What skills can I learn in computer science courses on Coursera?

Computer science courses on Coursera can equip you with a broad set of skills essential for technological careers: Programming fundamentals in languages like Python , Java , and C++ Development of algorithms and data structures to solve complex problems Knowledge of computer architecture and systems Software engineering practices, including software development , testing, and maintenance Cybersecurity principles to protect systems and data Understanding of databases and data processing Web development techniques for creating dynamic websites

Do I need prior experience in computer science to start these courses?

Computer science courses on Coursera are suitable for all levels: Introductory courses require no prior experience and provide a foundation in the basics of computer science. Intermediate courses are available for those with some foundational knowledge who seek to deepen their understanding. Advanced courses cater to experienced professionals aiming to enhance specific skills or learn about the latest technological advancements.

What computer science certifications and credentials are available?

Coursera provides a range of credentials that demonstrate your expertise in computer science: Professional certificates that help you prepare for industry-recognized certifications. Specialized course certificates that focus on particular areas such as artificial intelligence or network security. Advanced degrees from top universities in fields like computer science and information technology.

What career opportunities are available with skills in computer science?

Acquiring skills in computer science through Coursera can lead to a variety of roles in the technology sector: Software Developer , designing and building software solutions Systems Analyst, optimizing and maintaining IT systems Network Administrator , ensuring reliable network operations Data Scientist , analyzing and interpreting complex datasets Cybersecurity Analyst , protecting information systems from cyber threats

Best Computer Science Courses & Certificates [2026]

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Computer Science

Computer Science Courses

Computer Science courses can help you learn programming languages like Python and Java, algorithms, data structures, and software development principles. You can build skills in debugging, version control, and database management, along with understanding web development frameworks. Many courses introduce tools such as Git for version control, SQL for database queries, and integrated development environments (IDEs) to streamline coding practices, all of that support creating efficient software solutions.

Popular Computer Science Courses and Certifications

Status: Free Trial
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, Javascript, Network Security, Computer Networking, Program Development, Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, Problem Management, Computational Thinking, General Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Problem Solving
Build toward a degree
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
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
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
43K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java Programming, Java, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Simulations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Logical Reasoning, Cryptographic Protocols, Combinatorics, Computational Logic, Deductive Reasoning, Cryptography, Probability, Key Management, Computational Thinking, Encryption, Probability Distribution, Network Analysis, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Theoretical Computer Science, Bayesian Statistics, Python Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Arithmetic
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Computer Science, Computer Architecture, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Java Programming, Computer Hardware
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
738 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of London
Mathematics for Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Arithmetic, Computer Graphics, Computational Thinking, General Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Algebra, Cryptography
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
266 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Free Trial
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, Probability, Computer Programming, Bioinformatics, Interactive Design, Program Development, Big Data, Python Programming, Data Analysis, User Interface (UI), Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Wrangling, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Data Visualization, SQL, Unsupervised Learning, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Peer Review, Supervised Learning, Data Transformation, Feature Engineering, Jupyter, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Literacy, Generative AI, Professional Networking, Data Import/Export
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
148K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Computer Science, Python Programming, Computer Systems, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Graph Theory, Development Environment, Data Storage, Engineering Software, Unstructured Data, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Data Storage Technologies, Debugging, Program Development, Database Systems, Database Theory, Network Routing, Theoretical Computer Science
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Algorithms
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
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, C (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular Computer Science courses

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming: University of London
Python for Data Science, AI & Development: IBM
Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose: Princeton University
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science: University of California San Diego
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines: Princeton University
Mathematics for Computer Science: University of London
Fundamentals of Computing: Rice University
IBM Data Science: IBM
Computational Thinking for Problem Solving: University of Pennsylvania
Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Science

Computer science courses on Coursera can equip you with a broad set of skills essential for technological careers:

Programming fundamentals in languages like Python, Java, and C++
Development of algorithms and data structures to solve complex problems
Knowledge of computer architecture and systems
Software engineering practices, including software development, testing, and maintenance
Cybersecurity principles to protect systems and data
Understanding of databases and data processing
Web development techniques for creating dynamic websites‎

Computer science courses on Coursera are suitable for all levels:

Introductory courses require no prior experience and provide a foundation in the basics of computer science.
Intermediate courses are available for those with some foundational knowledge who seek to deepen their understanding.
Advanced courses cater to experienced professionals aiming to enhance specific skills or learn about the latest technological advancements.‎

Acquiring skills in computer science through Coursera can lead to a variety of roles in the technology sector:

Software Developer, designing and building software solutions
Systems Analyst, optimizing and maintaining IT systems
Network Administrator, ensuring reliable network operations
Data Scientist, analyzing and interpreting complex datasets
Cybersecurity Analyst, protecting information systems from cyber threats‎

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.