B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Mathematics-Business
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a unique Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mathematics-Business. This interdisciplinary program is specifically designed to provide students with a robust foundation in both advanced mathematical concepts and core business administration principles. It aims to cultivate a "quantitative management" skillset, preparing graduates for roles that involve applying analytical and mathematical methods to decision-making situations within various industries. This program recognizes the increasing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between complex quantitative analysis and practical business applications.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mathematics-Business program at Whittier College is a STEM-designated degree. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of invaluable practical experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Mathematics-Business curriculum at Whittier College is structured to provide a comprehensive dual-field education. The mathematics component typically includes Calculus and Analytic Geometry (MATH 141, 142, and 241), Abstract Thinking (MATH 280), Probability and Statistics (MATH 315), Numerical Analysis (MATH 350), Mathematical Modeling (MATH 354), and Linear Algebra (MATH 380), alongside a Senior Seminar (MATH 491) or a Business Administration capstone. The business administration component covers core subjects such as Principles of Accounting (BSAD 201, 202), Business Finance I (BSAD 310), Marketing Principles (BSAD 320), Management and Organizational Behavior (BSAD 330), and Management Information Systems (BSAD 341), as well as International Business (BSAD 350). Students also have elective options in both fields, including economics courses, to further tailor their specialization. This curriculum ensures a strong background in quantitative methods and their application in business contexts.
Research Focus: Whittier College places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research across its quantitative disciplines, including Mathematics. While the Mathematics-Business program integrates applied aspects, students are encouraged to engage in "Discovery in Mathematics" and "Hands-On Learning." This can involve participating in faculty-mentored research projects, potentially focusing on areas like sales forecasting, demographic analysis, personnel planning, financial control, or operational analysis, all of which benefit from quantitative methods. The senior capstone requirement, whether in Mathematics or Business Administration, often involves in-depth original research, culminating in presentations at events like the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference. This fosters critical thinking and the application of mathematical principles to real-world business problems.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Center for Career and Professional Development plays a vital role in preparing Mathematics-Business graduates for successful careers. Through initiatives like "Whittier Works," students receive individualized coaching, career exploration, and preparation for both job searches and graduate school admissions. The program explicitly aims to prepare students for positions in diverse industries such as banking, insurance, manufacturing, and transportation, particularly in staff areas involving quantitative decision-making. Whittier's location in Southern California provides access to a vibrant economy, facilitating valuable internships and experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply their dual skills in real-world business environments and build crucial professional networks.
Global Perspective: Whittier College is dedicated to fostering a strong global perspective among its students, which is increasingly relevant for professionals in mathematics and business. Global markets, international finance, and cross-cultural business operations are integral to modern commerce. The Office of International Programs, recognized for its commitment to diversity in study abroad, offers extensive opportunities for students to study across five continents. While the structured nature of the Mathematics-Business major requires careful planning, students can explore study abroad options that provide insights into global business practices, international financial systems, or the application of quantitative methods in diverse economic contexts, thereby enriching their academic journey and preparing them for a globalized professional landscape.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
Whittier College's B.A. in Mathematics-Business is a highly practical and in-demand STEM-designated program that uniquely blends rigorous mathematical analysis with core business administration principles. This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with the quantitative decision-making skills crucial for success in today's dynamic business environment.
Financial Analyst: A core career path, leveraging strong quantitative skills to analyze financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations for businesses, investment firms, or individual clients.
Actuary: With a deep understanding of probability, statistics, and financial mathematics, graduates are well-prepared to pursue a career as an actuary, assessing and managing financial risks for insurance companies and other financial institutions (requires passing professional exams).
Data Analyst/Business Intelligence Analyst: These professionals use their mathematical and computational skills to collect, process, and analyze large datasets, translating complex information into actionable insights and supporting data-driven decision-making across various business functions.
Operations Research Analyst: Applying mathematical modeling and optimization techniques to solve complex business problems, such as supply chain management, logistics, resource allocation, and process improvement, to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Market Research Analyst: Utilizing statistical methods and analytical skills to study market conditions, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes, providing insights that inform marketing strategies and product development.
Business Consultant: Graduates can advise organizations on improving efficiency, identifying opportunities for growth, and solving complex business challenges by applying their quantitative analytical skills and understanding of business operations.
Management Analyst: Working within organizations or as external consultants, these professionals study organizational structures, workflows, and procedures to recommend improvements, often relying on data and quantitative analysis.
Risk Management Specialist: In banking, insurance, or corporate finance, graduates can identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks using their quantitative modeling and analytical capabilities.
Budget Analyst: These professionals help organizations manage their finances by analyzing budget proposals, monitoring spending, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, requiring strong mathematical and accounting skills.
Supply Chain Analyst: Focusing on optimizing the flow of goods and services, these analysts use quantitative methods to forecast demand, manage inventory, and improve logistics, crucial for manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce companies.
