GSB 420 (Applied Quantitative Analysis) is a required core course for the MBA program and some MS programs in the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. While students cannot waive this class based on previous coursework, students who feel that they have a strong background in statistics and calculus may attempt to waive the course through completing the waiver exam.
GSB 420 Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive review of some basic mathematical and statistical methods and stresses their practical applications in business and economics. The course will equip the student with the quantitative skills required in the MBA program and will also provide a good foundation for addressing typical problems that arise in business. Additionally, the skills acquired in the course will also help the student prepare for the quantitative sections of professional exams, such as the CFA, the CPA and the CMA exams.
This course will stress learning through applications/problem-solving using Excel and/or Minitab software for data analyses. However, the course must be analytical and theoretical to the extent that is necessary to develop a correct understanding of the topics presented. The topics covered in the course include relevant mathematical concepts: use of relevant functions and solving equations in unknowns, elementary calculus and graphing functions. It also focuses on relevant statistical concepts: probability theory, hypothesis testing, regression analysis and forecasting.
Recommended Texts
- Step-by-Step Business Statistics, 1st edition, Pearson Publishing, ISBN: 0536560706.
- Business Statistics, 4th edition, Prentice Hall Publishers, ISBN: 9780131693326.
GSB 420 Waiver Exam
If you are interested in taking the GSB 420 waiver exam, we strongly encourage you to take the exam prior to registering for your first quarter of courses. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions; a passing score is 70%. You will have 3 hours to complete the exam. You may use a calculator and any notes or textbooks that you feel would be helpful. Textbooks for the GSB 420 course may be purchased in the DePaul bookstore on the Loop Campus.
If you would like to take the GSB 420 waiver exam, please contact Sharon Eul a minimum of 3 days before the exam date at seul@depaul.edu or by calling 312-362-8810. Please plan to arrive early for the exam; once it starts, no late arrivals will be permitted to enter the classroom. Weeknight exams take place from 6 to 9 pm, and Saturday exams take place from 9 am to 12 noon. All exams take place on the Loop Campus. Upcoming test dates in 2009-2010 are as follows:
2009-2010 Waiver Exam Test Dates
- November - Wednesday 11/4, Monday 11/16
- December - Saturday 12/12, Monday 12/14
- January - Saturday 1/9, Tuesday 1/12, Saturday 1/16, Thursday 1/28
- February - Wesnesday 2/10, Thursday 2/25
- March - Tuesday 3/9, Monday 3/29
- April - Saturday 4/10, Tuesday 4/13, Saturday 4/17, Thursday 4/22
- May - Monday 5/10, Wednesday 5/19
- June - Monday 6/7, Saturday 6/19, Saturday 6/26
- July - Thursday 7/1, Tuesday 7/20
- August - Monday 8/2, Saturday 8/7, Saturday 8/14, Saturday 8/21, Saturday 8/28,
