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Computer Science I Course

Computer Science I introduces students to object-oriented programming—from the basic “Hello, World!” program to more advanced concepts like recursion. In this 100% online dual enrollment course, students code alongside world-class instructors on their way to earning transferable college credits.

A New Way to Learn Computer Science

  • Learn essential concepts and algorithms in Java programming
  • Analyze, write, and test code as they create a Sudoku puzzle-solver and their own survival game
  • Build skills in debugging, error handling, and defensive programming
  • Solve problems in both the digital and non-digital world
  • Discover the social impact and power of computer science


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Computer Science I Course from Outlier by Savvas

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Interactive, Mastery-Based Learning

Students enjoy cinematic lectures from top-rated instructors—all in a custom interface built by game designers and education experts to maximize student engagement and retention.

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Ultimate Flexibility & Visibility

This turnkey asynchronous course adapts to your scheduling and staffing needs. Plus, educators get complete visibility into student progress with real-time monitoring, grade pacing, and forecasting.

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Real College Course Worth Real College Credit From a Top 50 University

Students have reported successfully transferring their credits to academic institutions across the country—from community colleges to the Ivy League.

Discover the magic of learning with Computer Science I

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Level up your students’ coding skills

  • Key Concepts
  • Learning Outcomes
  • Assessments
  • Educator Support
  • World-Class Instructors

Key Concepts Covered

  • Basics of Computer Science
    • The computer science problem-solving process
    • Java and other programming languages
    • Basic components of a computer
    • Syntax and semantics
    • Keywords, identifiers, literals, types, and variables
    • Declaration and assignment
    • Numerical and comparison operators
  • Command Flow Structures
    • if, else, else if, and nested if statements
    • while, for, do-while, enhanced, and nested loops
    • Variable scoping
    • Defining and calling methods
    • Method signatures and overloading
    • Void and non-void methods
    • Passing by value
  • Data Structures
    • Declaring, traversing, and editing arrays
    • Multidimensional arrays
    • Defining, comparing, and manipulating strings
    • Common String methods
    • Declaring, traversing, and editing ArrayLists
    • ArrayList methods
    • Binary search
    • Ethics of data collection and data privacy
  • Objects, Classes, and Inheritance
    • Defining and creating classes and objects
    • Constructor, main, accessor, and mutator methods
    • Data visibility
    • Libraries and classes
    • Class hierarchies
    • Overriding methods
    • Polymorphism
    • The Object class
  • Error Handling, Exceptions, and Recursion
    • Error handling
    • Defensive programming
    • Enumerated types
    • Libraries and classes
    • Catching, throwing, and creating exceptions
    • Recursive methods
    • Selection sort, insertion sort, Quicksort, and merge sort
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Learning Outcomes

  • Course Learning Outcomes
    • Demonstrate familiarity with the essential computer programming concepts
    • Apply the basic concepts and principles of structured programming and object-oriented programming
    • Apply computational thinking, common data structures, and algorithms to designing problem solutions
    • Formulate test cases, test, and debug a program
    • Translate a well-posed problem into a functioning program in order to analyze or solve the problem
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Assessments

  • Quizzes and Exams
    • Course quizzes and exams consist of multiple choice, true/false, select all that apply, matching, and open-response questions. All are autograded by the LMS, so educators can spend more time with students and less time grading.
  • Programming Code Assignments
    • Students apply programming and problem-solving skills to design coding solutions in 3 long-form coding assignments. These assignments build toward their capstone project: building a game using Java.
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Educator Support & Dashboard

  • Access All Course Material
    Educators and administrators have full access to the Partner Dashboard and all course material from Day 1.
  • View Course Milestones
    Easy-to-use tools show milestone dates and deadlines for the cohort, as well as the full weekly course schedule.
  • Monitor Student Progress in Real Time
    Short answer assignments are included at the end of each module, providing an opportunity for students to analyze and apply their learning to a real-world situation. Students are supplied with a detailed assignment rubric, with clear expectations.
  • Download Student Grades & Progress
    Educators and administrators can download student grades and full progress report details in CSV format.
  • Review Student Submissions for Graded Assessments
    Educators and administrators can view student-submitted answers to assignments, quizzes, and exams.
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World-Class Instructors

  • World-Class Instructors

    We handpicked these instructors for their uniquely human take on computer science. So your students experience just how approachable, accessible, and inclusive computer science can be.

    • Xanda Schofield, Ph.D., Harvey Mudd College
    • Michael Lee, MS, Illinois Institute of Technology
    • Erin Hoffman, UDACITY
    • Richard Tillies, MS, Durham Technical Community College
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Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Science I

  • How are Outlier courses structured?

    Outlier courses are divided into a series of chapters and sections. Each section contains cinematic video lectures and active learning (our interactive digital textbook) that help students learn the course content.

    In Computer Science I, two code ambassadors guide students through real-world examples to practice the concepts they learn each week. Students then demonstrate their knowledge on graded assessments, including quizzes, exams, a cumulative final exam, and a three-part capstone assignment. 

  • Are there any course prerequisites?
    No.
  • Are there any student eligibility requirements?

    Students must be at least 13 years old. Students who enroll in an Outlier course should be ready for the academic rigor of college-level coursework and carefully consider their existing responsibilities and dedication.

  • What technology does my school need to take Outlier courses?

    Each student must have access to technology that meets the technical requirements noted in this Help Center article.

  • What is the minimum/maximum enrollment?

    All Outlier courses have unlimited enrollment, with no minimum or maximum. So they easily adapt to your scheduling and staffing needs.

  • What support is available for educators?

    Your educators get complete visibility into student progress in the Partner Dashboard, including:

    • Progress monitoring based on the course syllabus and schedule 
    • Grade pacing and forecasting based on students’ performance
  • Is Computer Science I completely online?
    Yes, Outlier courses are 100% online and asynchronous. Your students can learn during any class period—anywhere in the universe with Wi-Fi and a laptop or desktop computer.
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Prepare your students for college and career success. All with one solution.

Whether you want to empower your students to explore potential careers, prepare for college, or become certified professionals, it’s easy to do it all with Savvas PathMaker. Simply mix and match dual enrollment courses and CTE courses from our comprehensive catalog to create personalized pathways for every student.

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Mix and match to build your perfect career pathways:

Savvas PathMaker
Example Pathway What students learn What students earn
IT Associate Networking
Cybersecurity 1
Professional Communication *
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Aerospace Technology Aeronautics and Space Travel
Drones: Remote Pilot
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot
3 college credits
Digital Marketing Meta® Social Media *
Adobe InDesign®
Professional Communication *
Meta® Certified Digital Marketing Associate
Adobe® Certified Professional in Print & Digital Media Publication using Adobe InDesign®
3 college credits
Savvas CTE
* Outlier by Savvas Dual Enrollment

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