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.

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, Engineering Software, Version Control, Database Management, Software Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.7K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
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: 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
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
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: 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

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
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
690 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Oracle
Oracle Java Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Oracle Cloud, Computer Programming, Cloud Development, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
Duke University
Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Java, Algorithms, Java Programming, Statistical Analysis, Software Design, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Data Processing, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Software Testing, Problem Solving
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Full Stack Software Developer
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Istio, Software Development Life Cycle, Node.JS, Kubernetes, Cloud Computing Architecture, Server Side, Application Deployment, React Redux, Cloud Services, Restful API, Django (Web Framework), Software Architecture, Object-Relational Mapping, Git (Version Control System), Full-Stack Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Cloud Computing, Data Import/Export, Engineering Software
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
56K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Amazon
Programming with Java
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Java, File Management, Data Import/Export, Maintainability, Debugging, Software Development
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks