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.
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.
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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:
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