• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Theoretical Computer Science

Theoretical Computer Science Courses

Theoretical computer science courses can help you learn algorithms, computational complexity, automata theory, and formal languages. You can build skills in problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and algorithm analysis, that support tackling complex computational tasks. Many courses introduce tools like Python for algorithm implementation, LaTeX for typesetting mathematical documents, and software for simulating automata, allowing you to apply these concepts in practical scenarios.


Popular Theoretical Computer Science Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free
    Free
    É

    École normale supérieure

    Statistical Mechanics: Algorithms and Computations

    Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Physics, Simulations, Computational Logic, Numerical Analysis, Markov Model, Quantitative Research, Algorithms, Applied Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Integral Calculus

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    268 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California San Diego

    Algorithmic Toolbox

    Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Debugging, Program Development, Software Testing, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Test Case

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    13K reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Introduction to Computing Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Architecture, Computer Systems, Hardware Architecture, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Systems Architecture, Computer Hardware, Embedded Systems, Computer Programming Tools, Digital Signal Processing

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    10 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    D

    Duke University

    Programming Fundamentals

    Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Software Development, Algorithms, C (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Problem Solving

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Formal Languages and Applications

    Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, System Software, Algorithms, Computer Science, Formal Learning, Software Engineering, Program Development, Data Science, Technical Analysis

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Statistical Methods for Computer Science

    Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Regression Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Bayesian Network, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, R (Software), Probability, Probability Distribution, Applied Machine Learning, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Methods, Social Network Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Simulations, Data Science, Markov Model

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Algorithm Design: Mastering Computational Problem Solving

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Machine Learning Algorithms, Solution Design, Problem Solving, Mathematical Theory & Analysis

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Advanced Data Structures, RSA and Quantum Algorithms

    Skills you'll gain: Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Cryptography, Data Structures, Algorithms, Encryption, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Data Storage Technologies, Advanced Mathematics, Emerging Technologies, Python Programming

    Build toward a degree

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    56 reviews

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Object-Oriented Analysis and Design: Foundations & Concepts

    Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Unified Modeling Language, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Test Driven Development (TDD), JUnit, Java, Unit Testing, Software Testing, Software Engineering, Development Testing, Java Programming, Test Case, Program Development, Software Design, Systems Analysis, Integration Testing, Conceptual Design

    Build toward a degree

    4
    Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science and Engineering

    Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Theoretical Computer Science, Programming Principles, Computer Engineering, Computational Thinking, Cryptography, Algorithms, Applied Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, Data Management

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    R

    Rice University

    Algorithmic Thinking (Part 2)

    Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Data Structures, Big Data, Python Programming, Data Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Unsupervised Learning, Analysis

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    219 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • 2

    28DIGITAL

    Quantitative Formal Modeling and Worst-Case Performance Analysis

    Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Analysis, Performance Testing, Embedded Systems, Graph Theory, Technical Documentation, Model Evaluation, Algorithms

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    44 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

1…567…834

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular theoretical computer science courses

  • Statistical Mechanics: Algorithms and Computations: École normale supérieure
  • Algorithmic Toolbox: University of California San Diego
  • Introduction to Computing Systems: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
  • Programming Fundamentals: Duke University
  • Formal Languages and Applications: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
  • Statistical Methods for Computer Science: Johns Hopkins University
  • Algorithm Design: Mastering Computational Problem Solving: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
  • Advanced Data Structures, RSA and Quantum Algorithms: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Object-Oriented Analysis and Design: Foundations & Concepts: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science and Engineering: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • English Speaking
  • Generative AI (GenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Project Management
  • Python

Certificates & Programs

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Machine Learning Certificate
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
  • UI / UX Design Certificate

Industries & Careers

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Education & Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
  • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Preparing for the PMP Certification
  • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
  • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok