Mathematics in Business and Economics B.Sc.

What characterizes the Bachelor in Mathematics in Business and Economics?

Do you want to develop innovative financial tools with the help of artificial intelligence, lead a company through the challenges of the digital world, or predict the next German chancellor based on huge amounts of data? – Then you are on the exact right path to acquiring the necessary know-how with the bachelor’s degree program in Mathematics in Business and Economics at the University of Mannheim.

With us, you will not only learn important mathematical basics that will raise your understanding of logic to the next level, but you will also gain great insights into application areas of business at the top university for business administration and economics.
After your studies, you can use your broad spectrum of knowledge in various areas of the corporate world or research.
In addition, it is possible to expand your skills, for example, through a master’s degree in Mathematics in Business and Economics or Data Science (MMDS).

Course of studies

General

The bachelor’s program in Mathematics in Business and Economics at the University of Mannheim usually lasts six semesters. The choice of basic subjects is initially prescribed.
In principle, however, you can decide for yourself when you want to take which subjects. However, we recommend that you follow our sample study plan for at least the first three semesters.
After the first half of your studies, you will get a feeling of which subjects excite you most in mathematics as well as business administration and economics. Now the specialization phase begins.
In this phase, you can choose the subjects in mathematics according to your interests. Furthermore, you have to decide between a focus on business administration or economics. However, you will be informed about this soon enough by us, your student council.

Module catalog

In the module catalog, you will find an overview of all subjects offered in the Bachelor of Mathematics in Business and Economics at the University of Mannheim. Here you can also find out which subjects are compulsory and which subjects can be taken additionally.

Orientation exam

The orientation exam is not an actual exam. Rather, you must have reached 30 ECTS points after three semesters at the latest and have passed at least two of the following four modules:

• Analysis I
• Analysis II
• Linear Algebra I
• Linear Algebra IIA

Accompanying examinations

For a module to be credited, an examination takes place at the end, which can take various forms. In addition to the classic written exams, which usually last 90 or 180 minutes, there are also practical performance tests, oral exams, and presentations.
In the exams, you receive grades between 1.0 and 5.0, which are weighted with ECTS points and entered in your grade report. ECTS points roughly reflect the amount of time you spend on the subject in question during a semester. An exam is considered to have been passed if a grade of 4.0 or better has been achieved.
For our mathematical lectures, you often have to work on weekly exercise sheets during the semester. This is considered a certain amount of preliminary work and serves as preparation for the exam.
If you fail an exam, you will automatically be registered for the next exam. Throughout your studies, you also have two “jokers” in each of the three subject areas (Mathematics/Computer Science, Business Administration, Economics), with which you can take a third examination attempt.

Soft skills

During your bachelor’s studies, you have to pass two key qualifications with three ECTS each. They are intended to supplement your knowledge beyond the theoretical subjects. These are the learning of a programming language and social skills in the areas of media practice, presentation, and communication, foreign languages, or EDP.
You only have to pass all of the key qualifications. A final grade is not awarded.

Study abroad

As a student of Mathematics in Business and Economics at the University of Mannheim, you have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters at one of our many partner universities. A stay abroad is not mandatory but recommended by the university. The work you do abroad can usually be credited so that your standard study period is not affected. Most of our students complete either their fifth or sixth semester abroad. The application deadlines are usually in the second or third semester. If you are interested in a semester abroad, please contact our International Department for advice. You can also find further information and contact details at the International Office.

Seminar paper

As an under-graduate student of Mathematics in Business and Economics, you have to take one seminar towards the end of your studies. This seminar is usually held by a professor of your choice in an area in which you would like to write your bachelor thesis later on. Your professor will assign you a topic that you have to work out and present in front of a small group of seminar participants. There is no grade for the seminar, you just have to pass it.

Bachelor’s thesis

In your Bachelor’s thesis, you will work on a mathematical topic over three months and present your results in a colloquium at the end. You will discuss the topic with your chosen professor beforehand. During the three months, your chosen professor will act as your supervisor and support you with any questions you may have.
Most professors prefer that you also take the seminar with them or listen to particular subjects as preparation for the Bachelor’s thesis.
Therefore, you should contact your potential supervisor early – from the fourth semester on. For this purpose, at the end of your third semester, all Mathematics professors present themselves and their offered topics at an event. You can also find an overview of our professors and their topics here.

Examination phase

Every semester there are two exam periods. The first exams take place during the two weeks after the lecture period has ended and the second exams in the last week before the start of the new semester.
You are free to choose on which of the dates you would like to take your exams. If you do not pass an exam on the first date, you can retake it on the second date.

Examination regulations

The examination regulations contain everything concerning examinations. Among other things, they provide information on the various forms of examinations and the calculation of grades. The current examination regulations can be found here.

Exam registration

There is a period each semester in which you can register for exams. You will always receive a reminder to your university mail address in time. During this period and until three days before the first date of the exam you can easily register for your exams via Portal².
If you did not pass an exam or have deregistered, you will automatically be registered for the next possible exam date.

Deregistration or withdrawal from an exam

You can deregister from an exam up to three days before the exam date via Portal².
After this deadline or in the case of compulsory registration, a withdrawal from an exam is only possible with a valid reason. You can find more information here. There you can also download a corresponding application and submit it to the Express Service or by mail to your study office.

Retaking an exam

In principle, you can retake a failed exam once. Throughout your studies, you also have two “jokers” in each of the three subject areas (Mathematics/Computer Science, Business Administration, Economics), with which you can take a third examination attempt. This is not possible within the orientation phase or for your Bachelor’s thesis. The retaking of an already passed exam is not allowed.

Contact persons

If you have further questions that could not be answered on our homepage or the website of our faculty, please feel free to contact us or one of the following contact persons:

• The student council:
• Study programme manager: Sanja Juric
• Contact person in the study office: David Steiner
• Subject advisory service for content related to the degree programme