How to use computer-science: OSSU self-taught CS path

What is the OSSU computer-science curriculum?

The OSSU curriculum is described as a complete education in computer science using online materials. It is designed around the degree requirements of undergraduate computer science majors, minus general education (non-CS) requirements, because the project assumes most learners are already educated outside the field.

Courses are chosen only if they are open for enrollment, run regularly (ideally self-paced), are of generally high quality, and match the CS 2013 curricular guidelines. When no course fits, a book supplements the coursework.

• Intro CS: try out CS and see if it suits you
• Core CS: roughly the first three years of a CS curriculum, required for all learners
• Advanced CS: roughly the final year, with electives chosen by interest
• Final Project: a project to validate and display your knowledge, evaluated by peers worldwide

Check the requirements before you start

The README says Core CS assumes you have already taken high school math, including algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus. Advanced systems assumes a basic physics course, such as AP Physics in high school. Advanced CS assumes you have completed all of Core CS.

The repository lists no install prerequisites because the material is read online. Intro CS requires high school algebra.

• High school algebra, geometry and pre-calculus for Core CS
• A basic physics course for Advanced systems
• Time: the README estimates about 2 years at roughly 20 hours per week
• Cost: most material is free, but some courses may charge for graded assignments, tests or projects

Get the repository and open the course list

The install method is read-online. If you want a local copy of the curriculum files, clone the repository with the command below. The README also points to the OSSU CS website, cs.ossu.dev, as the place to check which courses to take.

The README warns that the planning spreadsheet may fall behind the curriculum, so use the website or the repo to confirm the current course list.

Work through the courses in order

The README recommends doing all Core CS courses, skipping one only if you are certain you already know the material. It recommends working top to bottom, especially in Core CS. Each course lists its prerequisites so you can check readiness.

Some learners take math courses in parallel with introductory courses to vary their daily work. You can study alone or in groups.

Intro CS, for example, lists Introduction to Computer Science and Programming using Python, with a 14-week duration and 6-10 hours per week of effort.

• Start with Intro CS to test your interest
• Complete Core CS in order unless you already know the material
• Advanced CS: pick one subject, such as Advanced programming, and take its courses
• You may create your own Advanced subject and ask the Discord community for feedback

Use the community and avoid outdated material

OSSU points learners to its Discord server as the first stop for talking with other students. Course problems and curriculum changes are raised through GitHub issues, as explained in the contributing guide.

The README warns about third-party, deprecated or outdated material, including an unmaintained Firebase app, an unmaintained Trello board and third-party Notion templates. It recommends using only the OSSU CS website or the GitHub repo.

• Discord: introduce yourself and ask questions
• GitHub issues: report course problems or propose curriculum changes
• Ignore unmaintained third-party copies