When you think of computer science, you might think of a very broad field. But computer science isn’t the study of everything having to do with computers.
Instead, computer science mostly deals with software. Computer scientists also work with software systems.
There are many different subjects that computer scientists study.
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Disclaimer: Some courses may include an affiliate link. Courses were chosen first based on the methodology with affiliate links only added after the ranking was complete.
For example, computer scientists study theories of software development. They also design software. Many computer scientists try to find out how to use software in ways that improve how people work and play.
All of these tasks are applied to different fields. This includes artificial intelligence. Computer networking and database systems are common too. It also includes programming and software engineering. This is just a partial list.
Since computer science can be applied to so many different areas, you need to have the appropriate education. By developing the right skills, you can apply your knowledge of computer science in many situations.
Below, we’ve listed the 12 best online computer science courses. Checking this list should help you narrow down which classes might work best for you.
We’ve created these rankings by using a detailed methodology for the best online computer science courses. This criterion includes several factors:
- Affordability
- Certification
- Course Ratings
There is a lot of value in looking at an online computer course from multiple points of view. This way, you end up with a selection of classes that profile well for all three of the criteria listed above.
Let’s take a closer look at this methodology for our top online computer science courses.
Methodology to Determine the Best Online Courses for Computer Science
Some people might select online computer courses based only on price. This is not a good approach.
Instead, it’s better to consider price as well as other important factors. As noted earlier, doing so allows you to get a more comprehensive picture of what each course has to offer. Besides, this enables you to compare classes on one, two, or three factors.
Each course earns a cumulative score. This score represents the total points for affordability, certification, and course ratings.
There is no doubt that affordability is the top priority for most people. After all, you want value for your money. You also don’t want to spend all your money taking one course when you could take several courses for far less.
But money isn’t the only factor to consider.
In many computer science careers, certifications can mean the difference between getting the job and getting passed over for a position. Additionally, course ratings can be an informative metric. If a course has poor ratings based on a large number of reviews, it might not be worth your time or effort to take.
Below is a quick summary of each of the three criteria we used to develop these rankings.
Affordability
No one wants to waste money. As such, grading online computer courses in terms of affordability is critically important.
There are excellent free online computer science classes. But some free courses aren’t worth your time.
Likewise, there are superb online computer courses that require a fee. But there are also paid courses that are a complete waste of money.
This being the case, it’s necessary to view affordability through the lens of the other two factors. When a course is affordable, offers certification, and has good course ratings, you can be confident it’s a good class for you.
Here’s how we scored this criterion:
- Free: 6 points
- Under $10: 5 points
- $11-20: 4 points
- $21-30: 3 points
- $31-40: 2 points
- $41 and above: 1 point
You can see that free courses have been prioritized. This has been done to reflect the importance of saving money. But as the rankings show, there are paid courses that are certainly worth consideration.
Certification
Being certified isn’t always required to get a job in computer science. It can definitely help, though.
There are many professional certifications you can get. Educational certifications are an option too. There are also many different completion certificates. Not all of these certifications are of equal value.
A professional or educational certification holds a lot of weight. These types of certifications are governed by strict rules. To get the certification, you have to take specific steps. You might have to take certain courses. Usually, you have to pass an exam.
These types of certifications are well respected in the computer science community. That’s because these certifications are overseen by a professional organization or educational institution.
Completion certificates don’t have the same value. They simply indicate that you completed a course. In some cases, you have to pay a fee to even get this type of certificate.
You can post any of these certificates to your online profile. You can include them in your resume as well. They show that you have learned new skills and are committed to bettering yourself.
Typically, professional or educational certifications require much more work. As a result, they get more points, as shown below:
- Offers a professional or educational certification: 2 points
- Offers a completion certification: 1 point
- No certification: 0 points
Course Ratings
The most subjective factor in our methodology is course ratings.
Course ratings can sometimes be misleading. For example, if a course has only a handful of ratings, a poor rating can significantly impact the overall review of the class. So, even if the class is fantastic, one disgruntled student can pull the overall rating down with a bad review.
