Advanced Placement
Why Should You Take AP Computer Science Principles?
Computer science is the engine that powers the technology, productivity, and innovation that drive the world—it keeps 3-D animation, engineering, music, app development, medicine, visual design, robotics, political analysis, and more moving forward. AP® Computer Science Principles is opening doors for students around the country to understand how computing and technology shape the world around them. A school year studying computer science will help you learn and grow by applying ideas to create solutions.
Watch this webinar to hear from students who took this course and find out how it can benefit you.
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 | Program models and experiments that help answer biology, physics, and sociological questions |
| Design and build robots for use in fields like manufacturing, surgery, research, and transportation | 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. Explore them all here.
- 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.
Learn about scholarships, paid internships, and other opportunities for high school and college students interested in computer science.
Interested in Taking AP CSP?
Talk to your school counselor to see if AP Computer Science Principles is available at your school and how you can enroll.
