Management Sciences

Overview

Management sciences programs focus on math theories used to study issues and problems in business. This program is sometimes called decision science.

Management sciences programs cover topics such as:

Forecasting theory
Modeling techniques
Statistics

The field is closely related to management information systems. Most of the information is gathered and stored on computers, and computers are used to analyze the data.

Concentrations

In management sciences programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Business statistics
Quantitative methods

Schools

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in management sciences. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. Students can also take management sciences courses as part of a general degree in business or statistics.

To specialize in this field, a graduate degree may be required. Many universities offer graduate degrees in management sciences. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Computer Science and Programming
Economics
English Composition
Pre-Calculus
Probability and Statistics
Public Speaking

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Your bachelor's degree should be in a business field with an emphasis in mathematics, such as business economics, accounting, finance, or management information systems. Or, your bachelor's could be in mathematics or statistics, with some business courses. Requirements for entering an MBA program usually are less demanding than for an MS program. In fact, you may qualify with little formal education in business if you have business experience.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (G) (for MS or PhD)
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) (for MBA)
Letters of recommendation
Interview (for MBA)

Typical Course Work

The undergraduate program in a business subject typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Business Finance
Business Law
Business Writing
Calculus for Business
English Composition
Introduction to Accounting
Introduction to Management Information Systems
Introduction to Marketing
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Management and Organization
Principles of Microeconomics
Statistics for Business

In addition, to prepare for a career in management sciences and quantitative methods you probably will want to take some of the following courses. More of them will be available (and required) in a MS or PhD program than in a bachelor's program or MBA program:

Business Forecasting Methods
Business Modeling for Decision Support Systems
C++ Programming
Database Design and Administration
Decision Support Systems for Management
Mathematical Statistics
Research Methodology
Statistical Modeling
Systems Analysis and Design

A list of common graduate requirements also includes:

Required courses
Internship (MBA)
Thesis (master of science; may not be required for MBA)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Business touches on all aspects of the culture, so you should take courses in non-business subjects. Good skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking are needed for advancement in the business world.

Business courses in high school can be useful preparation for a career in management sciences. You should take only a few, so that your high school transcript shows that you are preparing for a demanding college-level program.