What skills can I learn in computer science courses on Coursera?

Computer science courses on Coursera can equip you with a broad set of skills essential for technological careers: Programming fundamentals in languages like Python , Java , and C++ Development of algorithms and data structures to solve complex problems Knowledge of computer architecture and systems Software engineering practices, including software development , testing, and maintenance Cybersecurity principles to protect systems and data Understanding of databases and data processing Web development techniques for creating dynamic websites

Do I need prior experience in computer science to start these courses?

Computer science courses on Coursera are suitable for all levels: Introductory courses require no prior experience and provide a foundation in the basics of computer science. Intermediate courses are available for those with some foundational knowledge who seek to deepen their understanding. Advanced courses cater to experienced professionals aiming to enhance specific skills or learn about the latest technological advancements.

What computer science certifications and credentials are available?

Coursera provides a range of credentials that demonstrate your expertise in computer science: Professional certificates that help you prepare for industry-recognized certifications. Specialized course certificates that focus on particular areas such as artificial intelligence or network security. Advanced degrees from top universities in fields like computer science and information technology.

What career opportunities are available with skills in computer science?

Acquiring skills in computer science through Coursera can lead to a variety of roles in the technology sector: Software Developer , designing and building software solutions Systems Analyst, optimizing and maintaining IT systems Network Administrator , ensuring reliable network operations Data Scientist , analyzing and interpreting complex datasets Cybersecurity Analyst , protecting information systems from cyber threats

Best Computer Science Courses & Certificates [2025]

Find the best Computer Science course for your goals

Status: Free Trial
University of London
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Debugging, Development Environment, Computer Systems, Web Applications, Arithmetic, Computer Literacy, Javascript, Network Security, Computer Networking, Program Development, Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, Problem Management, Computational Thinking, General Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Problem Solving
Build toward a degree
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java Programming, Java, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Simulations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Fundamentals of Computing
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Event-Driven Programming, Algorithms, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Application Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Probability, Computer Programming, Bioinformatics, Interactive Design, Program Development, Big Data, Python Programming, Data Analysis, User Interface (UI), Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Logical Reasoning, Cryptographic Protocols, Combinatorics, Computational Logic, Deductive Reasoning, Cryptography, Probability, Key Management, Computational Thinking, Encryption, Probability Distribution, Network Analysis, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Theoretical Computer Science, Bayesian Statistics, Python Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Arithmetic
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Computer Science, Computer Architecture, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Java Programming, Computer Hardware
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
735 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Graph Theory, Development Environment, Data Storage, Engineering Software, Unstructured Data, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Data Storage Technologies, Debugging, Program Development, Database Systems, Database Theory, Network Routing, Theoretical Computer Science
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Computer Science, Python Programming, Computer Systems, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, C (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of Toronto
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Debugging, Software Documentation, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Data Structures, File Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
Coding for Everyone: C and C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), C and C++, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Data-oriented programming, Programming Principles, Graph Theory, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, Game Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Theoretical Computer Science, Social Network Analysis, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Network Routing, Probability, Pseudocode, Computational Logic, Operations Research
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Leeds
An Introduction to Logic for Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cryptography, Graph Theory
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks