Computational Science, BS

Computational Science (BS) [CAS/MATH] Computational science is a field in which computational simulation and modeling of systems are used to solve problems in engineering and natural and social sciences. Administered jointly by the Department of Computer Science and Department of Mathematics and Statistics, this program is recommended for students interested in a career in mathematical and computational techniques to solve problems and the use of these methods to advance other fields that require extensive computation and data analysis. Students in this program take foundation courses in mathematics and computer science and choose application areas including biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, environmental studies, finance, mathematics, physics, psychology, and statistics based on their interests. Students may also choose to pursue a double major or minor in the application area. Admission to the Program Formal admission to the major requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) and departmental approval. University Requirements 120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better Completion of college writing requirement Completion of university mathematics requirement General Education Requirements A total of ten courses, consisting of two courses from each of the five foundational areas At least one course from Area Five: The Natural and Mathematical Sciences must include a laboratory science component No more than two courses may be taken in the same discipline Major Requirements 50 credit hours with grades of C or better Course Requirements Foundation Courses (44 credit hours) Required CSC-280 Introduction to Computer Science I (4) CSC-281 Introduction to Computer Science II (3) CSC-432 Introduction to Simulation and Modeling (3) CSC-460 Tools of Scientific Computing (3) or MATH-460 Tools of Scientific Computing (3) CSC-493 Computer Science Capstone Project (3) MATH-221 Calculus I (4) MATH-222 Calculus II (4) MATH-310 Linear Algebra (3) MATH-313 Calculus III (4) MATH-465 Numerical Analysis: Basic Problems (3) STAT-202 Basic Statistics (4) or STAT-203 Basic Statistics with Calculus (4) One course from the following: MATH-321 Differential Equations (3) MATH-401 Probability (3) STAT-302 Intermediate Statistics (3) One course from the following: CSC-330 Organization of Computer Systems (4) CSC-520 Algorithms and Data Structures (3) CSC-570 Database Management Systems (3) Application Area (6 credit hours) 6 credit hours at the 300-level or above as approved in an application area, including biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, environmental studies, finance, mathematics, physics, psychology, and statistics. Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor's/master's programs. See Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees for more information.