What are the best Java programming courses on Coursera?

Top Java courses on Coursera include Duke University’s Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals and Object-Oriented Programming in Java . You can also find Java courses from institutions like UC San Diego and the University of Pennsylvania that teach both basic and advanced concepts.

Can I take free Java courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning Java on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many Java courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). 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 Java, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a Java course?

You’ll learn how to write Java programs, understand object-oriented programming , work with data structures , and debug and test your code. Some courses also cover topics like algorithms, GUI development, and Android app creation using Java.

Do I need any programming experience to start learning Java?

Not at all. Many beginner-friendly Java courses are available on Coursera and are designed to help you start coding from scratch. You’ll build a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced topics.

Can a Java course on Coursera help me get a job?

Yes. Java is widely used in software development , backend systems, Android apps , and enterprise applications. Completing a Java course or certificate on Coursera can help you build in-demand skills, practice with real coding exercises , and show employers what you’ve learned.

Can you use Java for AI and machine learning?

Yes, Java can be used for AI and machine learning through libraries like Deeplearning4j, Weka, and MOA. It’s often chosen for building scalable, production-level applications. Courses like AI For Everyone by Andrew Ng on Coursera provide a foundation in AI concepts, while Java-specific applications can be explored through additional libraries and tools.

What is event-driven programming in Java?

Event-driven programming in Java is a programming model where the flow of the program is determined by events like user actions, sensor output, or messages. It’s commonly used in GUI applications with frameworks like Swing or JavaFX. You can learn these concepts in courses like Object Oriented Programming in Java from UCSD and Duke University on Coursera.

Is Java good for backend development?

Yes, Java is widely used for backend development due to its scalability, performance, and rich ecosystem. It supports frameworks like Spring and Jakarta EE, making it a strong choice for building web services and enterprise applications. Courses like Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals from Duke University on Coursera cover key backend concepts using Java.

Best Java Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Java Course for Your Goals

Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Java Developer
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Software Development Life Cycle, Cloud-Native Computing, Hibernate (Java), Database Design, Docker (Software), Software Architecture, Containerization, Development Environment, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Microservices, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Restful API, Java Programming, Version Control, Database Management, Interviewing Skills, Software Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.8K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Core Java
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Spring Framework, Java, Eclipse (Software), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Software Design, Software Installation, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Program Development, Virtual Machines, Web Development, Debugging, Package and Software Management, Data Structures, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Heriot-Watt University
Learn Java Programming
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Java Programming, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Software Development, Algorithms, Computational Logic
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Java Programming, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Software Design, Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, HTML and CSS, Debugging, Software Engineering, Cryptography, Web Development, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Encryption, AI Personalization, Javascript, Algorithms, Data Analysis, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Multiple educators
Object Oriented Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Unit Testing, Data Structures, Event-Driven Programming, Interactive Data Visualization, Java, Java Programming, Development Testing, User Interface (UI), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, Software Testing, Computer Programming, Cryptography, Software Engineering, Performance Tuning, Encryption, Algorithms, Data Analysis, Software Design, Problem Solving
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
15K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Java FullStack Developer
Skills you'll gain: Angular, Web Applications, HTML and CSS, Web Development, Eclipse (Software), JavaScript Frameworks, Spring Boot, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Restful API, Java Programming, Model View Controller, Object Oriented Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Front-End Web Development, Spring Framework, Java, Web Services, Integrated Development Environments, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Javascript
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
693 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

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Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Object Oriented Java Programming: Data Structures and Beyond
Skills you'll gain: Unit Testing, Growth Mindedness, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Event-Driven Programming, Interactive Data Visualization, Java, Java Programming, Network Analysis, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Technical Communication, Development Testing, User Interface (UI), Software Testing, Computer Programming, Adaptability, Object Oriented Design, Performance Tuning, Algorithms, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnKartS
Core Java for Complete Beginners
Skills you'll gain: JUnit, Java, Java Programming, Software Design Patterns, Unit Testing, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Architecture, Debugging, Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Maintainability, Software Development, Secure Coding, Software Design, Software Testing, Computer Programming, Test Case, Program Development, Authentications, Application Security, Programming Principles
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Introduction to Java
Skills you'll gain: Eclipse (Software), Java, Java Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Software Installation, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Program Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agents in Java with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, Productivity, Java, Agentic systems, OpenAI, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Secure Coding, Application Development, Business Logic, Problem Solving, Software Design Documents, Collaborative Software, Persona Development
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Programming with Python and Java
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Object Oriented Design, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Unit Testing, Pandas (Python Package), Java Programming, Eclipse (Software), Data Visualization, Data Structures, Data Science, Data Cleansing, Debugging, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Visualization Software, Software Testing, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer
Skills you'll gain: Istio, Software Development Life Cycle, Node.JS, Kubernetes, Server Side, MongoDB, Application Deployment, CI/CD, Cloud-Native Computing, React Redux, NoSQL, Software Architecture, Development Environment, Restful API, Git (Version Control System), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Ajax, Javascript, Azure DevOps, Interviewing Skills
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.6K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months