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 [2025]

Find the best Computer Science course for your goals

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
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
735 reviews
Intermediate · 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 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

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
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, Data Transformation, Supervised Learning, Jupyter, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Data Literacy, Generative AI, Professional Networking, Data Import/Export
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
147K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 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
260 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
University of London
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Game Design, Full-Stack Web Development, Mobile Development, Human Computer Interaction, Agile Software Development, Animations, Data Ethics, Event-Driven Programming, Git (Version Control System), Web Applications, Incident Response, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Database Design, Web Development, Generative AI, Usability Testing
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
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: Preview
University of Toronto
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Debugging, Software Documentation, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Data Structures, File Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months