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Computer Courses

Computer courses can help you learn programming languages like Python and Java, data structures, algorithms, and web development fundamentals. You can build skills in software design, debugging, and database management, along with understanding cybersecurity principles. Many courses introduce tools such as Git for version control, SQL for database queries, and frameworks like React for building user interfaces, demonstrating how these skills are applied in real-world projects.

Popular Computer Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Microsoft

    Introduction to Computers

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Hardware Architecture, Generative Model Architectures, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Computer Systems, Solution Design, Business Software, Information Systems Security, Technical Support, Operating System Administration, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Security Awareness, Data Storage Technologies, Cybersecurity, AI literacy, Information Technology, Computer Architecture

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    Computer Hardware and Software

    Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Computer Hardware, Hardware Architecture, Computer Systems, TCP/IP, Information Technology, Networking Hardware, System Software, General Networking, OSI Models, Computer Literacy, Network Protocols, Operating Systems, System Configuration, Software Installation, Security Software, Computer Networking, Software Systems, Intranet, Data Storage

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    289 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    V

    Vanderbilt University

    Build Anything with AI — No Code Required

    Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Claude Code, No-Code Development, AI powered creativity, Prompt Patterns, Anthropic Claude, AI Enablement, ChatGPT, AI Orchestration, AI Product Strategy, AI Workflows, Google Gemini, Generative AI, AI Personalization, Prompt Engineering Tools, Multimodal Prompts, Generative AI Agents, AI Integrations, Automation, Software Engineering

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    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, General Networking, Javascript, Network Security, Computer Networking, Application Security, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming Tools, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Applied Mathematics, Computer Programming, General Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Problem Solving

    Build toward a degree

    4.2
    Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
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    1.6K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Unlock 3 months of Google AI Pro at no extra cost today.

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  • Status: Free
    Free
    P

    Princeton University

    Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose

    Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Code Reusability, Other Programming Languages, Java Programming, Java, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Animations

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.4K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Columbia University

    First Principles of Computer Vision

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Quality, Image Analysis, Computer Graphics, 3D Modeling, Photography, Virtual Reality, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Medical Imaging, Artificial Neural Networks, Unsupervised Learning, Graph Theory, Dimensionality Reduction, Mathematical Modeling, Estimation, Machine Learning Algorithms, Color Theory, Algorithms, Automation Engineering, Electronic Components

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    243 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    Introduction to Computer Information Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Systems Development, Systems Development Life Cycle, Agile Methodology, Software Development Life Cycle, Productivity Software, Risk Management Framework, digital literacy, Systems Design, Network Security, Computer Hardware, Agile Project Management, Hardware Architecture, Computer Systems, Software Design, Data Security, Risk Management, System Design and Implementation, TCP/IP, Information Technology, Productivity

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    361 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    G

    Google

    The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting, Network Administration, TCP/IP, General Networking, Network Architecture, Routing Protocols, Network Protocols, Networking Hardware, OSI Models, Network Routers, Network Routing, Network Infrastructure, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Security, Wireless Networks, Network Model, Data Integrity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    53K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Peripheral Devices, Virtualization, Computer Hardware, System Configuration, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Operating System Administration, Computer Systems, Virtual Machines, Operating Systems, Hardware Troubleshooting, Linux, Software Installation, Technical Support, Mac OS, Computer Architecture, File Systems, Network Infrastructure, Data Storage, User Accounts, Disaster Recovery

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    R

    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, Theoretical Computer Science, Probability, Video Game Development, Bioinformatics, Interactive Design, Animation and Game Design, Python Programming, Data Analysis, User Interface (UI), Computer Science, Computer Programming

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.1K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    E

    EDUCBA

    Apply OpenCV for Real-Time Computer Vision Projects

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Program Development, Data Science, Real Time Data, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Code Reusability, Python Programming, Development Environment, Model Training, Classification Algorithms, File I/O, Color Matching, System Design and Implementation, Data Preprocessing, Software Installation

