Data structures and algorithms courses can help you learn how to organize data and solve problems efficiently—core skills for programming, software development, and technical interviews.

University of California San Diego
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Program Development, Bioinformatics, Data Storage, Development Testing, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Programming Principles, File Systems, Computer Programming, Python Programming, C and C++, Java, Rust (Programming Language), Javascript, Software Testing, Debugging
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Microsoft Copilot, .NET Framework, Algorithms, Back-End Web Development, Pseudocode, C# (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Programming Principles, Server Side, Scalability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: JUnit, Test Driven Development (TDD), Version Control, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Performance Tuning, Unit Testing, Data Structures, Java Programming, Development Testing, Algorithms, Program Development, Software Testing, Java, Computer Programming, Software Development, Programming Principles, Debugging, Scalability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Visualization, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Technical Communication, Computer Programming, Program Development, Communication
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Programming Principles, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Jupyter, Data Structures, Data Processing, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, JSON, Computer Programming, Restful API, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Scripting, Application Programming Interface (API), Automation, Data Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Princeton University
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Java, Performance Testing, Computer Programming, Java Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Data Structures, C++ (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Data Structures, Operations Research, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Cryptography, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Pseudocode, Design Strategies, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Program Development, Tree Maps, Encryption, Combinatorics, Data Science, Mathematical Modeling, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of California San Diego
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Data Storage, Programming Principles, File Systems, Graph Theory, Computer Programming, C++ (Programming Language), Java, Debugging
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Python Programming, Programming Principles, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Development Environment, File Management, Virtual Environment
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), Machine Learning Algorithms, Computational Thinking, C++ (Programming Language), Data Architecture, Random Forest Algorithm, Performance Tuning, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Network Analysis, Program Development, Problem Solving, Debugging
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Stanford University
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
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Browse the data structures and algorithms courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Yes. You can start learning data structures and algorithms on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in data structures and algorithms, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
You’ll learn how to store and organize data efficiently using data structures like arrays, stacks, queues, and graphs, and how to solve problems using algorithms for searching, sorting, and graph traversal. Many courses also include practice coding exercises and real-world applications.‎
Some experience with programming is helpful, as these courses typically include coding exercises in languages like Python, Java, or C++. Beginner-level courses often review coding basics before diving into more complex structures and techniques.‎
Yes. These concepts are critical for software engineering, web development, data science, and technical interviews. Coursera courses can help you master key techniques, build a portfolio of coding solutions, and earn certificates that demonstrate your technical knowledge to employers.‎