Recommended Course Sequence

Bachelor of Science in Computational Finance
Mellon College of Science

Note: Courses listed in brackets are required by the University the Mellon College of Science. All other courses are a requirement of the Computational Finance Major.

Freshman Year
  Fall Units
15-110 Principles of Computer Science 10
21-120 Integral and Differential Calculus [1] 10
76-101 [Interpretation and Argument] 9
99-101 [Computing@Carnegie Mellon] 3
xx-xxx [Science Requirement] 9-12

41-44
 
  Spring Units
15-112 Fundamentals of Programming 12
21-122 Integration, Differential Equations and Approximation 10
70-122 Introduction to Accounting 9
xx-xxx [Science Requirement] 9-12
xx-xxx [Elective] 9

46-49
 
 
Sophomore Year
  Fall Units
21-241 Matrix Algebra (or 21-242 ) [4] 9
21-259 Calculus in Three Dimensions [5] 9
21-260 Differential Equations [6] 9
73-102 Principles of Microeconomics 9
xx-xxx [Humanities, Social Sciences or Fine Arts Elective] 9

45
 
  Spring Units
21-270 Introduction to Mathematical Finance [7] 9
21-127 Concepts of Mathematics 10
21-369 Numerical Methods 9
73-103 Principles of Macroeconomics 9
xx-xxx [Elective] 9

46
 
 
Junior Year
  Fall Units
21-325 Probability [9] 9
21-370 Discrete-Time Finance 9
73-240 Intermediate Macroeconomics 9
15-122 Principles of Imperative Computation 10
xx-xxx [Elective] 9

46
 
  Spring Units
21-420 Continuous Time Finance 9
36-226 Introduction to Probability and Statistics II 9
36-401 Modern Regression 9
xx-xxx [Humanities, Social Sciences or Fine Arts Elective] 9
xx-xxx Depth Elective 9

45
 
 
Senior Year
  Fall Units
46-977 Studies in Financial Engineering[13] 6
94-700 Organizational Design and Implementation [11] [12] 6
xx-xxx Depth Elective 9
xx-xxx [Humanities, Social Sciences or Fine Arts Elective] 9
xx-xxx [Elective] 9
xx-xxx [Elective] 6

48
 
  Spring Units
95-718 Professional Speaking[13] 6
95-717 Writing for Information Systems Management 6
xx-xxx Depth Elective 9
xx-xxx [Humanities, Social Sciences or Fine Arts Elective] 9
xx-xxx [Elective] 9
xx-xxx [Elective] 9

45

[1] When planning your courses for freshman year, be aware that the 21-111, 21-112 calculus sequence will not be accepted as a prerequisite for the later courses in the BSCF major. The 21-120, 21-122 sequence is required.

[4] 33-232 Mathematical Methods of Physics may be substituted for 21-241 Matrices and Linear Transformations.

[5] 21-256 Multivariate Analysis may be substituted for 21-259.

[6] The sequence 33-231 Physical Analysis and 33-232 Mathematical Methods of Physics may be substituted for 21-260 Differential Equations.

[7] 21-270 Introduction to Mathematical Finance should normally be postponed until Sophomore Spring. While it has only 21-120 as a prerequisite, it does assume some mathematical maturity. Moreover, it is best to take the sequence 21-270, 21-370, 21-420 without interruption, so as to keep the material fresh in your mind.

[9] Either 36-217 Probability Theory and Random Processes or 36-225 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I may be substituted for 21-325 Probability. Although 21-325 is intended for students who have not had previous experience with calculus-based probability, it is a more advanced course than either 36-217 or 36-225. 15-359 Probability and Computing can also be substituted for 21-325.

[10] 70-345 Business Presentations may not substitute 95-718 Professional Speaking.

[11] 94-700 Organizational Design and Implementation is taught in the fall semester only.

[12] Tepper students may substitute 70-311 Organizational Behavior for 94-700 Organizational Design and Implementation.

[13] Tepper students may substitute 70-340 Business Communications for 95-717 Writing for Information Systems.