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Develop deep knowledge

XSeries Program in
CS50's AP® Computer Science Principles
HarvardX

What you will 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, Python, 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

This Xseries is only for students in high school. Students not in high school should register for CS50T and CS50x separately.

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 AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) curriculum framework. Students in high school may receive AP credit for this course provided their school approves the credit and administers the College Board's Create Performance Task by Friday, April 30, 2021, 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and End-of-Course Multiple-Choice Exam on Thursday, May 13, 2021, 8:00 AM local time. Students should make all such arrangements in advance with their school directly. Students who earn a satisfactory score on all problem sets and a final project are also eligible to receive a verified certificate from HarvardX.

An entry-level course for students with no prior background, 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, and software engineering. Languages include C, Python, and SQL plus students’ choice of: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (for web development); Java or Swift (for mobile app development); or Lua (for game development). Problem sets inspired by the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Course culminates in a final project.

CS50 itself is Harvard University's largest course on campus.

Expert instruction
2 high-quality courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
5 months
5 - 14 hours per week
Discounted price: $313.20
Pre-discounted price: $348USD
For the full program experience

Courses in this program

  1. HarvardX's CS50's AP® Computer Science Principles XSeries Program

  2. 2–6 hours per week, for 6 weeks

    This is CS50’s introduction to technology for students who don’t (yet!) consider themselves computer persons.

  3. 6–18 hours per week, for 12 weeks

    An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.

Meet your instructors
from Harvard University (HarvardX)

Doug Lloyd
Senior Preceptor in Computer Science
Harvard University
David J. Malan
Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
Harvard University
Brian Yu
Senior Preceptor in Computer Science
Harvard University

Experts from HarvardX committed to teaching online learning

Enrolling Now

Discounted price: $313.20
Pre-discounted price: $348USD
2 courses in 5 months
Pursue the Program

Propelling

Drive your career forward with university-backed credit programs and verified certificates

Convenient

Study and demonstrate knowledge on your schedule

Flexible

Try a course before you pay

Supportive

Learn with university partners and peers from around the world