Originally Posted by Bostonian
It should be possible for someone who loves literature or history to major in those subjects but also fit in a few business courses, get outside training, or simply work through a book such as

Originally Posted by Wren
You need to know calculus. So many of the financial models have derivative aspect. If you do not have university level math, I think it would be difficult.

Differential calculus is entry-level university mathematics or high-school level mathematics. So regardless of how important it is, Bostonian is right that an English major should be able to take a couple to a few relevant classes and be easily capable of doing the job.

It isn't clear to me that all this expertise you've spoken of has done the world a lot of good in the last 20 years or so, either.