What is parallel programming?

Parallel programming is a concept in computing where a computer uses its resources to solve a problem. The computer breaks the problem down into multiple steps in order to process more information at a time. Parallel programming allows a computer to complete tasks quickly and more efficiently than if the computer solved one section of the problem at a time. Your laptop or desktop computer, smartphone, and tablet rely on parallel programming to process data quickly, allowing you to get better and faster performance from them.

Why is it important to learn parallel programming?

If you're programming computer software or an application, relying on parallel programming allows you to create an app that's more responsive for users. Games run more quickly and are more fun when parallel programming allows you to play them in real-time. Internet searches are more efficient and accurate when the device you're on uses parallel programming to perform the search. Video looks smoother, and audio sounds better on devices that use parallel programming. In short, parallel programming makes the apps and sites that you use every day perform their best.

What career opportunities can arise from learning parallel programming?

If you're interested in changing to a career in computer programming, you can apply for software engineering and computer architecture engineering positions in cutting-edge technological companies. Once you've learned parallel programming, you'll be able to develop apps and software programs that run faster and more smoothly. Many cloud applications rely on parallel programming, so you can look for positions with companies developing this rapidly growing sector of technology.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn parallel programming?

When you take online courses on Coursera in parallel programming, you'll learn from international experts from prestigious schools like École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and successful companies like Oracle Labs. Instructors from our partner organizations will give you a thorough grasp of the principles of parallel programming, as well as real-world applications. Once you've finished the course, you'll have confident knowledge that can lead you to a new, successful programming career. Best of all, you can learn at your own pace and on a schedule that fits your lifestyle.

What are the benefits of taking an online Parallel Programming course?

Online Parallel Programming courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Parallel Programming skills. Choose from a wide range of Parallel Programming courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Parallel Programming courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Parallel Programming, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Parallel Programming Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Parallel Programming Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Parallel programming
Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, Data Structures, Distributed Computing, Algorithms, Functional Design, Scalability, Other Programming Languages, Java, Performance Tuning
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
GPU Programming
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Neural Networks, Image Analysis, Event-Driven Programming, Scalability, Deep Learning, Software Development, Machine Learning Methods, Performance Tuning, C and C++, System Programming, Linear Algebra, Computer Graphics, Distributed Computing, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Vision, Programming Principles, Data Processing, OS Process Management, Data Structures, Machine Learning
Build toward a degree
2.8
Rating, 2.8 out of 5 stars
174 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Parallel Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Dataflow, Java, Programming Principles, Application Frameworks, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Computer Science
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Parallel, Concurrent, and Distributed Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Dataflow, Java Programming, Java, Middleware, Scala Programming, Data Structures, System Programming, Programming Principles, Servers, Application Frameworks, Debugging, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Network Protocols, Computer Science
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to Parallel Programming with CUDA
Skills you'll gain: Performance Tuning, OS Process Management, Data Structures, C and C++, Performance Testing, Distributed Computing, Hardware Architecture, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Program Development, Debugging
2.7
Rating, 2.7 out of 5 stars
59 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to High-Performance and Parallel Computing
Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Scalability, Distributed Computing, Big Data, Operating Systems, File Systems, Linux, Scripting, Command-Line Interface, Performance Tuning, Programming Principles, Computer Architecture
Build toward a degree
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
146 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: New
Status: Preview
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
MIPS Computer Architecture and Performance Optimization
Skills you'll gain: Computer Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Computer Systems, Hardware Design, System Programming, File Systems, Cloud Platforms
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Programming with JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Web Development Tools, Javascript, Unit Testing, Web Applications, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Scripting Languages, Event-Driven Programming, Node.JS, Scripting, JSON, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Debugging, Package and Software Management, Program Development, Front-End Web Development, Functional Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.8K 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
Rice University
Distributed Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Java, Middleware, Scala Programming, Servers, Network Protocols
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
502 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Washington
Programming Languages, Part B
Skills you'll gain: Other Programming Languages, Software Design, Ruby (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Data Structures, Software Architecture, Computer Programming, Functional Design, Debugging
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
785 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
C, Go, and C++: A Comprehensive Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Go (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), Data Structures, C and C++, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Computer Programming, Code Review, Unit Testing, Command-Line Interface, Data-oriented programming, Programming Principles, Integrated Development Environments, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Computer Science, File Systems, Computational Thinking
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months