There are many reasons to study computer science. First of all, the median annual pay for jobs in this sector is over $130,000 as of 2021. But that’s not all. Apart from a pretty high salary, jobs in computer science also boast a quite impressive career outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer science are projected to grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than average.
Looking at these numbers, it becomes clear that jobs in the computer science field are the jobs of the future. They are high-paying, stable, offer good perspectives, and can be fun. And the best part is that you can master this occupation online!
There are plenty of great online computer science courses. In this article, an industry expert from EssayHub, a professional online essay writing service for college students, has gathered some of the best ones.
1. Introduction to Programming
Available on freeCodeCamp, this free course is perfect for beginners. It comes in the form of a two-hour YouTube lecture and covers all the basics of computer science that one needs to figure out to get started in this field.
The Introduction to Programming is great for busy students (or specialists from other fields) who want to enter computer science but have no or very little background knowledge. This course doesn’t require a huge time commitment. Since the lecture only lasts for two hours, a student can easily turn to a reliable paper service to write my essay cheap and use the free time to complete this course. Or, if you are already working, you can complete it during the weekend or in the evening, after your work. Yet, it will give you a solid knowledge base.
2. CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
If you’ve got a little more time for studying computer science, the next course on our list will be a great place to start! CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science is free and available to everyone who wants to learn the basics and enter the industry.
The biggest highlight of this course is that it is taught by David J.Malan, an industry expert and a professor at Harvard University, so you can imagine the high quality of the materials presented in the course. It covers a wide array of important entry-level topics. The focus of this course is to teach students how to get better at problem-solving and start thinking algorithmically – which are the two cornerstones of computer science.
3. Introduction to Algorithms
The next one on our list, Introduction to Algorithms, is another free online course provided by a big-named school – Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is also great for beginners because it takes you through important computer science topics by hand and explains the core concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
The two core topics covered in the course include computational problems and mathematical modeling. Within these topics, you will also learn different data structures, common algorithms, algorithmic paradigms, and how to solve various problems.
4. Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
Out of a huge variety of programming and computer science courses available for free on Coursera, Code Yourself is one of the best ones. Not without reason! It was already completed by over 250,000 students. This course is provided by the University of Edinburgh, and it has everything you need to get started in this field.
The course spans a plethora of topics and concepts. It will introduce you to the basics of computer science and teach you how to code from scratch. Another huge benefit of this option is that you can complete this course at your own pace. Though it is told to take about 12 hours, you can move through it at whatever speed is comfortable for you.
5. Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
The next course on our list is also free and provided by a reputable higher education facility – the University of Toronto. This course is designed for everyone who wants to work in computer science and programming but lacks the fundamental building blocks needed to get into the industry.
After taking this course, you will master the core concepts of computer science and programming, and, most importantly, you will start writing fun and useful codes from scratch using Python. It’s great for beginners!
6. An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python
The last online course we advise you to take if you are interested in a career in computer science is An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python. This course is offered by Rice University, and it has everything to get you started.
The entire course consists of two parts that you can complete for free. In the first part of the course, you will learn the basic principles of programming and acquire the necessary skills. With part two of this course, you will take your knowledge and skills to the next level and learn how to program in Python like a pro.
The Bottom Line
Computer science is a dynamic and fast-growing industry that attracts people with many benefits. Entering this field is the key to getting a stable and high-paying job in the future. And now, you know where to begin.
The courses we shared with you here are all designed for beginners looking to get an introduction to computer science. They are all free yet effective. Now, all you need to do is to choose what suits you best!