Undergraduate Catalog

The Department of Math and Computer Science 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.

Requirements for all majors

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics- 120 credits

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mathematics program at Duquesne University offers a comprehensive foundation in mathematical theory.

Curriculum

Year 1

  • Calculus I (4 credits)
  • Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
  • Essential Questions Seminar (3 credits)
  • Research & Info Skills (1 credit)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • Calculus II (4 credits)
  • Comp Sci Programming (3 credits)
  • Writing and Literature (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

Year 2

  • Calculus III (4 credits)
  • Foundations in Higher Math (3 credits)
  • BIOL 111/L, CHEM 121/L, OR PHYS 211/L (4 / 5 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • Linear Algebra (3 credits)
  • 300+ Level Math Elective (3 credits)
  • BIOL 112/L, CHEM 121/L, OR PHYS 212L (4/5 credits)
  • Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

Year 3

  • MATH 301, 308, or 314 (3 credits)
  • MATH 411w Abstract Algebra (3 credits)
  • Experiential Learning course (1 credit)
  • Philosophy Course (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • MATH Theory Courses  (3 credits)
  • 300+ Level Math Elective (3 credits)
  • Technical Communication (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Social & Historical reasoning (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Critical Thinking (3 credits)

Year 4

  • Professional Development Seminar (1 credit)
  • Real Analysis I (3 credits)
  • MATH Theory Course (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • Math Capstone (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Cultural Fluency (3 credits)
  • Theology Course (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics - 120 credits

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree offers a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts and equips you with the analytical skills to excel in various fields or graduate studies.

Curriculum


Year 1
  • Calculus I (4 credits)
  • Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
  • Essential Questions Seminar (3 credits)
  • Research & Info Skills (1 credit)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • Calculus II (4 credits)
  • Comp Sci Programming (3 credits)
  • Writing and Literature (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

Year 2
  • Calculus III (4 credits)
  • Foundations in Higher Math (3 credits)
  • BIOL 111/L, CHEM 121/L, OR PHYS 211/L (4 / 5 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • Linear Algebra (3 credits)
  • 300+ Level Math Elective (3 credits)
  • BIOL 112/L, CHEM 121/L, OR PHYS 212L (4/5 credits)
  • Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

Year 3
  • MATH 301, 308, or 314 (3 credits)
  • MATH 411w Abstract Algebra (3 credits)
  • Experiential Learning course (1 credit)
  • Philosophy Course (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • MATH Theory Courses  (3 credits)
  • 300+ Level Math Elective (3 credits)
  • Technical Communication (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Social & Historical reasoning (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Critical Thinking (3 credits)

Year 4
  • Professional Development Seminar (1 credit)
  • Real Analysis I (3 credits)
  • MATH Theory Course (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • Math Capstone (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Cultural Fluency (3 credits)
  • Theology Course (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

Mathematics Minor

To mathematics minor requires the completion of 17 credits of mathematics course work.

Required courses:

  • MATH 115 Calculus I
  • MATH 116 Calculus II
  • 6 credits of mathematics coursework at the 200 level or above
  • 3 credits of mathematics coursework at the 300 level or above

Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics - 120 credits

The B.S. in Applied Mathematics is a unique interdisciplinary program led by expert faculty in mathematics and statistics.

Curriculum

Year 1

  • Calculus I (4 cr) 
  • Writing and Analysis (3 cr)
  • Essential Questions Seminar (3 cr)
  • Research & Info Skills (3 cr)
  • General Elective (3 cr)
  • General Elective (3 cr)
  • Calculus II (4 cr)
  • Comp Sci Programming (3 cr)
  • Writing and Literature (3 cr)
  • General Elective (3 cr)
  • General Elective (3 cr)

Year 2
  • Calculus III (4 cr)
  • Foundations in Higher Math (3 cr)
  • BIOL 111/L, CHEM 121/L, OR PHYS 211/L (4/5 cr)
  • General Elective (3)
  • Linear Algebra (3 cr) 
  • BIOL 112/L, CHEM 122/L, OR PHYS 212/L (4/5 cr)
  • Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 cr)
  • General Elective (3 cr)
  • General Elective (3 cr)

Year 3
  • Intro Prob & Stats I (3 cr)
  • Advanced Linear Algebra (3 cr)
  • MATH Elective (302W, 308, 314, or 325W) (3 cr)
  • Philosophy Course (3 cr)
  • Track Course (3 cr)
  • MATH Elective (302W, 308, 314, or 325W) (3 cr)
  • 300+ Level MATH Elective (3 cr)
  • Technical Communication (3 cr)
  • Bridges course - Social & Historical reasoning (3 cr)
  • General Elective (3 cr)

Year 4
  • Experiential Learning (SPRG 108 recommended) (1 cr)
  • Track Course (3 cr) 
  • Bridges Course - Ethical Reasoning (3 cr)
  • General Elective (3 cr) 
  • Applied Math Capstone (3 cr) 
  • Track Course (3 cr) 
  • Bridges Course - Cultural Fluency (3 cr) 
  • Theology Course (3 cr) 
  • General Elective (3 cr)

Bachelor of Science in Data Science - 120 credits

The B.S. in Data Science program provides comprehensive training for a variety of careers in technology, finance, healthcare, marketing and more. 

Curriculum

Year 1 (33 credits)

  • General Elective
  • EQ XXX Essential Questions Seminar
  • MATH 115 Calculus I
  • BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis
  • COSC 170 Programming: Python
  • BRDG 100 Research & Info Skills
  • BRDG 102 Writing and Literature
  • DTSC 110 Intro to Data Science
  • MATH 116 Calculus II
  • COSC 216 Data Structures in Python
  • MATH 135 Discrete Math

Year 2 (31 credits)
  • DTSC 220 Data Expl & Visualization
  • MATH 215 Calculus III
  • MATH 301 Intro Prob & Stats I
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning
  • COMM 250 Technical Communication
  • THEO xxx Theology Course
  • MATH 302W Intro Prob & Stats II
  • Bridges course - Communication & Creative Expression
  • COSC 300 Algorithms
  • General Elective

Year 3 (30-32 credits)
  • PHIL xxx Philosophy Course
  • General Elective
  • BIOL 111/L, CHEM 121/L, or PHYS 211/L
  • MATH 325W Applied Stats w/ Regression
  • Experiential Learning course __ (SPRG 108 recommended)
  • MATH 310 Linear Algebra
  • DTSC 330 Big Data & Databases
  • BIOL 112/L, CHEM 122/L, or PHYS 212/L
  • Bridges course - Critical Thinking
  • General Elective

Year 4 (28 credits)
  • DTSC 140 Professional Development Seminar
  • Bridges course - Ethical Reasoning 
  • Bridges course - Cultural Fluency
  • Bridges course - Social & Historical reasoning
  • General Elective
  • COSC 423 Machine Learning OR 410 Artificial Intel
  • DTSC 481 Data Science Capstone Project
  • MATH 473 Statistical Computing
  • General Elective
  • General Elective

Data Science Minor Requirements

The Data Science minor requires five courses beyond the pre-requisite Computer Science requirement.


Pre-requisite course:

  • COSC 170 Computer Programming in Python (Can be waived with appropriate experience.)

Required courses:
  • DTSC 110 Introduction to Data Science
  • DTSC 220 Data Exploration and Visualization
  • DTSC 330 Big Data Analysis

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science - 120 credits

The B.A. in Computer Science offers a foundational curriculum encompassing programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, software engineering, and computer networking.

Curriculum

Year 1 (32 credits)

  • Programming: Java
  • Discrete Math
  • Writing and Analysis
  • Essential Questions Seminar
  • Intro to Ethical Reasoning
  • Research & Info Skills
  • Data Structures in Java
  • Calculus I
  • Writing and Literature
  • Social & Historical reasoning
  • Communication & Creative Expression

Year 2 (30 credits)
  • Comp Org & Assembly Lang
  • Algorithms
  • Cultural Fluency
  • Ethical Reasoning 
  • Theology Course
  • Operating Systems
  • Philosophy Course
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective

Year 3 (31 credits)
  • Experiential Learning course 
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
    COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective

Year 4 (27 credits)
  • COSC 400 Level Elective
  • COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • COSC 400 Level Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - 120 credits

The B.S. in Computer Science covers a broad range of topics including programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, software engineering, and computer networking. 

Curriculum

Year 1 (32 credits)

  • Programming: Java
  • Discrete Math
  • Writing and Analysis
  • Essential Questions Seminar
  • Intro to Ethical Reasoning
  • Research & Info Skills
  • Data Structures in Java
  • Calculus I
  • Writing and Literature
  • Social & Historical reasoning
  • Communication & Creative Expression

Year 2 (31 credits)
  • Comp Org & Assembly Lang
  • Algorithms
  • Calculus II
  • STEM Communication
  • Cultural Fluency
  • Operating Systems
  • COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • MATH Elective (≥215 level)
  • Ethical Reasoning 
  • Theology

Year 3 (30-32 credits)
  • Professional Development Seminar
  • COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • Intro Prob & Stats OR Intro Biostats
  • BIOL 111/L, CHEM 121/L, OR PHYS 211/L
  • COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • MATH or Science Elective
  • BIOL 112/L, CHEM 122/L, OR PHYS 212/L
  • Philosophy

Year 4 (28 credits)
  • COSC 401, 410, 430, 445W, OR 460
  • COSC 400 Level Elective
  • MATH or Science Elective
  • General Elective
  • Experiential Learning course
  • Comp Sci Capstone
  • COSC 200-400 Level Elective
  • COSC 400 Level Elective
  • General Elective
  • General Elective

Computer Science Minor Requirements

The computer science minor requires the fulfillment of 15 credits of Computer Science coursework and 3 credits of mathematics coursework.

Required coursework:

  • MATH 135 Discrete Mathematics
  • COSC 160 Computer Programming: Java and COSC 215 Data Structures in Java ORCOSC 170 Computer Programming: Python and COSC 216 Data Structures in Python
  • 6 credits of Computer Science at the 200 level or higher
  • 3 credits of Computer Science and the 300 level or higher

Cybersecurity Studies Minor Requirements

The Cybersecurity Studies minor requires the fulfillment of 15 credits.

Required courses:

Students are required to take four of the following courses.

  • IR 404 Introduction to Information Awareness
  • IR 432 Network Situational Awareness
  • IR 462 Applied Threat Systems
  • IR 470 Cybersecurity Leadership and Strategy
  • COSC 160 Computer Programming: Java
  • COSC 215 Data Structures in Java
  • MATH 135 Discrete Math

In addition, students are required to take one of the following courses: 

  • COSC 300 Algorithms 
  • IR 405 Transnational Organized Crime
  • IR 406 Homeland Security 
  • IR 407 Terrorism 
  • IR 422W American Defense Policy 
  • IR 423W Comparative Intelligence Agencies

Actuarial Science Certificate Requirements

Courses required for the certificate in actuarial science will position you for successful completion of two actuarial exams before graduation, while simultaneously giving you at least four courses that count toward the Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) requirements as stipulated by the Society of Actuaries.

Required Courses

  • ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics
  • ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics
  • MATH 301 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I
  • MATH 302W Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • FINC 313 Business Finance
  • FINC 338 Derivatives

Prerequisite Courses for the Certificate in Actuarial Science
  • ACCT 214 Financial Accounting
  • ACCT 215 Managerial Accounting
  • MATH 115 Calculus I
  • MATH 116 Calculus II