Benefits
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College Credits
Earn 3 credits from University of Pittsburgh
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Futuristic learning
Experience online learning built by game designers
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More for less
Save 50% vs. typical for-credit college costs
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Overview
In this groundbreaking course taught by world-class instructors, you’ll learn essential programming skills in Java.
You'll code a Sudoku puzzle-solver, as well as your own survival game with an array of dangerous characters.
Plus, you’ll develop practical skills for in-demand tech careers—such as testing and debugging code, error handling, and defensive programming.
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Instructors
We hand-picked our instructors specifically because they offer a uniquely human take on computer science.
Using a custom interface to code alongside professors Xanda Schofield and Michael Lee, you’ll experience just how approachable, accessible, and inclusive computer science can be.
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Support
Our two code ambassadors will be with you every step of the way to guide you through real-world examples to practice the concepts you learn each week.
Hit a snag on the site? Have a burning question? We’ve got you covered.
Our dedicated Student Success team is available to assist you—and push you—to help you pass with flying colors.
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a way to get college credit when life circumstances make it difficult for students.
Transferable credits from a top 50 school
Most schools accept credits transferred from University of Pittsburgh
Learn moreGive $75, Get $75.
School is better with friends. You get $75 off. They get $75 off. (Study buddies for the win.)
Learn MoreGive $75, Get $75.
School is better with friends. You get $75 off. They get $75 off. (Study buddies for the win.)
Learn MoreMeet your instructors
Full refund if you do the work and don't pass
If you’ve put in the time and effort to do all the work for a course but do not receive a passing grade, that’s on us and you will receive a full refund. You may also exit the course before the drop deadline to receive a full refund (14 days from start for 14-week courses).
Compare courses
| Traditional course | |
|---|---|
Cost per course$1,332 on average |
Cost per course$597 with monthly payment option |
CreditsUsually 3-4 credits from your school |
Credits3 transferable credits |
RiskPay full price after the drop deadline |
RiskFull refund even after the drop deadline if you do the work and don’t pass |
FormatIn-person or Zoom |
FormatInteractive and 100% online (Zoom-free) |
LecturesSpecific time and place |
LecturesOn-demand, anywhere |
ExamsSpecific hour |
ExamsFlexible window |
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Quality education. Now more affordable than ever.
Outliers can now make low monthly payments with 0% interest.
What you’ll learn
This course covers all the basic principles and latest Computer Science I topics you’ll need for college credit (and then some—see the syllabus for a complete list).
Basics
Syntax and semantics
“Hello, World!”
Primitive types and reference types
Assignment and numerical operators
Order of precedence
Stored program computers
Recursion
The Fibonacci sequence
Recursion and sorting
Selection, insertion, quick, and merge sort
Programming language commands
Conditionals
Loops
Methods
Arrays
Strings
ArrayLists
Error handling and exceptions
Defensive programming
Enumerated types
Catching, throwing, creating exceptions
Checked exceptions
Object-oriented programming
Defining and creating classes and objects
Constructor method
Main method
Accessor and mutator methods
Data visibility
Libraries
Classes and inheritance
Overriding methods
Polymorphism
Object class
Designing class hierarchies
Frequently asked questions
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We recommend students have earned at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. You must be 13 or older and willing to commit yourself academically to enroll in our courses. Students attempting Outlier courses should be ready for the academic rigor of college-level coursework.
In addition, you'll need Wi-Fi and a laptop or desktop computer. (You can stream lectures in our iPhone app, but you'll need a computer to complete the rest of your courses.)
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When you Audit an Outlier course, it simply means you’re taking the course without the expectation of earning credits or impacting your college transcript. You will not receive a grade, a transcript, nor credits, and will not be participating in exams.
The Audit Path is ideal for:
-High school students who are looking to add sparkle to their college applications, or who wish to learn more about a subject, but avoid the burden of impacting their permanent records.
-Lifelong learners who want to take a serious course but aren’t interested in receiving grades or college credits.
Learn more about our audit option in the Help Center.
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Tutoring sessions will be scheduled to maximize compatibility with students’ schedules and availability. Exams are each open to take within a weeklong window and the capstone assignment has deadlines to keep you on track, but all other course materials are available to you from the time the course opens through the end of the final exam window.
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If you have a request for reasonable disability accommodations, contact support@outlier.org. Please include specifics regarding the accommodation you are seeking. Additionally, if you have a disability accommodations letter from a school you are currently attending, you may send that to us as well.
Outlier is committed to ensuring that learners with accessibility needs have equal opportunity to succeed in our courses.
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