CS50's AP® Computer Science Principles from edX

This is CS50 AP, Harvard University's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for students in high school, which satisfies the College Board's new AP CS Principles curriculum framework.

An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50 AP teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. Languages include C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML. Problem sets inspired by real-world domains of biology, cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming. As of Fall 2015, the on-campus version of CS50 was Harvard's largest course.

Students in high school may receive AP credit for this course provided their school approves the credit and administers the College Board's end-of-year exam. Students who earn a satisfactory score on 9 problem sets (i.e., programming assignments) and a final project are also eligible to receive a verified certificate from HarvardX.

What you'll learn

A broad and robust understanding of computer science and programming
How to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently
Concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development
Familiarity in a number of languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML
How to engage with a vibrant community of like-minded learners from all levels of experience
How to develop and present a final programming project to your peers

What's inside

Learning objectives

A broad and robust understanding of computer science and programming
How to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently
Concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development

Familiarity in a number of languages, including c, php, and javascript plus sql, css, and html
How to engage with a vibrant community of like-minded learners from all levels of experience
How to develop and present a final programming project to your peers

A broad and robust understanding of computer science and programming
How to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently
Concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development
Familiarity in a number of languages, including c, php, and javascript plus sql, css, and html
How to engage with a vibrant community of like-minded learners from all levels of experience
How to develop and present a final programming project to your peers

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to computer science, meeting the requirements of College Board's AP CS Principles curriculum

Taught by experienced instructors from Harvard University, known for its strong academic reputation

Tailored for high school students, providing a strong foundation in computer science concepts and programming skills

Covers a wide range of topics, including abstraction, algorithms, data structures, security, and web development, offering students a comprehensive understanding of core concepts

Students who complete the course can earn a verified certificate from HarvardX, demonstrating their proficiency in computer science

Utilizes a variety of programming languages, such as C, PHP, JavaScript, SQL, CSS, and HTML, providing students with exposure to different programming paradigms

Reviews summary

Ap computer science principles

According to students, CS50's AP® Computer Science Principles is an accessible course that provides free resources for low income students.

This course features free resources for low income students.

"O curso tem como disponibilizar cursos gratuitamente para a população de renda baixa isso possibilita alunos estudarem bem mais do que a escola."

Career center

Learners who complete CS50's AP® Computer Science Principles will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply their knowledge of computer science principles to design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and manage computer software. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles provides a solid foundation for this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists use their knowledge of computer science principles to solve problems and create new technologies. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Computer Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of computer science principles to analyze data and extract meaningful insights. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Computer Programmer.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Database Administrator.

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Software Tester

Software Testers test software to identify defects and ensure that it meets requirements. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Software Tester.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Technical Writer.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and evaluate computer systems to identify areas for improvement. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Systems Analyst.

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Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computers and software. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Computer Support Specialist.

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Information Systems Manager

Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and manage computer systems and networks. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as an Information Systems Manager.

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Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design and implement computer networks. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Computer Network Architect.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their knowledge of computer science principles to analyze data and extract meaningful insights. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles may be useful for this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their knowledge of computer science principles to analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. CS50's AP Computer Science Principles may be useful for this role by teaching you how to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently. You'll also gain familiarity with a number of programming languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Business Analyst.

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CS50's AP® Computer Science Principles