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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 Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Computational Vision

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, Convolutional Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Computer Graphics, Computational Thinking, Deep Learning, Psychology

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    66 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    H

    Hebrew University of Jerusalem

    Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: Nand to Tetris Part II (project-centered course)

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming, System Programming, Virtual Machines, Operating Systems, Software Architecture, Algorithms, Software Design, Program Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Computer Graphic Techniques

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    531 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    R

    Rice University

    Principles of Computing (Part 1)

    Skills you'll gain: Combinatorics, Probability, Programming Principles, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Development Testing, Software Testing, Applied Mathematics, Debugging, Algorithms, Python Programming, Game Design, Simulations

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    584 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Fundamentals of Software Architecture for Big Data

    Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Microservices, Service Level, Data Architecture, Software Architecture, Transaction Processing, Distributed Computing, Database Systems, Big Data, Software Design, Maintainability, Data Structures, System Monitoring, Test Driven Development (TDD), Blockchain, Continuous Integration

    Build toward a degree

    3.5
    Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    88 reviews

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Davis

    Computational Social Science Methods

    Skills you'll gain: Social Network Analysis, Social Sciences, Network Analysis, Social Studies, Data Science, Machine Learning, Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Simulations, Big Data, Digital Transformation, Predictive Modeling

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    350 reviews

    Beginner · 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 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
    S

    Stanford University

    Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms

    Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Graph Theory, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Analysis, Computer Science, Probability

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.3K reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Approximation Algorithms and Linear Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Linear Algebra, Combinatorics, Computational Thinking, Mathematical Modeling, Theoretical Computer Science, Python Programming

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    50 reviews

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Davis

    Computer Simulations

    Skills you'll gain: Simulations, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Agentic systems, Social Network Analysis, Model Evaluation, Sociology, Economics, Scientific Methods, Computer Programming

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    84 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    P

    Packt

    Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis

    Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Algorithms, Program Development, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Python Programming

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    31 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Parallel Computing with MPI

    Skills you'll gain: File I/O, C and C++, Communication Systems

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    12 reviews

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California San Diego

    Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Abstraction, Methods, and Lists

    Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Debugging, Programming Principles, Technical Communication, Computer Programming, Digital pedagogy, Event-Driven Programming, Program Development, Data Structures, Algorithms, Student Engagement, Visualization (Computer Graphics)

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

  • Computational Vision: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: Nand to Tetris Part II (project-centered course): Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Principles of Computing (Part 1): Rice University
  • Fundamentals of Software Architecture for Big Data: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Computational Social Science Methods: University of California, Davis
  • The Fundamentals of Computing Capstone Exam: Rice University
  • Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms: Stanford University
  • Approximation Algorithms and Linear Programming : University of Colorado Boulder
  • Computer Simulations: University of California, Davis
  • Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis: Packt

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