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    19 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    MathWorks

    Object Tracking and Motion Detection with Computer Vision

    Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Computer Vision, Deep Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Matlab, Transfer Learning, Traffic Flow Optimization

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    36 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

1234…330

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

  • Introduction to Computers: Microsoft
  • Computer Hardware and Software: University of California, Irvine
  • Build Anything with AI — No Code Required: Vanderbilt University
  • Introduction to Computer Science and Programming: University of London
  • Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose: Princeton University
  • First Principles of Computer Vision: Columbia University
  • Introduction to Computer Information Systems: University of California, Irvine
  • The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking: Google
  • Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems: IBM
  • Fundamentals of Computing: Rice University

Frequently Asked Questions about Computer

Computer science is the study of how computers solve problems, process information, and support software-based systems. It includes topics such as programming, algorithms, data structures, discrete mathematics, computational thinking, and the theory behind how machines work. Courses on this page reflect that range, from Introduction to Computer Science and Programming by the University of London to Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines by Princeton University. On Coursera, you can explore computer science through beginner-friendly introductions, math foundations, and programming courses that help you build practical and conceptual skills.‎

Many jobs use computer science, including software developer, data analyst, systems analyst, machine learning engineer, cybersecurity analyst, and technical product roles. These roles may involve writing code, designing algorithms, analyzing data, improving systems, or translating technical ideas into working products. Courses such as Python for Data Science, AI & Development from IBM and Fundamentals of Computing from Rice University can help you build skills that apply across technical and analytical paths. Coursera’s computer science selection lets you start with broad foundations before choosing a more specialized direction.‎

Helpful skills to learn before computer science include basic math, logical reasoning, problem solving, and comfort using a computer. You do not always need prior programming experience for introductory courses, but familiarity with step-by-step thinking can make early concepts easier to follow. Computational Thinking for Problem Solving from the University of Pennsylvania is one example of a course that focuses on structured problem solving before or alongside coding. If you are new to the field, starting with computational thinking, basic Python, or introductory programming can give you a steady foundation.‎

Skills that complement computer science include mathematics, statistics, data analysis, software engineering, communication, and domain knowledge in areas such as business, health, finance, or science. Math is especially useful for algorithms, machine learning, cryptography, and theoretical computing, while communication helps you explain technical decisions clearly. Courses such as Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science from UC San Diego and Mathematics for Computer Science from the University of London support the mathematical side of the field. On Coursera, pairing computer science with data, AI, or industry-focused courses can help you apply what you learn in practical contexts.‎

A good way to start learning computer science is to begin with an introductory programming or computational thinking course. These courses can help you understand how to break problems into smaller steps, write code, test solutions, and reason about how programs work. Options on this page include Introduction to Computer Science and Programming from the University of London, Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University, and Computational Thinking for Problem Solving from the University of Pennsylvania. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you can move into algorithms, discrete math, data science, or computing fundamentals.‎

Yes. You can start learning computer science on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many computer science courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera AI (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in computer science, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Good beginner courses for computer science include introductory programming, computational thinking, and computing fundamentals courses. On this page, options such as Introduction to Computer Science and Programming from the University of London, Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University, and Computational Thinking for Problem Solving from the University of Pennsylvania are well aligned with early learners. Python for Data Science, AI & Development from IBM can also be useful if you want to connect programming with data and AI applications. Start with the course that matches your goal: broad foundations, coding practice, or applied Python.‎

Computer science courses typically cover programming, algorithms, problem solving, computer systems, mathematical foundations, and ways to reason about computation. Introductory courses may focus on writing programs and understanding core concepts, while more advanced or theoretical courses may cover discrete math, algorithm analysis, machines, and computational models. The courses listed on this page include Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science, Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines, and Fundamentals of Computing. Coursera’s selection can help you move from beginner concepts into more structured study of how software and computing systems work.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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