• 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


  • B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Introduction to Computing Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Microarchitecture, Computer Architecture, Computer Systems, Computer Engineering, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Systems Architecture, Computer Hardware, Embedded Systems, Algorithms

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Modeling of Autonomous Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Modeling, Software Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Analysis, Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Differential Equations, Hardware Architecture, Verification And Validation, Linear Algebra

    Build toward a degree

    3.4
    Rating, 3.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    18 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    P

    Packt

    Quantum Computing with Qiskit and Advanced Algorithms

    Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Computer Hardware, Cryptography, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Emerging Technologies, Technical Documentation, Theoretical Computer Science, Linear Algebra, Simulations

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    23 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms

    Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Advanced Mathematics, Design Strategies, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Data Analysis, Analysis

    Build toward a degree

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    234 reviews

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    R

    Rice University

    The Fundamentals of Computing Capstone Exam

    Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Debugging, Algorithms, Python Programming

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    116 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • 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
    ·
    218 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado System

    Abstraction, Problem Decomposition, and Functions

    Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, C (Programming Language), Data Structures, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Data Store, Problem Management, Program Development, Debugging

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    37 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • 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, Linear Algebra, Python Programming, Arithmetic

    Build toward a degree

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    42 reviews

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California San Diego

    Algorithmic Toolbox

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

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

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    É

    École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

    Parallel programming

    Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, Data Structures, Distributed Computing, Algorithms, Functional Design, Other Programming Languages, Java, Performance Tuning

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.8K reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    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
    Free Trial
    R

    Rice University

    Principles of Computing (Part 2)

    Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Computer Science, Game Theory, Mathematical Modeling, Software Testing

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    365 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

1…678…834

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

  • Introduction to Computing Systems: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
  • Modeling of Autonomous Systems: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Quantum Computing with Qiskit and Advanced Algorithms: Packt
  • Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms: University of Colorado Boulder
  • The Fundamentals of Computing Capstone Exam: Rice University
  • Algorithmic Thinking (Part 2): Rice University
  • Abstraction, Problem Decomposition, and Functions: University of Colorado System
  • Advanced Data Structures, RSA and Quantum Algorithms: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Algorithmic Toolbox: University of California San Diego
  • Parallel programming: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

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
© 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok