Harvard University · on edX

Computer Science for Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

Beginner 150 hours English Professional CertificateFREE
Our recommendation
A HarvardX professional certificate on edX blending two of Harvard's most popular CS50 courses — CS50's Introduction to Computer Science and CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity. It gives you a genuine computing foundation alongside security awareness. Excellent, rigorous teaching, and — in the CS50 tradition — the courses offer free Harvard certificates, with edX verified options separate.

Good for: A rigorous computing + cybersecurity foundation from Harvard.

Less suitable if: You want advanced or purely technical security work.

Skills you'll gain

Computer scienceCybersecurityProgrammingSecurity awarenessCS50Problem solving

Is this course right for you?

A good fit if you…

You want a strong CS + security foundation
You value rigorous teaching
You are newer to computing

Consider something else if you…

You want advanced security work
You already have a CS foundation
You want a quick overview

Requirements: None, though CS50 is famously demanding.

Realistic time: Several months at a few hours per week.

About this course

Computer Science for Cybersecurity blends two of Harvard's most popular CS50 courses — CS50's Introduction to Computer Science and CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity — into a single professional certificate. You complete any two courses from the series, getting both general CS fundamentals and a specific cybersecurity lens on them.

What you'll learn

Build core computer science fundamentals (CS50)
Understand network security and common attack vectors
Apply secure coding and system-hardening practices
Analyze real cybersecurity case studies
Complete hands-on CS50-style problem sets
Earn a verified Harvard professional certificate

This course includes

150h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language

What it costs

Both underlying CS50 courses can be taken free, and — in the CS50 tradition — offer free Harvard certificates on completion. edX verified certificates are a separate paid option. Note CS50 is rigorous and time-consuming despite being free.

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Is the certificate recognised?

The CS50 courses offer free Harvard certificates; the edX professional-certificate/verified track is a separate paid option. Either way it is a course credential from Harvard, well regarded but not an academic degree.

Instructor

DJ
David J. Malan
edX instructor

David J. Malan teaches Harvard's CS50, one of the most-watched introductory computer science courses in the world.

About this provider

ED
edX
Non-profit online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. 45M+ learners worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions

Yes — both CS50 courses can be taken free and offer free Harvard certificates; edX verified certificates are a separate paid option.
CS50's Introduction to Computer Science and CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity.
CS50 is famously rigorous and time-consuming, even though it is free and beginner-oriented.
No — it is designed for newcomers, but expect a serious time commitment.
Several months at a few hours per week.
Free
to audit
Enroll now