Learn computer science with online courses and programs

Computer science skills are more in demand than ever. But you don’t have to get a degree to gain these highly sought-after skills — HarvardX’s CS50 course on edX offers computer science information that can help you qualify for new, higher-paying roles.

Learn why you should take computer science courses with Harvard on edX in this guide and sign up for a class today.

Create an account

What is computer science?

Computer science focuses on applying computing, algorithms, and programming techniques to operating systems, artificial intelligence, and informatics. Advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity have led to growth in information technology.

Computing technology plays a role in many fields of study and professions. Computer scientists create systems designed to understand big data structures, think like humans, and help predict the future.

As algorithms become more complex, the computer science field expands to include more subfields and concentrations.

Enrolling in an online course or degree program can be worth it to help you learn programming languages, explore principles of computer science, and gain new skills.

Browse online Computer Science Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Certificates

How to become a computer scientist online

There are several pathways you can take to learn computer science.

If you are certain you want to pursue a career as a computer scientist, earning a bachelor's in data science, followed by a master's in data science or a related field, is the typical path for many professionals.

If you are new to the field or seeking to build résumé-boosting skills, consider enrolling in an online course or boot camp. These shorter-term options can help you grow your expertise while balancing other commitments.

What will you learn in a CS50 course?

In a HarvardX CS50 course, learners start with an introductory program that broadly covers computer science essentials. You can explore various coding languages and algorithmic thinking to help you diagnose and solve programming problems.

If you want to dive deeper into a specific concept from the introductory course, you can also complete a CS50 professional certificate on edX. Professional certificate programs combine Harvard's CS50 introductory course with specialized CS50 courses taught by industry experts in the following subjects:

What careers can you have in computer science?

Computer scientists work in many industries to create digital systems that streamline operations. They may also develop new technologies like AI that transform digital landscapes. Common computer science career options may include:

Computer programmer

Programmers write and test code in various coding languages like C++ or Java to create and implement computer software and applications. They also assess the software to diagnose problems within the code.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $99,700

Information security analyst

Information security analysts work to secure networks, protecting private information from digital threats. They're responsible for addressing network vulnerabilities and developing security standards for employees who access the network.

BLS median annual salary (2023):$120,360

Data scientist

Data scientists collect, organize, and analyze data to extrapolate trends. These trends can help business leaders adjust their plans, determine the effectiveness of a business decision, or discover new markets. Data scientists are also instrumental in AI and machine learning technology because they build the algorithms that AI models use to create probability outputs.

BLS median annual salary (2023):$108,020

Explore computer science programs

More opportunities for you to learn

We've added 500+ learning opportunities to create one of the world's most comprehensive free-to-degree online learning platforms.

Frequently asked questions about online CS50 courses

Are CS50 courses worth it?

Yes, CS50 courses are often worthwhile for students looking to expand their skillsets and qualify for higher-paying positions. For example, data scientists are one of the most in-demand roles on the job market, with a projected 36% job growth between 2023–33 per BLS data — nine times higher than the projected growth rate for all occupations.

Their median annual salary in 2023 is also over 100% higher than the median annual salary across all careers. This data indicates that taking the CS50 data science course would likely provide a high return on investment (ROI).

Can I do a CS50 course with no experience?

Yes, you can take the CS50 introduction to computer science course without any previous experience. This course is designed to teach the basics of computer science and provide a broad understanding of the field. However, it's best to start with the introductory course before diving into specialized CS50 courses.

Is a CS50 course enough to get a job?

Completing a CS50 course can help you get hired for jobs that require an understanding of basic computer science topics. However, more specialized jobs in computer science may require a degree.

Is CS50 too hard for a beginner?

No, many computer science beginners have successfully taken CS50. It's an entry-level class designed for students with no experience in computer science. While it may be challenging, anyone with the capacity to learn can succeed in this class.