That’s why it’s necessary to look at both the course rating and the number of course ratings. If a course has 5,000 ratings and has a score of 4.8 out of 5, you can be confident in choosing that course. However, if a course has 5,000 ratings and has a score of 2.8 out of 5, you might need to look for a different course to take.
This criterion is scored as follows:
- 5 stars: 5 points
- 4.5+ stars: 4 points
- 4+ stars: 3 points
- 3.5+ stars: 2 points
- 3.4 stars and below: 1 point
- No ratings: 0 points
Now that you have a better idea of how our methodology is developed, let’s see it in action. Below are the best online computer science courses according to our rankings.
Ranking the Best Online Courses for Computer Science
#12: Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals
This is an intermediate specialization in computer science by the University of Illinois and Coursera. Since it’s a mid-level course, you should have basic programming skills. Specializations involve multiple courses. In this case, there are three courses.
The topics in this specialization range from:
- Object-oriented programming
- Asymptotic algorithmic run times
- Implementation of data structures
Gaining knowledge related to these topics helps you prepare for the Online MCS Entrance Exam. The exam is designed to help people that do not have transcripted computer science coursework to strengthen their application for admission to advanced computer science degrees.
The University of Illinois is known for its academic quality. And Coursera has a reputation as one of the best online schools for computer science. This makes the Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals specialization one of the best online computer science courses currently available.
Points: 6
Affordability: Free to enroll. A fee (usually around $50) might be required. Other costs are involved if you participate in a specialization (usually $39-$79 per month). Learn more about Coursera pricing. This is scored as a paid course.
Certification: Yes. A certificate of completion is available.
Course Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 1,618 ratings)
#11: Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Programming for Everybody is an intermediate course offered by the University of Michigan and Coursera. This class is part of Coursera’s Python for Everybody Specialization.
The focus of this class is on using Python for computer programming. You’ll learn the basics of building a program.
Additional topics include:
- How to install Python
- How to use variables
- How to use functions and loops
Even though this is an intermediate course, there are no prerequisites. It’s designed to be accessible to any student with a moderate understanding of computer science.
This computer science course is offered 100 percent online. It’s learn-at-your-own-pace with flexible deadlines. Most students complete the class in about 19 hours.
Points: 6
Affordability: Free to enroll. A fee (usually around $50) might be required. Other costs are involved if you participate in a specialization (usually $39-$79 per month). Learn more about Coursera pricing. This is scored as a paid course.
Certification: Yes. A certificate of completion is available.
Course Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 122,336 ratings)
#10: Machine Learning
This is a detailed, intermediate course from Stanford University and Coursera. Its focus is on machine learning or enabling computers to work without being programmed.
For computer scientists, understanding machine learning is very important. Speech recognition, improved web searches, and self-driving cars are the result of machine learning.
In this top online computer science course, you’ll learn about common machine learning topics. This includes:
- Machine learning theory
- Best practices with machine learning
- Datamining
- Statistical pattern recognition
You’ll also explore topics related to unsupervised learning. Clustering, deep learning, and recommender systems are a few examples.
This is a lengthy course that requires about 54 hours to complete. The course has flexible deadlines so you can work at your own pace.
Points: 6
Affordability: Free to enroll. A fee (usually around $50) might be required. Other costs are involved if you participate in a specialization (usually $39-$79 per month). Learn more about Coursera pricing. This is scored as a paid course.
Certification: Yes. A certificate of completion is available.
Course Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 138,672 ratings)
#9: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
This course from MIT is a good introduction to computer science for beginners. Though it does not offer a certificate and has no course ratings, it is completely free. In fact, it is one of many free online computer science classes you can take from this school.
In this online computer science course, you can expect to learn how to:
- Use Python
- Write small programs
- Use computer science to solve problems
The course includes all the materials you need to learn. There is a complete set of lecture videos featuring an MIT professor. There are handouts and code files to accompany each lecture video as well.
You can complete homework problems to further your learning. There are also self-assessments to gauge your learning.
