Harvard’s Most Popular Course is Free, Online (2024)

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Harvard’s Most Popular Course is Free, Online (3)

CS50 is Harvard’s most popular class, and you can take it for free online.

This introductory computer science course covers algorithms, data structures, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development.

Over 2 million students have taken this hallmark computer science course — which started off in 1989 as an exclusive, on-campus course, with just around 200 students a year. Today, attending Harvard in-person costs over $70,000 a year.

CS50 is an extremely famous course, and for good reason.

Cult of Personality

CS50’s claim to fame has its roots in Harvard Professor David Malan, who The Harvard Crimson describes as having a “cult of personality” for his unique teaching style.

Let’s take a look at an example lecture.

Now you can understand the praise of YouTube’s CEO: “CS50 changed my life.”

Accessibility

Robert Bowden, a member of the technical staff, says that the digital experience is essentially equal to the in-person experience:

“It’s no longer the case that the live experience, being in Sanders Theatre, being lectured to, is superior to even sections as separate things, office hours Monday through Thursday, the videos that are online, the shorts that are online [and the] message boards that we have.”

In other words, millions of people are getting the true Harvard experience, for free online.

Esteemed Guest Lecturers

Harvard’s Most Popular Course is Free, Online (2024)

FAQs

Harvard’s Most Popular Course is Free, Online? ›

CS50 is Harvard's most popular class, and you can take it for free online. This introductory computer science course covers algorithms, data structures, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development.

Does Harvard free online courses give certificates? ›

Harvard OCW, which is Harvard's open online course platform. On Harvard OCW, CS50 includes a free certificate of completion, like the one below. Note that the course content is exactly same as on edX, including all the assignments. The only difference is that the free certificate doesn't involve ID verification.

Does an online course certificate from Harvard have any value? ›

Pursuing an online certificate from Harvard can help you strengthen critical skills and advance your career. Harvard reports that nearly 90% of certificate earners feel confident that their program prepared them for their next career step.

Are free online certificates worth it? ›

Free online classes can't replace a formal degree. However, these courses can help you build concrete skills and knowledge, establish a specialization within your field and stay up to date in fast-changing industries.

Which free Harvard course is the best? ›

These are the best free online courses from Harvard University this month:
  • Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature.
  • Applications of TinyML.
  • Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health.
  • CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals.
  • CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python.
Jan 4, 2024

Do Harvard online courses count for College credit? ›

Harvard College students enrolled in an “On-Campus or Online” course must attend live, either in the on-campus classroom or via web conference if they want to receive credit towards their undergraduate degree.

Are Harvard verified certificates worth it? ›

Yes, it is worth it. Harvard online certificate programs will take you through high-quality education relevant to the interests you pursue. The online platform features highly interactive learning exercises, peer reviews, financial aid applications, and access to prestigious organizations.

Is Harvard CORe certificate worth it? ›

In interviews with past CORe participants conducted by Harvard, 80% reported it's the best online business program they've taken and 65% said they've experienced more respect or influence in their workplace from having completed the program.

Is an HBS Online certificate worth it? ›

Taking an HBS Online course can literally pay off. A recent survey by City Square Associates found that 42 percent of HBS Online learners said their course helped them receive a salary increase. With an average increase of $17,000, that's a 10-times return on investment for a $1,750 course.

Is Harvard CS50 legit? ›

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.

What's the difference between a verified certificate and a CS50 certificate? ›

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.

Is Harvard certificate valid? ›

Your certificate is absolutely still valid. You do not need to change how it's presented on your resume or LinkedIn.

Can I get a Harvard certificate for free? ›

I've learnt that there are two certificates that you can avail one being the free one from Harvard and the other being the certified from edX. I know edX is just kind of a wrapper to the actual Harvard CS50 website.

Which online certification is most recognized? ›

The most highly-demanded certification courses are:
  • Cybersecurity Courses.
  • Data Science And Big Data.
  • Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning.
  • Digital Marketing.
  • Web Design Certificate Programs.
  • Google Analytics Certifications.
  • Coding Languages And Computer Science Online Certificate Programs.
  • Aws Certifications.

Are free online colleges legit? ›

There are several good online colleges and tuition-free accredited online universities where students can take college courses and earn a degree for little or no money. However, some will charge other fees, like application fees, and others will require students to work in exchange for their free education.

Does CS50 give a certificate free? ›

A verified certificate, which you can purchase from edX, “can provide proof for an employer, school, or other institution that you have successfully completed an online course.” A CS50 Certificate is a free certificate from CS50 itself.

How to get a Harvard edX certificate for free? ›

Ned W. edX does not offer free certificates. Certificates are awarded only to passing students registered in the paid verified track.

How much is a Harvard CS50 certificate? ›

Ways to take this course

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

Is Harvard online accredited? ›

We Are Harvard

Since our founding in 1910, we've been expanding Harvard University's reach beyond the traditional student and conventional classroom. What began as a series of courses for the local community has evolved into an accredited Harvard school serving adult learners around the globe, from over 120 countries.

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