Computational Science (BS)
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 (College of Arts and Sciences), the Computational Science (BS) 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.
- 120 credit hours with minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 2)
- Completion of all requirements for a major (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 9)
AU Core Requirements
- Completion of AU Core foundation requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.2-8.6)
- Completion of AU Core Habits of Mind requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.7)
- Completion of AU Core integrative course requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.8-8.11)
For additional information, see AU Core Curriculum.
Major Requirements
- 51 credit hours with grades of C or better
Course Requirements
Foundation (45 credit hours)
Required
- CSC-148 Introduction to Computer Science I (4)
- CSC-208 Introduction to Computer Science II (3)
- CSC-256 Discrete Structures (3)
- CSC-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 (4)
- MATH-313 Calculus III (4)
- MATH-465 Numerical Analysis: Basic Problems (3)
Statistics
Complete 4 credit hours from the following:
Math/Stat Elective
Complete 3 credit hours from the following:
Computer Science Elective
Complete 3 credit hours from the following:
Application Area (6 credit hours)
- 6 credit hours at or above 300-level, 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 Admission to a Combined Bachelor's / Master's Program and Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees for more information.