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Learn In-Demand Python Coding Skills in Six Weeks or Less
A Python course designed for beginners
Introduction to Python Programming is a noncredit professional development course that will guide learners step by step through programming principles and the fundamentals of Python, the world’s most popular beginner programming language. This Python course was designed by computer science faculty at MSU Denver with lifelong learners in mind. You’ll learn how to solve increasingly complex problems, write simple and efficient code, and build a strong foundation in programming.
Learn Python, no prior experience needed
Your MSU Denver instructor will start with entry-level Python, covering the basics, and help you develop the confidence to write and understand Python code. You’ll learn Python skills such as how to troubleshoot bugs and use Google Colab, a beginner-friendly tool that makes coding easier and more interactive. By the end of the Python course online, you’ll have the analysis skills to write and debug your own beginner Python programs.
Self-paced, flexible online Python programming course
Introduction to Python Programming is online and self-paced, allowing you to balance your personal life while continuing your education.
Python Course Information
The tuition for this course is $795, with a $35 transaction fee. No textbooks are required.
- Introduction to Python Programming runs February 2 – March 16, 2026.
- Students must register by February 9.
- The six-week course is entirely online and self-paced. You can complete the course anytime within the six weeks the course is available.
This Python introduction course will provide a solid foundation in Python while fostering confidence in coding. Throughout the course, beginners will gradually build their skills from basic syntax and operations to more complex programming Python concepts like functions, debugging, and file handling. By the end of this course, students will be able to
- Utilize good programming practices, including a top-down problem-solving technique and stepwise refinement.
- Declare and define methods and variables.
- Declare and utilize parameters and return values.
- Understand and use expressions, assignment, decision structures, and loops.
- Use appropriate data types, including integers, real numbers, characters, Booleans, arrays, and strings.
- Write interactive programs and programs that use text files for input and output.
- Utilize testing and debugging techniques.
- Write and run a computer program that correctly solves a problem in the range from simple to medium difficulty.
- Appropriately document a computer program.
You may request to receive a digital badge that will be embedded with the competencies learned. This badge can be added to your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or even shared with your current or future employer.
- Problem-solving: Develop the ability to break down complex problems, design and implement solutions using Python.
- Practical Programming: Understand and use the fundamental Python programming components: tructure and parts of a Python program
- loops and decisions
- statements & expressions
- functions and pass parameters
- read & write external files
- Understand the development life cycle and Python language fundamentals
- Debugging problems and issues
- COLAB
Meet your Python Course Instructor
Karlan Schneider
Karlan Schneider is a software engineer turned educator who’s passionate about making programming accessible and practical for new learners.
He spent over a decade building enterprise-level software in Java for organizations including the Interior Business Center and Comcast, where he led teams, mentored engineers, and architected large-scale systems. He completed his Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Denver in 2025 before transitioning into education.
He’s currently an adjunct professor at MSU teaching Python programming, mobile app development, and machine learning. He loves helping students think critically about problems and understand concepts deeply, providing support and feedback that encourages growth through challenge. He’s committed to student success and helping learners build strong foundations in programming – not just syntax, but the problem-solving skills that transfer across languages and careers.
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For questions, contact Brandy Schooler at 303-615-1234 or [email protected].
Contact Us
Email usPhone: 303-615-1234
Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus
Mailing Address:
MSU Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362