Henry Leitner Takes Over CS50 Lectures for Fall 2026
Professor Henry H. Leitner steps in to lead CS50 as David J. Malan takes a sabbatical for the fall semester.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Language Learning
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Professor Henry H. Leitner is serving as the lecturer for the CS50 course during the fall 2026 semester. The change follows the departure of long-time instructor David J. Malan, who is currently on sabbatical.
Why it matters
The change in leadership and course structure marks a significant transition for one of the most widely taken introductory computer science courses. This shift ensures the continuity of instruction while the lead professor remains away for the fall term.
CS50 has reached a total of 7 million students through its official online platform. The course has been led by David J. Malan since he began his tenure in 2007.
The players
Henry H. Leitner
He is the current lecturer for CS50 who emphasizes independent student problem-solving.
David J. Malan
He is a computer science educator who has taught the CS50 course since 2007.
The details
The course now holds biweekly sessions in lecture hall B of Zimmer Hall instead of the previous single weekly lecture. Professor Leitner has shifted the focus to encourage independent learning and problem-solving outside of the classroom.
Timeline
David J. Malan began teaching CS50 in 2007.
David J. Malan is on sabbatical for the fall 2026 semester.
David J. Malan returns to teaching CS50 in the spring of 2027.
Culture Shift
This transition builds upon the foundation established during the 2007 launch of the modern CS50 curriculum. The shift toward biweekly sessions reflects a broader move in academic instruction toward more frequent, focused contact hours rather than traditional long-form lectures.
Students attending classes in Cambridge will notice the new biweekly schedule at Zimmer Hall. These participants must adjust their study habits to align with Professor Leitner's emphasis on independent problem-solving throughout the semester.
The takeaway
Students should prepare for a revised classroom experience that prioritizes self-directed learning over long lecture blocks. This temporary structural change offers an opportunity to develop stronger independent study skills before the primary instructor returns.
What happens next
David J. Malan is scheduled to return to his teaching duties for CS50 in the spring of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving course delivery models in the Language Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Harvard Crimson.
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