CS 100 | Solving Business Problems with Information Technology | 3 |
| Mathematical Sciences | ||
| Select one from: | ||
| MA 105 | Mathematical Foundations for Business | 3 |
| or MA 105L | Mathematical Foundations for Business with Lab | |
| or MA 105P | Mathematical Foundations for Business with Prep | |
| or MA 107 | Applied Calculus for Business | |
| or MA 107L | Applied Calculus for Business with Lab | |
| or MA 131 | Calculus I | |
| or MA 131L | Calculus I with Lab | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Context and Perspectives (18 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students must take six courses, one in each category of Context and Perspectives: | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Business Dynamics/Business Administration Minor (18 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| All courses are required: | ||
| AC 115 | Introduction to Financial Reporting and Analysis | 3 |
| EC 111 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| FI 118 | Introduction to Finance | 3 |
| LA 100 | Business Law | 3 |
| MG 116 | Human Dynamics in Organizations | 3 |
| ST 113 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Communication Intensive
All students are required to take a three-credit course designated as a Communication Intensive. This requirement can be met within a variety of course subjects in both Arts & Sciences and Business. Communication Intensive courses are designated with a "Communication Intensive" course tag in Workday. Transfer students with a minimum of 30 credits will be waived from the Communication Intensive requirement.
Please note that certain majors have an additional three-credit Communication Intensive built into their major requirements, separate from the general CI requirement.
Additional Requirements
Unrestricted Electives (42 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select forty-two elective credits | 42 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
Total: 120 Credits
Concentration Requirements
Applied Statistics Concentration
In addition to the six required courses, Applied Statistics concentrators take the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select three courses from the following list: | 9 | |
| Sport Analytics | ||
| Data Visualization | ||
| Design of Experiments | ||
| Quantitative Data Analysis for Health | ||
| Applied Statistical Learning | ||
| Mathematical Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Generalized Linear Models and Survival Analysis in Business | ||
| Introduction to Econometrics | ||
| Applied Econometrics | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Mathematics of Finance Concentration
In addition to the six required courses, Mathematics of Finance concentrators take the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one or two course(s) from the following list: | 3 to 6 | |
| Financial Calculus and Derivative Pricing | ||
| The Mathematics of Discrete Options Pricing | ||
| Select one or two course(s) from the following list: | 3 to 6 | |
| Mathematical Theory of Interest | ||
| Quantitative Portfolio Management | ||
| Derivatives | ||
| Select zero to one course from the following list: | 0 to 3 | |
| Linear Models for Business Decision-Making | ||
| Discrete Probability | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |