20+ Experts have compiled this list of Best Computer Science courses, Tutorial, Training, Class, and Certification available online for 2023. It includes both paid and free resources to help you learn Computer Science. These courses are suitable for beginners, intermediate learners as well as experts.
13 Best + Free Computer Science Courses, Certification, Training, Classes and Bootcamp Online [2023 MARCH] [UPDATED]
1. FREE Foundations of Computer Science: Theory and Practice Course (Udemy)
2. Introduction to Computer Science by GoLearningBus Course (Udemy)
3. Fundamentals of Computing Specialization by Rice University (Coursera)
4. Programming for Everybody – Getting Started with Python (Coursera)
5. Computer Science 101 (Stanford Online)
6. Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (MIT Open Courseware)
7. Free Computer Science Certifications and Programs (Udemy)
9. Computer Science Programs and Degrees (Coursera)
10. Computer Science and Mobile Apps by Harvard University (edX)
11. MicroBachelors Program in Computer Science Fundamentals by New York University (edX)
12. CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals (edX)
13. Free Computer Science Courses by Colleges (edX)
1. FREE Foundations of Computer Science: Theory and Practice Course (Udemy)
The foundations of computer science course includes topics like algorithms and how to master their performance. Learn about data structures like LinkedLists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, and Graphs.Students must have a basic understanding of high school concepts and high school mathematics before opting for the course.
Highlights –
– Quizzes help learners test their knowledge of the program
– Students will receive a certificate after completing the course
– Learners will have lifetime access to the study material in the program
– Students can view sample videos before opting for the course
– The program is compatible with both a mobile phone and a television screen
– Study groups will be organized in Lebanon to help students understand the course
Duration: 4 hours
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
You canSign Up Here
2. Introduction to Computer Science by GoLearningBus Course (Udemy)
The computer science program includes topics like computer hardware, software, and operating systems. Learn about algorithms and data structures. Know about data and file processing. Understand web programming basics and learn about database and memory management. Learn about computer security, viruses, and software engineering. Students must have a good knowledge of high school Mathematics before opting for the program. The course includes a 30-Day-Money-Back-Guarantee for students who are unsatisfied with its content.
Highlights –
– Students will receive a certificate after completing the course
– Learners will have lifetime access to the study material in the program
– Students can view sample videos before opting for the course
– The program is compatible with both a mobile phone and a television screen
– Quizzes help students test their knowledge of the course
Duration: 2 hours
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
You canSign Up Here
3. Fundamentals of Computing Specialization by Rice University (Coursera)
This specialization in computer science is designed to help you learn sophisticated programming skills in Python from the ground up. Using the acquired skills you will build more than 20 fun projects. At the end of the journey, you will take a final exam that will allow you to demonstrate the range of knowledge and earn the certification.
Highlights –
– The course can be taken by anyone without any prior experience.
– Easy interactive lectures that make learning a fun experience.
– The initial lectures help to get familiar with the foundational concepts and terms so that students can build a strong base.
– The flexible deadlines give you the liberty to learn as per your convenience.
– Pass the final exam and other graded assessments to complete the program.
Duration: 8 months
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
4. Programming for Everybody – Getting Started with Python (Coursera)
This course aims to get you started with one of the most popular programming languages nowadays. You will learn the basics of programming step by step using Python. Explore the techniques of constructing a program, from a series of simple instructions. As no advanced mathematics or coding knowledge is required, therefore the classes can be taken by pretty much anyone interested.
Highlights –
– Use variables to store, retrieve and calculate information.
– Utilize core programming tools such as functions and loops.
– As this is a beginner-level course, therefore it is perfect for learners with little or no basic programming experience.
– Implement the concepts covered in the lessons by writing your first Python program and experimenting with the different techniques.
– The lectures are designed in a fun and interactive manner which makes it engaging and can be used to solve complex challenges.
Duration: 12 hours
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
5. Computer Science 101 (Stanford Online)
If you are someone who has always been fascinated by technology and computers but never had the courage to go ahead and try your hand at it then this is the perfect place for you. This self-paced program teaches the essential ideas of the subject from the very scratch. Play and experiment with short bits of ‘computer code’ to test the possibilities and power of computers. Understand how the hardware, structured data, digital images, internet, and other crucial features work. By the end of the lectures, you will have a solid idea of the basics of this field and will be ready to take on more complex certifications.
