2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog
Our mathematics and computer science courses are designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's technology-driven world. Whether you aspire to be a software engineer, data scientist, or AI researcher, our curriculum provides a solid foundation for your future endeavors. Prepare to unlock your potential and make a meaningful impact in the dynamic field of math and computer science!
Requirements
Requirements For Majors
The Department offers a range of undergraduate degree programs, including both Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in mathematics and computer science. It is important to note that the College Core requirements vary significantly between these two degrees. Therefore, students should carefully consider these differences when selecting a degree program that aligns with their academic goals and interests. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that certain College Core requirements are automatically fulfilled as part of completing these degrees. For instance, the BS Core science, math, and computer science requirements are adequately covered by either BS program.
In addition to the aforementioned degree options, we also provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in applied mathematics and data science, or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in cybersecurity.
Requirements For All Degrees
For all major-specific courses, such as MATH courses for mathematics majors and COSC courses for computer science majors, it is mandatory for students to earn a minimum grade of C or better. If a student does not achieve the desired grade after one attempt, they may have the option to repeat the course, subject to department approval. It is important to note that a withdrawal from a course does not count towards the number of course repetitions.
BA/BS Mathematics
Math Core
- MATH 115 Calculus I
- MATH 116 Calculus II
- MATH 215 Calculus III
- MATH 250 Foundations of Higher Mathematics
- MATH 310 Linear Algebra
-
MATH 140 Mathematics Professional Development (1 credit)
- MATH 350W History of Math
- MATH 411W Abstract Algebra I
- MATH 415W Real Analysis I
-
MATH 482 Math Capstone Project
Computer Science Core
- COSC 150 Computer Programming: C++
- COSC 160 Computer Programming: Java
- COSC 170 Computer Programming: Python
-
COMM 250 Technical Communication
BA Specific Requirements
9 additional MATH credits at the 300 level or above
BS Specific Requirements
Applications component - at least one course chosen from:
- MATH 301 Probability and Statistics I
- MATH 308 Numerical Analysis
- MATH 314 Differential Equations
Theoretical component - at least two courses chosen from:
- MATH 410 Advanced Linear Algebra
- MATH 412W Abstract Algebra II
- MATH 416W Real Analysis II
- MATH 420W Complex Variables
- MATH 423W Topology
Science Requirement: All Math B.S. majors must take at least 8 credits in science coursework that include one sequence (and corresponding labs) chosen from: BIOL 111-112, BIOL 115-117, CHEM 121-122, or PHYS 211-212.
Minor Requirements
The minimum requirements for a minor in mathematics are:
- MATH 115 Calculus I
- MATH 116 Calculus II
- These nine credits could also include MATH 135 (if it is not combined with MATH 250) and PHYS 350.
BS Applied Mathematics
Core Requirements Courses
All applied mathematics majors must take the core courses:
- MATH 115 Calculus I
- MATH 116 Calculus II
- MATH 142 Applied Math Professional Development (1 credit)
- MATH 215 Calculus III
- MATH 250 Foundations of Mathematics
- MATH 301 Probability and Statistics I
- MATH 310 Linear Algebra
- MATH 410 Advanced Linear Algebra
- MATH 415W Real Analysis I
Computer Programming Requirements
- COSC 150 Computer Programming: C++
- COSC 160 Computer Programming: Java
- COSC 170 Computer Programming: Python
- COMM 250 Technical Communication
Science Requirements
- BIOL 111-112
- BIOL 115-117
- CHEM 121-122
- PHYS 211-212
Math Elective Requirements
You must take 9 additional credit hours of mathematics courses at the 300-level or above. These must include at least two of the following:
- MATH 302W Probability and Statistics II
- MATH 325W Applied Statistics with Regression
- MATH 308 Numerical Analysis
- MATH 314 Differential Equations
Quantitative & Applied Track Requirements
Applied mathematics majors must complete one of the following tracks.
