Business Mathematics

Study information
Key facts
Degree
Master of Science
Duration
4 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching languages
English, German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester, Summer semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Institute of Mathematics de
Application & Deadlines

Programme summary

The Master of Science in Business Mathematics is designed to expand students' knowledge of theoretical and practical mathematics, business administration, and computer science. After completing this programme, students will be able to use their skills in real-life situations and critically analyse problems according to their particular context and related academic findings. In addition, strong students will be prepared to go on to earn a doctoral title, if they wish to do so.

Special features

Corresponding to the special research profile of the School of Mathematics and Computer Science in Jena, focus is placed on Mathematical Optimization and Stochastics. These disciplines particularly lend themselves to modelling economic processes. The study of business mathematics enhances interdisciplinary cooperation between mathematicians and economists.

Important: Mathematics is the most central part of our Business Mathematics programme. Applicants must have a strong mathematical background;  they must have at least 100 credit points in advanced mathematics at a Bachelor's level with above-average grades. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in business administration or economics is typically not enough for being accepted.

Career opportunities

Typical employment possibilities for graduates are in the fields banking, consulting, insurances, and most recently also in energy trading. By the mathematical part of their education, graduates are especially predestined for tasks, where not only "local eloquence", but also the solving of hard problems is required.

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent

    For this master's programme you need a subject-specific undergraduate degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or an equivalent degree. Candidates (in particular those having a degree in pure mathematics) must prove sufficient knowledge in economics of at least 30 credits (ECTS). ​The bachelor's degree must contain 100 credits (ECTS) in Mathematics and ​the overall grade (CGPA) must be GOOD or better (German and US systems: 2.5).

    In addition to that, admission will depend on a successfully passed colloquium of up to 45 minutes duration.

    Knowledge in a higher programming language is recommended.

  • Language requirements

    This master's programme requires the following language proficiency:   

    • English language proficiency at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
    • high-level programming language proficiency  (a direct proof by certificate is not compulsory)

     

Application documents

  • CV

    Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

  • Motivation letter

    A motivation letter should not exceed the size of two DIN A4-pages and normally, it should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies. You should  elaborate on the following essential questions:

    • Why do you desire taking up this specific course of studies?
    • What are - in your opinion - the main features that this course of studies excels in?
    • Which features of this course have inspired your application? 
    • Why Jena?

     

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

  • Previous university degrees earned

    All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

  • Corresponding transcripts

    Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master programme (minimum requirement is the transcript/mark sheet up to the semester before the last). This trancript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

    You need at least 140 credits (ECTS) by the time you apply.

  • Proof of relevant work experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of subject-specific practical experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of language proficiency

    For this master's programme the following language proficiencies are required:  

    Proof of proficiency in English at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages/CEFR), e.g.

    • Certificate Level B2 according to CEFR
    • IELTS: 5.5+
    • TOEFL: 72+ (IBT)
    • Proof of English as medium of instruction during the undergraduate programme.

Additional application documents for international students

  • Proof of German language proficiency

    For the following specializations, a German proficiency proof on level DSH-2 or an accepted equivalent certificate is mandatory. Please see the information on the language requirements for the master's programmes of your interest on the corresponding website.

    • Financial Risk
    • Management Science
    • Accounting, Taxation and Capital Markets
    • Marketing Management



    The Friedrich Schiller University Jena accepts the following certificates as German proficiency proof exclusively:

    • the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS),
    • the Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II),
    • the TestDaF, minimum TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination,
    • Certificate telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule,
    • a German language examination in the framework of an assessment test at a preparatory college.


    Please note: If you  do not have the required mandatory German proficiency proof at the time of application, you can only apply if you can show a certificate attesting your German language skills at least at the Level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) as well as a confirmation that you have either registered for the DSH examination, the TestDaF or an equivalent examination or that you have sat it and are going to receive the results before the end of the current semester.

    There is also the possibility to apply for the (chargeable) "German Language Course Preparing for the German Language Examination (DSH)" at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Please note: Prerequisites for the application for the preparatory course are language skills at least at the certificate level B1 / GER (e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat B1,TestDaFat least 4x3 and/or 800 teaching units from a recognized language school). For detailed information on the application and further information, please visit the website of the International Office or contact the International Office directly via Mail.

    Shortly before taking the DSH-2-Examination or after successfully passing it, you are welcome to apply for a German taught master's programme!

    The following applicants are exempted from providing proof of their German language skills:

    • applicants, who have obtained a German taught bachelor's degree within one of the following countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This applies only to degrees that were awarded by a university in the relevant country (no satellite campuses or international branch campuses in other countries, no correspondence course degrees, no joint- or double-degrees with institutions in other countries);
    • holders of a German, Austrian or Swiss (from school where the language of instruction is German) university entrance qualification.


    For the two following specializations (taught in English) a proof of German language proficiency at the level DSH-2 is not mandatory:

    • Innovation and Change
    • Economics and Strategy
  • Translation of foreign/external application documents

    Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted by officially acknowledged/ sworn translators or translation offices.

  • Proof of grading system

    External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) used at the respective University. 

  • Certificate APS

    Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.

  • University entrance exam

    Applicants from the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

    • Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")
Subject Advisor - Dr. Daniel Dörfler

Opening hours:
by arrangement

Student Representatives Mathematics/ Business Mathematics
Examinations Office of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Master Service Centre

Office hours:
Telephone consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
10 am - 11 am

Personal consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
2 pm - 3 pm

Live chat:
mondays
10 am - 12 noon

Ticket enquiries via Service Desk at: www.uni-jena.de/service-msz

Postal address:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master Service Centre (MSZ)
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenTuesday - Thursday
3:15 pm - 4 pm
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