Binary Engineering

Experience the best of both worlds with our Binary Engineering dual degree program. This unique opportunity allows you to pursue an integrated curriculum jointly offered by two of the top universities in the country: The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) or Case Western Reserve University (CWRU).

Over your initial three years at Duquesne, you will complete a minimum of 102 credits, encompassing all physics requirements. Starting as early as your second year, you will take courses at the engineering school to build a seamless transition to the larger program. In your fourth year, you will transition to either Pitt or CWRU to fulfill the engineering requirements and attain your dual degree.

As a nationally ranked research institution, Duquesne offers a wide range of opportunities in the sciences and engineering. The focused class sizes ensure that you have easier access to faculty and resources, making it easier for you to pursue challenging opportunities that may be harder to find in larger programs.

The dedicated faculty, with decades of experience, are here to offer you support and accessibility to help you make meaningful progress in your academic journey at Duquesne and beyond.

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Program Information

The Binary Engineering dual degree program is an exceptional opportunity to engage in an integrated curriculum collaboratively provided by either The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) or Case Western Reserve University (CWRU).

Program Type

Dual Degree

Degree

Bachelor's

Duration

5-year

Required Credit Hours

150

DISCOVER NEW HORIZONS

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our programs in biomedical engineering, general engineering, math, computer science and other related fields. Our integrated STEM school promotes collaboration, driving innovation in research and education.

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society of physics student

Student Organizations

You can explore your interests through approximately 14 student organizations, which are open to science and engineering majors. These options include joining the Biomedical Engineering Society, the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Physics Students and the Multicultural STEM Group, among others, to connect with like-minded peers and pursue your passions.

student at a NASA internship

Experiential Learning in Science

The Binary Engineering program emphasizes experiential learning in science, combining theoretical classroom knowledge with hands-on, real-world applications through activities such as laboratory work, field studies, internships, and research projects.

Suggested Course Sequence

This represents the standard course sequence for the Binary Engineering Program. It is important to highlight that students transition to either the University of Pittsburgh or Case Western University in their fourth year of study.

Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • PHYS 221 + 221L Physics I - Mechanics + lab (5 credits)
  • MATH 115 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • EQ Essential Questions seminar (3 credits)
  • BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
  • BRDG 100 Research & Info Skills (1 credit)

Spring Semester (17 credits)
  • PHYS 222 + 222L Physics II - Electromagnetism + lab (5 credits)
  • MATH 116 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • COSC 150/160/170 Programming (3 credits)
  • CHEM 121 + 121L Chemistry I+ lab (may take in Fall) (5 credits)
Fall Semester (17 credits)
  • PHYS 302 Optics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 312 Optics Lab (1 credit)
  • MATH 310 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
  • MATH 215 Calculus III (4 credits)
  • PHYS 332 Electronics (recommended physics elective)* (3 credits)
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)

Spring Semester (18 credits)
  • PHYS 374 Modern Physics (3 credits)
  • MATH 314 Differential Equations (3 credits)
  • Experiential Learning (PHYS 340 UG research recommended) (1 credit)
  • CHEM 122 + 122L Chemistry II + lab (5 credits)
  • PHYS 350 Math Methods (recommended physics elective)* (3 credits)
  • BRDG 102 Writing and Literature (3 credits)
Fall Semester (18 credits)
  • PHYS Physics Elective* (3 credits)
  • X-reg Engineering if needed (3 credits)
  • ENGL 302W Scientific Writing (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • MATH 301 Prob & Stats 1 or Bridges course -Cultural Fluency (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Critical Thinking (3 credits)

Spring Semester (18 credits)

  • PHYS 464 Advanced Lab (capstone) (2 credits)
  • PHYS 105 Career Seminar (1 credit)
  • PHYS Physics Elective* (3 credits)
  • PHYS Physics Elective* (3 credits)
  • X-reg Engineering if needed (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Cultural Fluency or MATH 308 Numerical Analysis (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Social & Historical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • PHYS 332 Electronics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 473 Electrodynamics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 350 Math Methods in Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 474 Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 401 Thermal Physics (4 credits)
  • PHYS 475 Advanced Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 404 Solid State Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 482W Particle Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 405 Gravitational Astrophysics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 485 Relativity (3 credits)
  • PHYS 461 Mechanics (4 credits)
  • PHYS 491 Introductory Materials Science I (3 credits)
  • PHYS 470 Electricity and Magnetism (3 credits)
  • PHYS 502 Adv Optical Theory and Devices (3 credits)

Questions? Contact Us!

Contact your Student Success Coach to get started on your binary engineering dual degree path.

Michelle Rodriguez

Student Success Coach, School of Science and Engineering

michelle rodriguez