This course was originally offered at MIT in 2011, so there is no teacher. Instead, all learning is completely independent.
Points: 6
Affordability: Free (at the time of writing)
Certification: None
Course Rating: None
#8: Learn the art of mobile app development
This is a two-part course designed to prepare you for a professional certificate in Computer Science and Mobile Apps. The certificate is provided by Harvard.
You’ll examine many topics in computer programming. This includes algorithms and data structures. The course also covers several computer programming languages, such as:
- Python
- JavaScript
- CSS
- SQL
You’ll also learn about C programming and HTML. These tools will be used to develop your own mobile app.
This is an intermediate course designed for people with a range of computer science experience. Beginners will find the course helpful to fuel more advanced studies. Advanced learners will also discover new things to learn.
Points: 7
Affordability: $162 (at the time of writing)
Certification: Yes. A professional certificate is available.
Course Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on an unknown number of ratings)
#7: IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
If you want to brush up your skills in data science, this professional certificate from IBM and Coursera is a good place to start.
Data science is a quickly growing profession. That makes this course a great option for computer science learners.
The certificate program includes nine separate courses. You’ll explore many topics including:
- Libraries
- Data analysis
- Machine learning
- Python
This course also introduces you to methodologies, databases, and SQL.
This is a hands-on course. You’ll use the IBM cloud and real-life data tools to examine real-life data sets.
This is a beginner course, so no prerequisites are required. Most students finish the course in about 10 months.
Points: 7
Affordability: Free to enroll. A fee (usually around $50) might be required. Other costs are involved if you participate in a specialization (usually $39-$79 per month). Learn more about Coursera pricing. This is scored as a paid course.
Certification: Yes. A professional certificate is available.
Course Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 138,672 ratings)
#6: Operating Systems from Scratch – Part 1
Computer scientists should have a thorough background in operating systems. This intermediate course from Udemy helps you become familiar with essential concepts in operating systems.
This online course in computer science begins with a comprehensive overview of operating systems. You’ll learn how hardware devices work together. You’ll also learn how input and output devices work in harmony.
From there, course units expand to cover a lot of subjects. This includes:
- Operating systems concepts
- CPU scheduling
- Memory allocation techniques
Some of the concepts in this top computer science course are very basic. Others are advanced. It is a step-by-step guided course, so even if you have no computer science experience, you can find success.
You can work at your own pace. Since you get lifetime access to the course, you can take as much time as you like!
This is part one of a two-part series. You don’t have to take the second course, but it is highly recommended.
Points: 9
Affordability: $12.99 (at the time of writing)
Certification: Yes. A certificate of completion is available.
Course Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 1,354 ratings)
#5: Operating Systems from Scratch – Part 2
This is the second part of the two-course series from Udemy on operating systems. It is a mixed-level course with beginner, intermediate, and advanced topics.
One of the most important concepts in studying operating systems is memory. Specifically, memory management.
In this course, you’ll explore many topics related to memory. This includes:
- Allocation strategies
- Memory management strategies
- Segmentation
- Paging
Furthermore, this course covers page tables and problems you might encounter with tables. You will also explore virtual memory and average memory access time.
This online computer science course includes 12.5 hours of on-demand video. There are three articles to help you develop a deeper understanding of operating systems as well.
Points: 9
Affordability: $12.99 (at the time of writing)
Certification: Yes. A certificate of completion is available.
Course Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (based on 338 ratings)
#4: Computer Science 101: Master the Theory Behind Programming
This beginner course from Udemy focuses on the fundamentals of computer programming. You will explore computer theory over 10 lessons, plus a bonus lesson.
More specifically, lessons give you the chance to learn about:
- Algorithm analysis
- Data structures
- Core sorting algorithms
This course also helps you understand the fundamentals of computer science theory. This is important so you can work with any kind of programming language.
You get access to more than 8.5 hours of video lectures. There are also nearly two dozen support articles to help you advance your learning.
This course is highly accessible too. You get lifetime access. You can work on the course on your computer, mobile device, or TV.
