Computer Science

Learn more about the skills, certifications, and degrees to consider for a computer science career.

Coursera logo C cutout
[Featured Image] Two young professionals who followed computer science career paths work in an office, one sitting at a computer and the other standing over her and looking at the screen.
Status: Featured

5 Computer Science Career Paths

Explore computer science career paths in this helpful guide outlining academic requirements and salary information for 14 potential jobs in the field.

November 13, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A c++ developer is sharing a project with a co-worker of an application to help improve a system.
Status: Featured

How to Become a C++ Developer

Find out how to become a C++ developer, the salary to expect, and the necessary skills, experience, and education you need to succeed in this role.

February 4, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A young man sits at a laptop in a required class for his computer science degree.
Status: Featured

What Classes Are Required for a Computer Science Degree?

As the digital age continues to evolve, the pursuit of a computer science degree has become synonymous with a passport to opportunity. Learn more about what classes are required for a computer science degree.

January 29, 2025

Article

[Video thumbnail] Computer Science Jobs

5 Entry-level Jobs You Can Get with a Computer Science Degree [VIDEO]

Are you studying computer science or considering it as a major? Watch this video and learn about five entry-level jobs in the computer science field.

April 8, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] Coworkers discuss the roles of data science vs. computer science in determining company processes and decisions.

Data Science vs. Computer Science: What’s the Difference?

Both data science and computer science are prominent technology fields today. Discover the similarities and differences between data science vs. computer science.

March 18, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer sits at a computer and uses R programming skills while a colleague stands at a computer desk in the background.

Essential R Programming Skills

Learn about R programming skills that can help you clean, manipulate, and analyze your data effectively. Explore which technical skills you might already possess and how to build new ones.

March 18, 2025

Article

[Video thumbnail] Computer Science Jobs

5 Entry-level Jobs You Can Get with a Computer Science Degree [VIDEO]

Are you studying computer science or considering it as a major? Watch this video and learn about five entry-level jobs in the computer science field.

April 8, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] Coworkers discuss the roles of data science vs. computer science in determining company processes and decisions.

Data Science vs. Computer Science: What’s the Difference?

Both data science and computer science are prominent technology fields today. Discover the similarities and differences between data science vs. computer science.

March 18, 2025

Article

Explore popular computer science courses

University of London

Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Computer Systems, Development Environment, Web Applications, Debugging, Graphing, Program Development, Computer Networking, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming Tools, Usability, Arithmetic, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Cybersecurity, Software Development Tools, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Programming, Computer Graphics, Numerical Analysis

4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews

Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Graph Theory, Development Environment, Data Storage, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Data Storage Technologies, Debugging, Program Development, Database Systems, Database Theory, Network Routing, Computational Thinking

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews

Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Status: Free

Princeton University

Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Debugging

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews

Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

[Featured Image] A quality assurance engineer is high fiving his team member during a break from their project.

7 In-Demand Skills Needed for Quality Assurance Engineer Jobs

Quality assurance (QA) engineers work with multiple teams to ensure that a product meets quality requirements before its release. Discover seven top skills you need and learn how you can develop them to succeed in this role.

March 18, 2025

Article

[Featured image] A product manager using a painted door test to validate designs in an office.

Painted Door Test: A Method for Validating Product Ideas

The painted door test is an important user research method that can help you minimize risk while providing valuable insights into your product. Explore the method and how to use it effectively.

March 17, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A group of college students gather around their professor in a classroom as she explains the relationship between cybersecurity and UX design.

Cybersecurity, UX Design, and You

Learn how cybersecurity and UX design intersect when creating digital applications, websites, and products.

February 10, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A C# developer is at her desk developing an application for her company.

What Does a C# Developer Do? Career Overview + Outlook

C# developers are experts in writing code and building applications in the C# programming language. Learn more about this role, the job outlook, and whether this career path is right for you.

February 5, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A young businesswoman, who knows python, is giving a data analytics presentation of the business plans and strategies to improve feedback and customer experience.

6 Python Career Paths to Consider in 2025

Consider these well-paid and fascinating career paths as you continue your Python journey.

January 21, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A hardware engineer is training a student on the manufacturing and testing a hardware design.

Hardware Engineer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

A computer hardware engineer designs, develops, or tests computer systems and their components. Discover the average hardware engineer salary based on factors such as education, experience, location, industry, and job title.

January 6, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A web developer, which is one of the highest-paying tech jobs, works on some coding on a computer with two screens.

6 Highest-Paying Tech Jobs

As jobs in technological fields continue to grow, discover which of these roles have high salaries, as well as the education and training requirements of each job.

November 6, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman and man in STEM (what does stem stand for? Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) discuss their robotics project in a laboratory.

What Does STEM Stand For?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Explore these fields closely linked, including the several distinct differences that set careers in each field apart.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT specialist examines various computer parts, including the central processing unit.

What Is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

The CPU is a collection of circuits that run the operating system and apps and manage other computer operations. Learn more about central processing units and the important role they play in all computing devices.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer sits at a computer and uses R programming skills while a colleague stands at a computer desk in the background.

Essential R Programming Skills

Learn about R programming skills that can help you clean, manipulate, and analyze your data effectively. Explore which technical skills you might already possess and how to build new ones.

March 18, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A quality assurance engineer is high fiving his team member during a break from their project.

7 In-Demand Skills Needed for Quality Assurance Engineer Jobs

Quality assurance (QA) engineers work with multiple teams to ensure that a product meets quality requirements before its release. Discover seven top skills you need and learn how you can develop them to succeed in this role.

March 18, 2025

Article

[Featured image] A product manager using a painted door test to validate designs in an office.

Painted Door Test: A Method for Validating Product Ideas

The painted door test is an important user research method that can help you minimize risk while providing valuable insights into your product. Explore the method and how to use it effectively.

March 17, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A group of college students gather around their professor in a classroom as she explains the relationship between cybersecurity and UX design.

Cybersecurity, UX Design, and You

Learn how cybersecurity and UX design intersect when creating digital applications, websites, and products.

February 10, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A C# developer is at her desk developing an application for her company.

What Does a C# Developer Do? Career Overview + Outlook

C# developers are experts in writing code and building applications in the C# programming language. Learn more about this role, the job outlook, and whether this career path is right for you.

February 5, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A young businesswoman, who knows python, is giving a data analytics presentation of the business plans and strategies to improve feedback and customer experience.

6 Python Career Paths to Consider in 2025

Consider these well-paid and fascinating career paths as you continue your Python journey.

January 21, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A hardware engineer is training a student on the manufacturing and testing a hardware design.

Hardware Engineer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

A computer hardware engineer designs, develops, or tests computer systems and their components. Discover the average hardware engineer salary based on factors such as education, experience, location, industry, and job title.

January 6, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] A web developer, which is one of the highest-paying tech jobs, works on some coding on a computer with two screens.

6 Highest-Paying Tech Jobs

As jobs in technological fields continue to grow, discover which of these roles have high salaries, as well as the education and training requirements of each job.

November 6, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman and man in STEM (what does stem stand for? Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) discuss their robotics project in a laboratory.

What Does STEM Stand For?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Explore these fields closely linked, including the several distinct differences that set careers in each field apart.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT specialist examines various computer parts, including the central processing unit.

What Is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

The CPU is a collection of circuits that run the operating system and apps and manage other computer operations. Learn more about central processing units and the important role they play in all computing devices.

October 30, 2024

Article

Computer science is the study of computer hardware and software. As a discipline, it encompasses subject matter from artificial intelligence and cryptography to computer engineering and software development and touches a variety of industries, including game development, financial services, and government.

With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore computer science topics, including:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)