What skills can I learn in algorithms courses on Coursera?

Coursera's algorithms courses offer valuable skills that are foundational in computer science: Understanding and implementing basic and advanced algorithms Analyzing algorithm efficiency and complexity Designing data structures to optimize software applications Problem-solving techniques for tackling computational challenges Application of algorithms in real-world scenarios, like sorting, searching, and graph operations Hands-on programming skills to implement algorithms in various programming languages

Do I need prior experience in algorithms to start these courses?

Algorithm courses on Coursera are suitable for all experience levels: Beginners can start with courses that introduce basic concepts and simple algorithms. Those with some background might choose intermediate courses focusing on more complex algorithms and their applications. Advanced courses are suitable for those who have a strong foundation in computer science and want to deepen their understanding of algorithmic theory and applications.

What certifications and credentials are available for algorithms courses?

Coursera offers several ways to validate your skills in algorithms: Professional certificates designed to help build and showcase your analytical skills in technical roles. Specialized course certificates that document your learning in particular aspects of algorithms, such as cryptographic methods or data structures. Credentials developed in partnership with respected computer science institutions, adding recognized value to your educational achievements.

What career opportunities are available with skills in algorithms?

Skills in algorithms are crucial for a variety of technical careers: Software Engineer , developing efficient, scalable software Data Analyst , using algorithms to process and analyze large data sets Machine Learning Engineer , applying algorithms to build and train intelligent systems Operations Research Analyst , optimizing and improving business processes Academic Researcher, contributing to the advancement of computational theories and practices

Best Algorithms Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Algorithms Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Bioinformatics, Theoretical Computer Science, Network Model, Network Routing, Network Analysis, Probability, Design Strategies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Algorithms, Part I
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Theoretical Computer Science, Java, Java Programming, Computational Thinking, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Testing
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Bioinformatics, Network Model, Advanced Mathematics, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Program Development, Operations Research, System Design and Implementation, Network Analysis, Network Routing, Programming Principles, Linear Algebra, Text Mining, C (Programming Language), Software Testing, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Pseudocode, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Computational Thinking, Solution Design, Operations Research, Program Development, Programming Principles, Cryptography, Computational Logic, Numerical Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Encryption, Design Strategies, Software Design, Linear Algebra, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
844 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Algorithms, Part II
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Algorithms, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Java, Computer Programming, Network Routing, Computational Thinking, Operations Research
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Structures, Back-End Web Development, Microsoft Copilot, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning, C# (Programming Language), Pseudocode, Application Programming Interface (API), Scalability, Authentications
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Graph Theory, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Computational Thinking, Probability
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Amazon
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: JUnit, Version Control, Data Structures, Software Testing, GitHub, Unit Testing, Git (Version Control System), Performance Tuning, Test Driven Development (TDD), Algorithms, Software Development, Data Storage, Java Programming, Data Management, Scalability, Java
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
38 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
C++: Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Structures, Graph Theory, C++ (Programming Language), Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Programming Principles, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Analysis of Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Combinatorics, Theoretical Computer Science, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Data Structures, Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Probability
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Coding Interview Preparation
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Pseudocode, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Communication, Program Development, Computational Logic, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java Programming, Technical Communication, Python Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
722 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Data Structures, Computer Architecture, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computer Systems, Computational Thinking, Java, Scalability, Computer Hardware
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
716 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months