CS50: Introduction to Computer Science (2024)

FAQs

Is CS50 Introduction to computer science certificate worth it? ›

Yes. In fact, around two thirds of students who enroll in CS50 have never taken a computer science course before. So if you're new to the field and looking to learn the basics, you'll be in good company.

CS50 is a rigorous introduction to computer science. You're going to learn a lot of coding languages and you're gonna feel as if you don't have much of a grasp on them since this course moves so fast.

Most notably, the course is entirely free, and it includes a free certificate of completion. But understanding how to obtain it can be a bit confusing. So in this article, let's discuss CS50 and explain how you can earn a free certificate.

About this course

Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. Languages include C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript plus CSS and HTML.

Is CS50 enough to get a job? The knowledge you will acquire from taking CS50 will bring you close to being a confident software developer, however, just this course alone is not enough to get a job, you'll still need to apply your skills by creating projects. You will also need to network, and gather some experience.

Verified certificates require you to verify your identity using a webcam and a photo identification card, so employers and schools know that you completed the course work.” A CS50 Certificate is a free certificate from CS50 itself; CS50 does not verify identities.

On average, the course takes between 10 to 20 hours per week to complete. A minimum of 9 assignments is needed to pass the course.

Initially Computer Science seems hard because learning to program is challenging. Programming is the first task that Computer Science students must master, and programming requires an extremely logical and methodical approach to solving problems.

How difficult is CS50? For many students, CS50 is simply more time-consuming than it is difficult. Starting each week's problem set early, then, makes things easier!

CS50 does not assume any prior computer science or programming experience. In fact, two-thirds of Harvard's CS50 students had never written a line of code in their lives prior to CS50.

Can I get CS50 certificate without paying? ›

If you submit and receive a score of at least 70% on each of this course's projects and quizzes, you will be eligible for a free CS50 Certificate like the below. For a verified certificate from edX, register at https://cs50.edx.org/ai.

CS50 (Computer Science 50) is an on-campus and online introductory course on computer science taught at Harvard University and Yale University.

Is Harvard University's CS50 certificate worth it? Yes, it is. The certificate course is delivered by one of the best educational institutions. The entire online learning experience is excellent for students to jumpstart their careers in tech.

Introduction to Computer Science from Harvard, better known as CS50, is the largest course on the Harvard campus and more than 4,000,000 learners worldwide have registered for the course on edX.

Ways to take this course

A Verified Certificate costs $219 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums.

If you submit and receive a score of at least 70% on each of this course's projects and quizzes, you will be eligible for a free CS50 Certificate like the below. For a verified certificate from edX, register at https://cs50.edx.org/ai. Email certificates@cs50.harvard.edu with any questions.

A Verified Certificate costs $219 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums.

This course is especially recommended for beginners due to its slow pace and beginner-friendly content. By the time you finish this course, you should be proficient enough to proceed to the more intense courses. Remember, the primary key here is consistent learning, and not rushing through the course.