Highlights –
– Get acquainted with the necessary jargon such as bits, bytes, megabytes.
– Understand what is a program and what does it mean to run a program.
– Lots of exercises for building, visualizing and manipulating codes to solve the challenges of different levels of complexity.
– Take a look at the basics of computer security and the fundamental topics.
– Get recommendations and suggestions about supplementary resources for enhancing the learning experience.
– Complete all the exams and graded assessments that follow the lessons.
– The program is available for free.
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
6. Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (MIT Open Courseware)
The problem-solving capability is one of the most sought-after skills in today’s industry. So if you want to enhance your problem-solving skills and implement them using coding then this course will help you to achieve that. You will learn to write small programs to accomplish useful goals. With independent study design and all the necessary resources to understand the concepts covered in the lectures, this class is a crowd favorite.
Highlights –
– Obtain a complete set of lectures by the professor.
– Resources for each lecture video such as slides, handouts and code files.
– Homework problem with sample student solution.
– Self-assessment tools including lecture questions with answers and unit quizzes with solutions to assess your subject mastery.
– The flexible deadlines allow you to learn as per your schedule.
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
7. Free Computer Science Certifications and Programs (Udemy)
Computer Science is a vast field and stretches way beyond programming. Keeping that in mind Udemy has compiled a list of certifications and programs that cover the various subtopics of this huge area. The programs are divided into three levels if difficulty namely beginner, intermediate and advanced. The bestsellers on the website include operating systems from scratch, master the theory behind programming, binary: the foundation of all computing, the theory of automata among others. Upon the completion of your chosen certification, you will have the skills to apply on relevant projects.
Highlights –
– Well-structured classes with topics divided into appropriate modules which makes it easy to follow the classes.
– Rigorous training and assignments help the student to understand the core of every concept.
– Learn to write code using different core features.
– Practical projects give you the opportunity to apply the newly acquired knowledge.
– Lectures + Downloadable resources + Articles + Full lifetime access
– Available at an affordable rate.
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
8. Computer Science & Programming by University of London (Coursera)
In this specialization, you will go over an array of topics ranging from foundational principles to the necessary mathematical foundations. Understand how computers work and how they can be applied to any software or system. Gain the practical skillset required to write interactive, graphical programs at an introductory level. You will also be provided with numerical and computational tools that are essential for the problem-solving and modeling stages.
Highlights –
– Use Javascript language to create interactive programs in the browser the 2D graphics.
– Convert between number bases, work with modular arithmetic sequences and series and plot graphs.
– Develop and use mental models to describe the workings of a range of systems
– High school level mathematics is sufficient to enroll in this specialization but some coding experience can be beneficial as well.
Duration: 2 months
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
9. Computer Science Programs and Degrees (Coursera)
With a plethora of options, this platform gives you abundant options to develop your skills in the various fields of computer science. The pieces of training are divided into three levels of difficulty – beginner, intermediate and advanced. You can take the foundational programs if you have little or no experience in this field or the advanced algorithms, master of computer science, data structures, functional programming, mobile, and web development among others if you are already familiar with the core concepts. Upon the completion of the lessons, you will have the confidence to solve more complex challenges and apply them in industrial as well as academic scenarios.
Highlights –
– The videos guide you through all the necessary topics beginning from the introductions to the advanced ones as well as the necessary configurations to follow along with the videos.
– The lectures include a detailed explanation of how to get started with the classes and make the most of it.
– The quizzes and assignments that follow the videos help you to measure your progress level.
– Implement the concepts covered in the lectures and improve your resume.
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
10. Computer Science and Mobile Apps by Harvard University (edX)
In this program, the instructor will show you how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. The initial course will give you a robust understanding of the fundamentals of programming and computer systems. Following this, you will have the opportunity to build on your skills and work on mobile app development using the React Native Framework. With problem sets inspired by cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming, you will become familiar with a variety of programming languages. Finally, work on a final project for which you will implement an app of your own design.
Highlights –
– Cover concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development.
– Familiarity in a number of languages, including C, Python, JavaScript, SQL, CSS, and HTML
– Develop your own mobile app using JavaScript, JSX, ES6, React Native.
– Master components, props, state, style, views, user input, components, and debugging.
– Explore the examples and finish the graded assessments and assignments to earn the certification.
Duration: 13 weeks per course
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
11. MicroBachelors Program in Computer Science Fundamentals by New York University (edX)
This comprehensive program offers an opportunity to get an in-depth understanding of thefundamental aspects required for a career in computer science. Commence with the basics of networking protocols and layers and follow it up with an overview of the hardware, as well as operating system architecture. The classes conclude by taking a look at the programming syntax and logic.
Highlights –
– No prerequisite is required for enrollment.
– Develop the ability of computational thinking.
– Work on coding with the Python language.
– Learn about memory management, deadlocks and more.
– Focus on network security.
– Complete all the mandatory requirements to earn academic credit and certification.
Duration: 6 months
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
12. CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals (edX)
This introductory certification is designed for managers, founders, and more generally decision-makers. Following a top-down approach, the classes start by emphasizing mastery of high-level concepts and design decisions related thereto. Attend lectures on computation thinking, programming languages, internet technologies, web development, technology stacks, and cloud computing to gain the ability to make technological decisions. By the end of the program, you will be confident in the factors that guide your decision-making.
Highlights –
– All the necessary concepts are explained clearly so that they can be understood by anyone without a technological background.
– Improve your decision-making skills.
– Work on the quizzes and assignments to assess your grasp on the topics covered.
– The study materials, videos, and exercises are available for free and the certification can be added for an additional fee.
Duration: 6 weeks
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
13. Free Computer Science Courses by Colleges (edX)
If you want to jump-start a career in software development, get familiar with the computer science concepts irrespective of your current experience level or just prepare for your exams, this platform has got you covered. Find a list of courses divided into various categories that cater to different requirements. Some of the top choices are an introduction to computer science, data analysis, data science, c programming with Linux, front end development and more.
Highlights –
– No prerequisite is required for the novice level certifications.
– The course content is useful in beginning a career in this field, preparing for exams and industrial interviews.
– The lessons are self-paced and consist of a plethora of practice questions.
-The relaxed and interactive teaching style of the instructor creates a great learning environment.
– The supplementary materials and quizzes enhance the learning process.
– The videos and additional content can be accessed for free and a verified certification can be added for a nominal price.
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
So that was our take on the best Computer Science courses, certifications, and tutorials online. Hundreds of experts come together to handpick these recommendations based on decades of collective experience.
FAQs
What computer science certificates are worth it? ›
- Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer: ...
- Cloud Google Certified Professional Architect: ...
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect: ...
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate: ...
- VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-Dcv): ...
- Certified Data Professional (CDP):
Coursera and edX offer online computer science classes from top universities and companies. Below, you can find 15 affordable or free online computer science courses. Some of them offer paid certificates of completion to add to your LinkedIn profile or resume.
What is the most useful computer science course? ›Rank & Course | Workload |
---|---|
1. CS50's Intro to Computer Science (Harvard) | 100–200 hours |
2. Computational Thinking for Problem Solving (Penn) | 70 hours |
3. Intro to Computer Science and Programming Using Python (MIT) | 80–140 hours |
4. Principles of Computing (Rice) | 40 hours |
Harvard OCW, which is Harvard's open online course platform. On Harvard OCW, CS50 includes a free certificate of completion, like the one below. Note that the course content is exactly same as on edX, including all the assignments. The only difference is that the free certificate doesn't involve ID verification.
Where can I get free coding certification? ›- CareerFoundry.
- freeCodeCamp.
- Harvard's CS50X.
- MongoDB University.
- Skillshare.
- Codecademy Java for Beginners.
- University of Toronto Learn to Program.
- Artificial Intelligence Certificate. ...
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Online Certificate. ...
- Certificate in Medical Coding and Billing. ...
- Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Business. ...
- Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design.
It may come as a surprise to you, but many professional programmers are self-taught. And many of them have been able to reach fairly high positions in their career.
