What Makes AP Computer Science Principles Important?

The world's technology, productivity, and creativity are powered by computer science, which keeps fields like 3-D animation, engineering, music, app development, medical, visual design, robots, political analysis, and more advanced. Students all throughout the country are now able to comprehend how computing and technology impact the world around them thanks to AP® Computer Science Principles. Studying computer science in school will enable you to use concepts to produce solutions, which will help you learn and develop.

About the Course

You don’t need an advanced understanding of coding to be successful in the course; AP CSP is an introductory-level course meant for all students. The only prerequisite is completion of Algebra I. During the course, you’ll learn the principles that support the science of computing and develop thinking skills computer scientists use. You’ll work individually and as part of a team to creatively address real-world issues using the tools and processes of computation.

And you don’t need a home computer—your school will give you access to computers so you can complete the course.

Projects may include:

• Create apps to track health data and provide real-time suggestions for ways to live healthier
• Design and build robots for use in fields like manufacturing, surgery, research, and transportation
• Program models and experiments that help answer biology, physics, and sociological questions
• Create tools that people can use to collect money for causes they care about

How You Benefit

• Use your creativity to build programs that interest you.
• Learn skills you can apply to a wide range of careers and majors.
• Challenge yourself and gain confidence in your problem-solving abilities.
• Explore ways to help your community through technology.
• Gain computer science skills that are highly valued by colleges and employers around the country.
• Work collaboratively to solve problems.

Expanding Opportunities

Of the more than nine million STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) jobs available in the next decade, half will require computer science experience. No matter what your passion is—whether it’s the arts, medicine, education, or something else—computer science can help you on your career path.