A business major requires that a student have a solid understanding of mathematics, including calculus. If the student arrives at college without adequate math classes, she must take remedial courses until she is able to complete the calculus requirement. Math is necessary as a foundation for many of the other classes that will be required of the business major as she completes her education.
A business statistics class teaches students how to collect, comprehend and utilize different type of statistics which may be encountered when working as a manager or an analyst. Statistical information must be compiled and analyzed in order to determine business trends, evaluate products and determine customer demographics. Typically a statistics course will also require students to be computer literate in order to use different programs to process information.
It is necessary for all business majors to understand the basic principles of accounting. Basic classes for any business major will include at least two terms of accounting classes. These cover accounting fundamentals such as record keeping, tracking profits and loss, handling debits, credits and other important aspects of financial management.
Different types of communications classes help the business major to be able to effectively present his ideas in various situations using a variety of formats. Writing classes assist him with preparing reports for his peers and superiors. Verbal communication classes train him to be able to talk to subordinates as well as others in the company. He is also better able to run meetings and to comprehend what others are trying to say to him.
Business majors need to understand the different aspects of business. These are addressed in a variety of classes such as marketing fundamentals, operations management, business finance, strategic management, leading organizations and data analysis. A business major who has a specific area of interest will also take classes which target her specialty, providing further training in such areas as manufacturing operations, human resources, financial management and other specialized fields.