Which Google certification pays the most? ›The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is one of the most valuable Google career certifications you can get. Certified data analysts get an entry-level salary of $67,900 per year and can grow to more than $110K per year once they get 10+ years of working experience.
What computer certification is the most valuable? ›- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Security analyst.
- Information technology (IT) auditor.
- Security engineer.
- Systems administrator.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) ...
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) ...
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) ...
- CompTIA Security + ...
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) ...
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
What is the cheapest online computer science degree? ›
- Fort Hays State University. Graduates of Fort Hays State University's B.S. ...
- Limestone College. ...
- Lamar University. ...
- Eastern New Mexico University. ...
- Central Methodist University. ...
- Eastern Oregon University. ...
- University of Arkansas Grantham. ...
- Southern New Hampshire University.
- Try an Hour of Code.
- Watch a short video series about the basics of CS.
- Take an introductory, self-paced course.
- Create a game or an app.
- Try CS without a computer ('unplugged' & mobile options)
- Learn CS from the Code.org team and special guests.
While some people are able to succeed in teaching themselves computer science completely on their own, it's a very tricky and complex subject to master without any guidance.
What should a beginner learn in computer science? ›You can begin by learning basic programming languages like CSS and HTML, then try learning higher-level programming languages, such as object-oriented languages. Consider enrolling in an online course or watching videos about coding.
Which online computer course is best for beginners? ›- Everyday Excel, Part 1. ...
- Excel Basics for Data Analysis. ...
- Goodwill Community Foundation Global. ...
- Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software. ...
- Introduction to Computer Information Systems Specialization. ...
- Khan Academy. ...
- The Complete Computer Basics Guide for Beginners: 2022.
Yes, online courses at Harvard are worth it if you are looking to earn a reputable certificate from a world-famous Ivy League university. Harvard University offers tons of courses in the areas of data science, computer science, education, and business, and having an additional certification is helpful for your career.
How much is Harvard free courses certificate? ›Fee: Free for all. In case of a Harvard-verified certificate, $99.
Is Harvard really offering free online courses? ›The Harvard University free online courses are available to everyone from any corner of the world. All courses including Computer Science, Social Science, Data Science, Humanities, Business, Health & Medicine, Mathematics, Programming, Education & Training are available.
Can you become a coder for free? ›Codecademy is an online learning platform that offers free coding classes in programming languages including Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, C++, HTML, and CSS. Start with these free programming classes: Introduction to HTML.
Is it code Academy totally free? ›Codecademy has a free subscription plan which is the Basic that gives you access to a limited number of courses. As well as the basic plan there is the Pro which is a paid subscription, but you are entitled to a 7-day free trial.
How much of code Academy is free? ›
The basic membership is free and features a variety of courses that students can take without any financial obligation. To get the full Codecademy experience, students can upgrade to a Pro membership, which costs $39.99 per month when paid monthly or around $19.99 per month when paid annually.
What is the easiest course in computer science? ›- Human computer interaction.
- Internet of things.
- Bioinformtics.
- Software engineering.
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Mobile and internet computing.
- Data science.
- Cloud computing.
Online: In general, online is better than in-person for comfort. Students can participate in Zoom from their own home (assuming they have a private space). They can turn webcams off for greater privacy and also chime in via text chat, which can be more comfortable than speaking via voice.
Is it better to learn computer science online or in-person? ›Online Degree Programs Are More Convenient Than In-Person Programs. Online computer science programs tend to be far more flexible and forgiving than campus-based programs because they allow you to study on your own schedule and from anywhere you're able to access digital course materials.
How many hours a day should you learn to code? ›People assume that one needs to invest a tremendous amount of time to learn to code, and that's actually not the case. It is true that the more time you put in, the faster you'll learn, but if you're okay with a longer timeframe, an hour a day is plenty.
How many hours does IT take to become a self-taught coder? ›Self-Teaching
It can take as little as 3-6 months or over a year to learn how to code this way, depending on how much time and money you have to dedicate to your education.
If you want a job programming in Python, prepare to do a lot of work beforehand. The language is easy to pick up, but you need to do more than just learn the basics; to get a job, you need to have a strong understanding of some pretty complex processes.
