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    Fundamentals of Computer Programming
    Online Program

    Fundamentals of Computer Programming

    by Northwestern College Prep

    Northwestern's introductory programming course helps students explore computer science and decide whether a CS major or minor matches their interests.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Fundamentals of Computer Programming at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Rising juniors and seniors; GPA 3.0+

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16-18

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    $5,781

    Duration

    5 weeks

    Format

    Online

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Computer Science
    Sessions / cadence: Asynchronous; no scheduled meetings
    Assessment style: Letter-graded college course
    College credit: 1 Northwestern credit unit
    Latest verified cycle: Summer 2026
    Instructor: Connor Bain

    Fundamentals of Computer Programming summary

    This Northwestern undergraduate course introduces computer programming and helps students test their interest in further computer science study.

    Asynchronous learning removes scheduled class meetings, while college-level expectations make independent organization essential.

    What is Fundamentals of Computer Programming?

    Fundamentals of Computer Programming is an introductory undergraduate course offered through Northwestern University's College Preparation Program. It focuses on the fundamentals of programming and is recommended for students considering a CS major or minor.

    The course runs asynchronously online, with no scheduled meeting times. Students experience college-level study and use the course to assess whether they want to continue learning programming. College Prep credit students study alongside Northwestern and visiting university students.

    Why Succeed highlights Fundamentals of Computer Programming

    • Its stated purpose makes it useful for testing interest in a CS major or minor.

    • The introductory approach welcomes students without high school computer science experience.

    • Asynchronous delivery offers scheduling flexibility without removing university-level expectations.

    • College credit and a recorded grade provide a concrete academic outcome.

    Who is Fundamentals of Computer Programming for?

    Best for

    Independent learners who want an introductory college course to test their interest in programming and further CS study.

    Not ideal if

    You depend on scheduled live classes to stay organized or want advanced programming study.

    Is Fundamentals of Computer Programming worth it?

    This course can be worthwhile if you want to experience undergraduate programming study before committing to a CS major or minor. Its introductory level and college-credit outcome give that exploration a clear academic purpose.

    The tuition makes it a substantial investment for a first introduction to coding. Asynchronous delivery also places responsibility on you to maintain a study routine, and participation does not guarantee university admission or credit transfer.

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    Founder, Succeed

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, time commitment, provider details, student outcomes and online support to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $5,781; includes One online undergraduate credit course., Normally one Northwestern credit unit..

    Dates and time commitment

    5 weeks; Asynchronous; no scheduled meetings.

    Provider details

    Review the Northwestern College Prep provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    What the student gains

    Potential output: The main academic outcome is normally one Northwestern credit unit, earned with a credit-bearing grade.. Check whether feedback, certificate, recommendation or application evidence is included.

    Online support and safeguarding

    Check how online sessions are supervised, how mentor communication works, and what support route exists if the student needs help.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, session schedule, payment terms, cancellation rules, support expectations and what output or certificate is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Fundamentals of Computer Programming need?

    Effort level

    Substantial, with independent college-level study.

    Best started

    Allow four to six weeks before a future application deadline to prepare writing and arrange official transcripts.

    Main challenge

    Maintaining steady progress without scheduled class meetings.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft the approximately 500-word statement around a rewarding academic experience and your reasons for choosing the course.

    • Ask your school about official transcript delivery and any required English proficiency results.

    • Plan a regular study routine and confirm that your computer and internet access support online coursework.

    Useful if

    You want to test both programming interest and readiness for independent study.

    What do students do on Fundamentals of Computer Programming?

    You study introductory computer programming through an asynchronous undergraduate course. The experience helps you decide whether further programming study matches your interests.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Complete the enrollment steps provided in your acceptance email.

    2. 2

      Study the fundamentals of computer programming without scheduled class meetings.

    3. 3

      Meet the course's academic requirements to earn a credit-bearing grade.

    4. 4

      View your grade in CAESAR and request a transcript when needed.

    Fundamentals of Computer Programming dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    1 April 2026

    Summer 2026 College Preparation Program credit-course application deadline.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22 June-26 July 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Complete sophomore or junior year of high school.

    • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.

    • Previous high school computer science study is not required.

    • Submit English proficiency results when primary language or schooling requires them.

    • Domestic and international students may apply.

    How much does Fundamentals of Computer Programming cost?

    Course tuition

    $5,781 — For one online credit class.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $60 — Nonrefundable.
    • Deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable; credited toward tuition and due three weeks after acceptance.
    • Tuition scholarship: For domestic US rising seniors demonstrating financial need and strong achievement.
    • Application fee waiver: Former College Prep participants may apply using the waiver form.

    What's included

    One online undergraduate credit course., Normally one Northwestern credit unit.

    How to apply to Fundamentals of Computer Programming

    1. 1

      Use Northwestern's College Preparation Program admissions process for credit courses.

    2. 2

      Write approximately 500 words answering the two personal-statement questions.

    3. 3

      List extracurricular activities with involvement dates, descriptions, and your roles.

    4. 4

      Arrange official transcripts in English and include any required TOEFL, IELTS, or DET results.

    5. 5

      Submit the complete application with the $60 nonrefundable application fee.

    6. 6

      After acceptance, activate NetID, set up guest access and Northwestern email, pay the deposit, and complete SchoolDoc registration.

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    Learning format

    The course is delivered online asynchronously, with no scheduled meeting times across its five-week session. Students are expected to be self-directed, highly motivated, and capable of managing their study time.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • Connor Bain is the listed course instructor.

    • The SPS Help Desk and Northwestern IT Support Center provide technical support.

    • The Writing Place offers free tutoring to enrolled College Prep students.

    • AccessibleNU coordinates reasonable accommodations for eligible students.

    Time-zone considerations

    • The course has no scheduled meeting times.
    • Asynchronous delivery avoids a fixed live-class time zone.
    • International students may participate through the credit-course admissions process.

    Tech requirements

    • Have a computer with reliable internet access.

    • Provide speakers, a microphone, and a webcam or built-in camera.

    • Be able to use email, web browsers, and Canvas.

    • Be able to create, upload, attach, and download documents.

    • Use a suitable workspace free from distractions and excessive noise.

    Assessment style

    This is a letter-graded undergraduate credit course using Northwestern's four-point grading scale.

    • D is the lowest grade that earns credit.
    • Course grades are accessible through CAESAR.
    • Academic integrity requirements apply to all coursework.

    Portfolio / outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    The main academic outcome is normally one Northwestern credit unit, earned with a credit-bearing grade.

    • A recorded course grade.

    • An unofficial transcript available through CAESAR.

    • An official transcript available by request.

    Fundamentals of Computer Programming FAQs

    No. The course is appropriate for students regardless of whether they have studied computer science in high school.

    No. This course is asynchronous with no scheduled meeting times.

    Credit courses normally award one Northwestern credit unit unless the course description states otherwise. One unit is typically equivalent to four quarter hours or two and two-thirds semester credit hours.

    Credit courses are for rising high school juniors and seniors. Applicants must have completed sophomore or junior year and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

    Applicants submit a personal statement of approximately 500 words, an extracurricular activities list, and official high school transcripts in English. English proficiency testing is required for applicants whose primary language or secondary schooling is not English.

    Tuition scholarships are available to domestic US rising seniors who demonstrate financial need and strong academic and extracurricular achievement. Applicants must complete both the scholarship application and the full program application, including transcripts.

    No. Participation is one part of a college application profile and does not guarantee acceptance to Northwestern University.

    Participation in solely online Northwestern courses does not entail entry into the United States and does not provide eligibility for an F-1, J-1, or B-1/B-2 visa.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Courses | Academics | Computer Science | Northwestern Engineering
    • International Students, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Pre-College Summer Programs for Credit: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Admission, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Tuition and Fees, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • FAQs, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • College Preparation Program — Summer 2026 Student Handbook
    • Fundamentals of Computer Programming: Northwestern University School of Professional Studies

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Delivery format verified

    • Session dates checked

    • Admission requirements reviewed

    • Tuition and funding checked

    • Credit and refund policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.