Learn computer science with Harvard’s CS50 programs

Harvard University's Computer Science 50 program, or CS50, is a collection of introductory computer science courses designed for students at all levels who want to learn foundational and advanced computing concepts.

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What is covered in a CS50 program?

HarvardX CS50 courses cover the essentials of computer science, such as programming languages and mobile app development. Through real-world projects and interactive lessons, you'll explore:

Core concepts

Algorithms and abstraction
Data structures and database design
APIs, cryptography, and cloud services
Computational thinking and scalability

Programming skills

Languages: C, JavaScript, Python, R, SQL
Web development: HTML, CSS, Django, GitHub

Special topics

Artificial intelligence (AI)
Data science and resource management
Cybersecurity

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How long do CS50 courses and programs take?

Because CS50 courses are self-paced, you can complete them on your schedule:

Type	Duration	Pace
Individual courses	5-12 weeks	Self-paced
Professional certificate programs	5-6 months	Self-paced

Individual courses

Duration

5-12 weeks

Pace

Self-paced

Professional certificate programs

Duration

5-6 months

Pace

Self-paced

How much do CS50 courses cost and what’s included?

CS50 courses are relatively affordable and provide proof of completion and competency from HarvardX. You can even audit these classes for free on edX:

Access type	What you get	Price range
Audit (Free)	Access to course content	$0
Certificate upgrade	Graded assignments and a HarvardX certificate to validate your skills	$219-$299
Professional programs	The opportunity to build in-demand skills across multiple CS50 courses and earn a verified HarvardX professional certificate	$376-$519

Audit (Free)

What you get

Access to course content

Price range

Certificate upgrade

What you get

Graded assignments and a HarvardX certificate to validate your skills

Price range

$219-$299

Professional programs

What you get

The opportunity to build in-demand skills across multiple CS50 courses and earn a verified HarvardX professional certificate

Price range

$376-$519

Start for free, upgrade for the full CS50 experience

The CS50 journey starts free, but the full experience goes further. You can explore Harvard’s computer science courses at no cost by auditing CS50 on edX. This lets you try different topics, choose the right learning path, and upgrade to the verified track when you're ready for graded assignments, a certificate, and the complete CS50 experience.

Why upgrade?

The complete CS50 experience offers:

A verified HarvardX CS50 certificate
Graded assignments
Résumé credibility
Global network of CS50 learners and alumni

The Harvard CS50 community on edX can connect you with learners worldwide. Join the global CS50 community on edX to discuss the course material, meet like-minded students, and find new opportunities for professional growth.

Discover the CS50 community

Explore CS50 courses and start learning today

Difficulty level	Course	Length (Weeks)
Introductory	CS50x - Introduction to Computer Science	12
Introductory	CS50P - Introduction to Programming with Python	10
Introductory	CS50R - Introduction to Programming with R	7
Introductory	CS50S - Introduction to Programming with Scratch	3
Introductory	CS50 SQL - Introduction to Databases with SQL	7
Introductory	CS50L - Computer Science for Lawyers (and law students)	10
Introductory	CS50B - Computer Science for Business Professionals	6
Introductory	CS50 Cybersecurity - Introduction to Cybersecurity	5
Introductory	CS50 AI - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python	7
Introductory	CS50W - Web Programming with JavaScript	12

Introductory

Course

CS50x - Introduction to Computer Science CS50P - Introduction to Programming with Python CS50R - Introduction to Programming with R CS50S - Introduction to Programming with Scratch CS50 SQL - Introduction to Databases with SQL CS50L - Computer Science for Lawyers (and law students)CS50B - Computer Science for Business Professionals CS50 Cybersecurity - Introduction to Cybersecurity CS50 AI - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python CS50W - Web Programming with JavaScript

Length (Weeks)

Learn from Harvard’s CS50 instructors

David J. Malan

Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science at Harvard University in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Member of the Faculty of Education in the Graduate School of Education

Meet David

Doug Lloyd

Senior Preceptor in Computer Science in the Division of Continuing Education at Harvard University

Meet Doug

Brian Yu

Senior Preceptor in Computer Science in the Division of Continuing Education at Harvard University

Meet Brian

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Explore all CS50 courses

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Top careers for computer science graduates

The median annual wage for computer and information technology professionals in 2024 was $105,990, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Below, you'll find a list of popular jobs for computer science graduates alongside BLS education requirements, 2024 salary information, and job growth projections.

Job title	Entry-level education	Median annual salary	Projected job growth (2024–34)
Computer hardware engineer	Bachelor's degree	$155,020	+7%
Computer and information research scientist	Master's degree	$140,910	+20%
Computer network architect	Bachelor's degree	$130,390	+12%
Computer support specialist	Computer knowledge, degree not necessarily required	$61,550	-3%
Database administrator or architect	Bachelor's degree	$123,100	+4%
Data scientist	Bachelor's degree	$112,590	+34%
Software developer	Bachelor's degree	$131,450	+15%
Web developer or digital designer	Bachelor's degree	$95,380	+7%

Computer hardware engineer

Entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Median annual salary

$155,020

Projected job growth (2024–34)

+7%

Computer and information research scientist

Entry-level education

Master's degree

Median annual salary

$140,910

Projected job growth (2024–34)

+20%

Computer network architect

Entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Median annual salary

$130,390

Projected job growth (2024–34)

+12%

Computer support specialist

Entry-level education

Computer knowledge, degree not necessarily required

Median annual salary

$61,550

Projected job growth (2024–34)

-3%

Database administrator or architect

Entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Median annual salary

$123,100

Projected job growth (2024–34)

+4%

Data scientist

Entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Median annual salary

$112,590

Projected job growth (2024–34)

+34%

Software developer

Entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Median annual salary

$131,450

Projected job growth (2024–34)

+15%

Web developer or digital designer

Entry-level education

Bachelor's degree

Median annual salary

$95,380

Projected job growth (2024–34)

+7%

Ready to start your CS50 journey?

Discover where a career in computer science can take you. Sign up for a Harvard CS50 course on edX today to earn valuable skills from industry-leading computer science experts.

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Frequently asked questions about CS50 courses

Why should I enroll in CS50 courses?

Harvard's CS50 courses teach essential theoretical and practical computer science skills for students at all levels. Whether you're new to computer science or looking to broaden your skills, you can find a CS50 that suits your career goals.

The benefits of taking a Harvard CS50 course online with edX include:

Foundational knowledge
Course specialization variety
Career development
Industry expert professors
Worldwide networking opportunities
Résumé authority

Will I learn coding by taking a CS50 course?

By taking a CS50 course, you can learn to code with programming languages such as SQL, Python, and JavaScript.

How long does it take to finish a CS50 program?

CS50 programs can take 5-12 weeks to complete. However, your timeline may vary depending on your study schedule.

Is the Harvard CS50 program worth it?

A Harvard CS50 program is worth it if you want to gain a broad yet comprehensive understanding of computer science and programming.

What's the best way to learn computer science?

The best way to learn computer science is to take reputable courses that include problem sets and practical applications and are taught by knowledgeable instructors.