The Free, Self-Taught Computer Science Degree You Can Start Today
Want a top-tier computer science education without the six-figure student loans? The Open Source Society University (OSSU) Computer Science GitHub repo is your ticket. It’s a meticulously curated curriculum that mirrors a traditional CS degree—using free courses from Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and others. No admission essays, no tuition, just pure learning.
With over 189k GitHub stars and a thriving community, this isn’t just another list of random tutorials. It’s a structured, peer-reviewed path to mastery.
What It Does
The OSSU Computer Science repository is a complete roadmap for self-learners. It breaks down the journey into:
- Introductory CS (programming, math fundamentals)
- Core CS (algorithms, systems, theory)
- Advanced CS (AI, security, graphics, etc.)
- Extras (specializations like game dev or data science)
Each course is handpicked for quality, often from platforms like edX, Coursera, or free university resources. The curriculum even includes project suggestions and community discussions to keep you accountable.
Why It’s Cool
- No fluff, no paywalls: Every resource is free (or has a free tier).
- Flexible pacing: Study full-time or squeeze it in between work.
- Community-driven: Updates reflect feedback from thousands of learners.
- Dark mode-friendly docs: Because readability matters.
How to Try It
- Clone the repo (or just bookmark it):
git clone https://github.com/ossu/computer-science.git - Start with the README—it outlines prerequisites and study order.
- Pick a course and dive in. The community recommends dedicating 15–20 hours/week for a 3-year completion timeline.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a shortcut—it’s a rigorous alternative. Whether you’re pivoting into tech, prepping for interviews, or just geeking out, OSSU CS democratizes elite education. The hardest part? Committing to the first lecture.
For more projects like this, follow @githubprojects.
Have you tried the OSSU curriculum? Share your progress in the comments!