Introduction to High-Performance and Parallel Computing

The application deadline is Anytime. Tuition is 49.

This non-degree program is for scientists, engineers, and scholars who want to learn about high-performance and parallel computing. It's a great way to develop software skills for work in parallel environments. The program is taught in English and lasts several weeks.

The curriculum covers Linux environments, bash scripting, high-throughput computing, and parallelizing code. You'll learn about parallel programming models, shared memory parallelism, and distributed memory parallelism. To get the most out of the program, you should be familiar with Fortran 90, C++, or Python.

After completing the program, you can work as a Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Computational Analyst, Research Scientist, or High-Performance Computing Specialist. You can work in industries like technology, finance, healthcare, or research, and for employers like tech companies, universities, or government agencies.

The University of Colorado Boulder, founded in 1876 and set against the Rocky Mountains, is a major research university serving more than 37,000 students with nearly 3,000 international learners. CU Boulder is recognized for academic excellence, expansive research programs and a sustainability-driven campus culture. Students benefit from an array of undergraduate, graduate and professional offerings that encourage innovation across science, engineering, business, arts and humanities.

Research, entrepreneurship and experiential learning are central to the CU Boulder experience, with extensive laboratory facilities, innovation labs and co-op or internship pathways that connect students to industry and civic partners. The university supports cross-disciplinary projects and provides robust advising, career services and student organizations that help translate academic interests into practical outcomes and start-up ventures.

Boulder's outdoor lifestyle and proximity to tech hubs create strong opportunities for networking, recreation and balanced living. International students are supported by dedicated offices for admissions, orientation and visa guidance, making the transition smoother. With a large program portfolio and a campus culture that values sustainability, creativity and collaboration, CU Boulder is well suited to students seeking high-impact research experiences and an active campus community.