Quantitative track: At least three courses chosen from the following. MATH 495 must be chosen as one of these courses:
- MATH 416W Real Analysis II
- MATH 420 Introduction to Complex Variables
- MATH 471 Optimization
- MATH 473 Statistical Computing
- MATH 445 Prediction and Classification Modeling
- MATH 495 Applied Mathematics Capstone
Applied tracks: Applied math majors with second majors or minors in quantitative disciplines may choose from a suite of technical coursework in their field with substantive mathematical content in lieu of the quantitative track. Options include the following:
- BMED 430
- BMED 431
- BMED 444
- BMED 453
- BMED 456
At least three courses chosen from:
- CHEM 301
- CHEM 328
- CHEM 329
- CHEM 401
- CHEM 402
- CHEM 412
- COSC 305
- COSC 308*
- COSC 410
- COSC 418
- COSC 423
- COSC 425
- COSC 435
Econometrics track: At least three courses chosen from:
- ECON 301
- ECON 481W
- ECON 484W
- FINC 313
- FINC 334
- FINC 324
- FINC 338
- FINC 433W
- PHYS 302
- PHYS 332
- PHYS 374
- PHYS 401
- PHYS 461
- PHYS 470
- PHYS 473
- PHYS 474
- PHYS 475
- PHYS 485
BS Data Science
Math Core
- MATH 115 Calculus I
- MATH 116 Calculus II
- MATH 215 Calculus III
- MATH 135 Discrete Mathematics
- MATH 310 Linear Algebra
Statistics Core
- MATH 301 Probability and Statistics I
- MATH 302W Probability and Statistics II
- MATH 325W Applied Statistics With Regression
Choose one of the following upper-level stats electives:
- MATH 445 Predictive Modeling and Classification
- MATH 473 Statistical Computing
Computer Science Core
- COSC 170 Computer Programming: Python
- COSC 216 Data Structures in Python
- COMM 250 Technical Communication
- COSC 300 Algorithms
- COSC 423 Machine Learning
Data Science Core
- DTSC 110 Introduction to Data Science
-
DTSC 140 Data Science Professional Development (1 credit)
- DTSC 220 Data Visualization
- DTSC 330 Big Data Analysis/Database Management
- DTSC 481 Data Science Capstone Project
Science Requirement
All data science majors must take at least 8 credits in science coursework that includes one sequence (and corresponding labs) chosen from:
- BIOL 111-112
- BIOL 115-117
- CHEM 121-122 or PHYS 211-212
BA/BS Computer Science
Program Requirements
Core Courses (15-18 Credits)
- COSC 145 Algorithmic Thinking (optional)
- COSC 160 Computer Programming: Java
- COSC 215 Data Structures with Java
- COSC 220 Computer Organization and Assembly Language
- COSC 300 Algorithms
- COSC 325W Operating Systems
-
COSC 142 Computer Science Professional Development (1 credit)
- COMM 250 Technical Communication
Requirements for the BA
COSC electives for the BA: 18 hours (15 hours if COSC 145 is taken) beyond the core at the 200 level or above;
at least 6 of these hours must be taken at the 400 level.
Mathematics Requirements for the B.A.:
- MATH 135 Discrete Mathematics
- MATH 115 Calculus I
Requirements for the BS
COSC electives for the BS: 21 credits beyond the core at the 200 level or above. At least 9 of these credits must be at the 400 level or above and include both of the following:
- COSC 481 Computer Science Capstone Project
- at least one course of the following:
- COSC 401
- COSC 410
- COSC 430
- COSC 445W
- COSC 460
Mathematics/Science Requirements for the B.S.: At least 30 credits of mathematics and science including:
Mathematics: At least 15 credits including
- MATH 135 Discrete Mathematics
- MATH 115 Calculus I
- MATH 116 Calculus II
- Either MATH 225 Biostatistics I or MATH 301 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I
Science: At least 8 credits in courses acceptable for a major in the science discipline chosen and including at least one sequence chosen from the three options: BIOL 111-113 & 115-117, CHEM 121-122, or PHYS 211-212.
Minor Requirements (18 credits)
Required courses for the minor in Computer Science:
- MATH 125 Discrete Mathematics
- COSC 160 & COSC 215 OR COSC 170 & COSC 216
- Nine additional credits of computer science courses numbered 200 and above, with at least three credits at the 300 level or above.
Certificate in Actuarial Science
Requirements for the Certificate in Actuarial Science
The Certificate in Actuarial Science is an eighteen (18) credit undergraduate program composed of courses from two schools: the School of Science and Engineering and the A.J. Palumbo School of Business. The certificate is available to any Duquesne University student.
The courses required for the Certificate in Actuarial Science are chosen to position students for successful completion of two actuarial exams before graduation, while simultaneously giving students at least three (3) courses that count toward the Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) requirements as stipulated by the Society of Actuaries.
Certificate in Actuarial Science
The Certificate in Actuarial Science is an 18-credit program composed of courses from two schools: the McAnulty College of Liberal Arts and the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. Earning this certificate is equivalent to obtaining a minor from the College of Liberal Arts. The certificate is available to any Duquesne University student, and can be fully accessed only through fourteen (14) additional credits of prerequisite coursework.
| ECON 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 credits |
| ECON 202 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 credits |
| MATH 301 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics I | 3 credits |
| MATH 302W | Introduction to Probability and Statistics II | 3 credits |
| FINC 313 | Business Finance | 3 credits |
| FINC 338 | Derivatives | 3 credits |
| Total credits | 18 credits |