Harvard's CompSci intro course boasts record-breaking enrollment

http://www.networkworld.com/article/2682600/education/harvards-compsci-intro-course-boasts-record-breaking-enrollment.html

by WestCoastJustin • 12 years ago

20 6 12 years ago

networkworld.com

cykho• 12 years ago

I wonder if this means more Harvard students are seeking careers as devs or that Harvard students in other disciplines are looking to add programming to their repertoire?

legacy2013• 12 years ago

I also wonder what the percentage of graduates they have after the four years. I'm sure a lot of people see the draw of a fun career and money, but don't know how difficult the degree is.

seanmcdirmid• 12 years ago

A computer science degree can be easier than a physics, math, or biology degree. At least for some of us.

bwy• 12 years ago

As an EECS student at UC Berkeley, whose intro CS class is in the same situation, I think it's mostly the latter. There are certainly more people seeking careers as devs nowadays, but that's nothing compared to all of the bio, math, physics, and psychology major friends I have taking CS classes. They want to see what it's all about.

extra88• 12 years ago

Harvard students are buying into the idea that knowledge of the basics of computer science and programming is useful in a wide variety of fields. Malan's CS50 has also definitely contributed to a significant increase in the number of undergrads choosing Computer Science as their concentration (what Harvard calls majors). Other concentrations offered within Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have also seen increased enrollment and there's been an increase in the quantity and proportion of women in SEAS concentrations. But being a CS concentrator doesn't necessarily mean they'll seek "careers as devs," CS is not just "how to program" and Harvard (College) not a trade school.

I took it in 2009 through Harvard's Extension School (CSCI E-50 is now its course number through that School); it was a great class and from what I've seen it has only gotten better since then.

guiambros• 12 years ago

"Malan also said that 'it is possible' that the decision to exempt CS50 from the new restrictions on enrollment in courses occurring at the same time helped bolster its enrollment numbers. Last month, Dean of Undergraduate Education Jay M. Harris sent an email to course instructors notifying them of tighter controls on simultaneous enrollment for all courses except CS50."

Besides, David Malan is a rockstar himself. His classes are fun, witty, engaging, great for non-techies. Not a surprise that his class is one of the most sought-after.

[1] http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/9/11/cs50-breaks-enro...

Harvard's CompSci intro course boasts record-breaking enrollment

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