Many MBA programs require the successful completion of the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT. A large portion of this computer-based test involves mathematic competencies. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the GMAT measures basic problem solving using basic math skills, elementary mathematical concepts and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Additionally, the test measures the student's competency in data sufficiency, including analyzing quantitative problems and recognizing relevant information.
Accounting and finance courses are often included in the core curriculum of MBA programs. For accounting and finance courses at the graduate level, students are expected to use basic algebra and calculus skills. Students must learn to create financial statements and spreadsheets as well as compute interest and depreciation formulas.
Statistics courses are commonly required as part of the core curriculum for MBA programs. Students must master probability, hypothesis testing and interpretation of regression outputs in order to successfully complete a managerial statistics course. Such tasks require basic arithmetic, calculus and algebra.
Courses in economics are required for most MBA programs. Coursework for economics classes at the graduate level requires the student to understand the regression method used in analyzing supply and demand and to calculate varying interest rates across global currencies. Such computations require the use of both algebra and calculus.