What are the best data structures and algorithms courses on Coursera?

Top options include the Data Structures and Algorithm Specialization from the University of California, San Diego , and the Algorithms from Princeton University . These programs cover essential topics like linked lists, trees, sorting, dynamic programming, and algorithmic complexity.

Can I take free data structures and algorithms courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning data structures and algorithms on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many data structures and algorithms 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 data structures and algorithms, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a data structures and algorithms course?

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.

Do I need coding experience to start learning data structures and algorithms?

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.

Can Coursera’s data structures and algorithms courses help me in my career?

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.

Best Data Structures And Algorithms Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Data Structures And Algorithms Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Network Routing, Program Development, Network Model, Bioinformatics, Operations Research, Data Storage, Development Testing, Test Engineering, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Test Case, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Epidemiology, Software Testing, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Amazon
Data Structures and Algorithms
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
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Princeton University
Algorithms, Part I
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Java, Performance Testing, Computer Programming, Java Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computational Thinking
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Microsoft Copilot, .NET Framework, Algorithms, Back-End Web Development, C# (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Programming Principles, Microsoft Development Tools, Scalability
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Operations Research, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Theoretical Computer Science, Cryptography, Computer Science, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Data Encryption Standard, Applied Mathematics, Tree Maps, Encryption, Python Programming, Network Model, Linear Algebra, Combinatorics, Advanced Mathematics, Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
838 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 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
42K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
Meta
Coding Interview Preparation
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Visualization, Pseudocode, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Technical Communication, Computational Logic, Program Development, Communication
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
708 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
C++: Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Data Structures, C++ (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Technical Design
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Theoretical Computer Science, Network Model, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Analysis, Network Routing, Probability, Operations Research, Design Strategies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Python Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Python Programming, Programming Principles, Data Import/Export, Data Manipulation, Development Environment, File Management
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
97K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Tsinghua University
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Computational Thinking, Database Design, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Query Languages, Computer Science, Theoretical Computer Science, System Design and Implementation
2.8
Rating, 2.8 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Algorithms, Part II
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Operations Research, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Network Routing, Programming Principles, Network Model, Java Programming
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months