Which Google certificate gets you a job the fastest? ›The Google Project Management Professional Certification class by Coursera takes our top spot because learners with no prior experience can acquire the skills necessary to succeed in an entry-level project management role in six months or less.
Do people get hired with Google certificate? ›Can I get a job with Google certificates? Yes, Google certificates are designed to provide a path to highly-demanded jobs that most aspirants are looking for.
Does Google have free courses? ›Whether you're a beginner or seasoned small business, Google offers free online courses to help you make the most of the web.
How long does IT take to get Google IT certificate? ›
How long does it take to finish the Google IT Support Professional Certificate? It takes about 4-5 months to finish all the courses and hands-on projects to earn your certificate.
What's better than a certificate? ›Degrees typically provide individuals with a greater depth of knowledge than certificates. Certificate programs usually focus on teaching students specific and practical skills related to that career field.
Is IT better to get a computer science degree or certifications? ›Computer science certifications can open the door to new jobs and better salaries. You can consider earning a credential instead of or in addition to a computer science degree. The tech industry places a premium on professional certifications, which let people demonstrate their expertise and skills.
What is the most difficult type of computer programming? ›Intercal– one of the most difficult programming languages
Another esoteric programming language, Intercal is also an equally hard-to-code programming language.
The quickest certification to get is one that only requires three months of training, such as a paramedic, real estate agent, or medical coder certification program. Every certification program is different, including how long it takes to complete it, but many only take three months to complete.
What is the most widely accepted and respected computer security certification? ›1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) The CISSP certification from the cybersecurity professional organization (ISC)² ranks among the most sought-after credentials in the industry.
Is CS50 worth it? ›CS50 is a comprehensive and highly respected course that provides a strong foundation in computer science. As a self-taught frontend developer with no computer science degree, I found that the course was an excellent way to fill in knowledge gaps and strengthen my understanding of the fundamentals of the field.
Which online courses is best for computer science? ›- Artificial Intelligence Certificate. ...
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Online Certificate. ...
- Certificate in Medical Coding and Billing. ...
- Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Business. ...
- Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design.
- Try an Hour of Code.
- Watch a short video series about the basics of CS.
- Take an introductory, self-paced course.
- Create a game or an app.
- Try CS without a computer ('unplugged' & mobile options)
- Learn CS from the Code.org team and special guests.
Yes, it's free. Let's get this one out of the way first. One of the biggest advantages Codecademy has over a lot of other companies that teach coding online is that they offer free courses while you explore skill paths and build code foundations.
Is CS50 required for Harvard? ›
All students, including concentrators and non-concentrators, are encouraged to take CS50 in fall term.
Is Harvard CS50 difficult? ›CS50 is VERY HARD.
However, this is by design. The techniques you are expected to use in the problem sets are all, of course, related to what you learned that week. But don't expect instructions like “implement a function X by first doing this, and then that”.
Harvard University Free Online Courses with certificates are fully funded. Which means that you don't have to pay any registration fees. After the completion of the course, you'll get a digital certificate in PDF format.
How can I start computer science with no experience? ›- Improve your coding skills. ...
- Create a portfolio. ...
- Build your online presence. ...
- Network with other programmers. ...
- Earn certifications. ...
- Take part in coding challenges or competitions. ...
- Write a strong resume. ...
- Build projects.
Yes, you can learn to code and get a job without even having to leave your current company!
How long does it take to learn computer science on your own? ›It typically takes 6-12 months to learn to code on your own. Likewise, a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer programming usually takes four years.
What are the 4 types of coding? ›While the names of the coding paradigms sometimes vary, most experts agree on four primary types of code: imperative, functional, logical, and object-oriented. Alternative names and other primary types may include procedural, scripting, and database programming.
Do employers accept Codecademy? ›Prospective employers could recognize a certificate from Codecademy as proof of knowledge in a programming language. However, certifications are not accredited. If looking to receive an accredited certificate, users might have more luck with alternatives like Coursera.
What is the most respected coding bootcamp? ›- Fullstack Academy.
- Coding Dojo.
- Career Foundry.
- General Assembly.
- Springboard.
- Flatiron School.
- Altcademy.
- Bloom Institute of Technology.