Points: 9
Affordability: $10.99 (at the time of writing)
Certification: Yes. A certificate of completion is available.
Course Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 2,201 ratings)
#3: Computer Science 101: Intro to Java & Algorithms
You don’t just need software know-how as a computer scientist. Instead, you need coding skills. This beginner course from Udemy introduces you to Java and algorithms.
Learning programming can be tough. But with this class, learning Java is made easy.
The online computer science course is designed for people with little or no programming experience. Take baby steps in learning Java and algorithms so you can master each topic before moving to a new one.
Among the topics you’ll work on in this course are:
- Basic syntax (both theory and code)
- Control statements and control loops
- Methods and arrays
You will also explore searching and sorting algorithms. There is a unit on object-oriented programming as well.
You get full lifetime access to this course. That gives you lots of time to review the nearly 14.5 hours of video content. There are nearly 200 lectures, so there is a lot of content to work through!
Points: 9
Affordability: $10.99 (at the time of writing)
Certification: Yes. A certificate of completion is available.
Course Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 74 ratings)
#2: Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
This is a free course offered by Princeton University and Coursera. It is a beginner course, so no prior experience with computer science is needed.
The class takes a scientific approach to studying computer programming. However, the course explores the impact of computer science on all walks of life. To do this, you’ll learn many concepts in programming, including:
- Variables and conditionals
- Loops and arrays
- Functions
There is also a unit on object-oriented programming (OOP). You’ll learn OOP in the context of the Java programming language.
This course does not offer a certificate. However, the course is completely free. You can learn at your own pace and complete the course in as little or as much time as needed.
Points: 10
Affordability: Free
Certification: None
Course Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 235 ratings)
#1: Computer Architecture
This is a unique course. It’s advanced level and offered by one of the top universities in the world – Princeton. But it is also completely free on Coursera.
Enrolling in this best course for computer science allows you to learn how to design computer architecture. Specifically, you’ll design a complex microprocessor.
Over the course of 11 weeks, you’ll explore the following topics:
- Pipelining
- Caches
- Superscaler
Other topics include memory protection, GPUs, and multithreading.
This is a long course. It requires about 50 hours of work to complete. The course has flexible deadlines. This is important because you can work at your own pace to complete the class.
Points: 10
Affordability: Free
Certification: None
Course Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on 542 ratings)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I want to study computer science?
There are many reasons why computer science is a good topic to study.
First of all, computer science is a growing field. There are many jobs available at all levels. This means that you can find entry-level to advanced careers.
Second, computing is part of our daily lives, and it will only become a larger part of our lives as time goes on. This gives people in computer science excellent job security. That’s because their skills will continue to be relevant in the job market for the foreseeable future.
Third, studying computer science helps you develop critical skills. You learn to problem solve. You improve your analytical thinking. You can even enhance your creativity!
A fourth reason to study computer science is that you can work from anywhere in the world. Some jobs require you to work in an office. But many people in this industry work remotely. This enables you to have a more flexible schedule to travel or spend time with loved ones.
Lastly, many jobs in computer science pay very well. Income isn’t the only factor you should use to decide what kind of job to pursue. But it doesn’t hurt that computer science usually pays quite well!
What are the best free online computer science classes?
There are many free online computer science classes available from many different websites and schools. But according to our rankings, Princeton University has the best free online computer science classes.
Not only is Princeton a world-renowned university, but it also has some of the best online computer science courses.
Their Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose course ranks second on our list. It ranks so highly because it is a completely free course. It also benefits from positive reviews from students.
Princeton’s Computer Architecture ranks first on our list. Like their other course, it ranks at the top because it is free and is well-reviewed.
In both cases, there is not a certificate offered. However, courses don’t have to offer a certificate to be well worth your time.
What prerequisites do I need for a computer science course?
The prerequisites you need for an online computer course vary from one class to the next.
Many beginner courses don’t have prerequisites at all. This is a function of the learning level. Beginner courses assume students have little to no experience in computer science, so there are usually no requirements for taking an entry-level course.
Intermediate courses can have a variety of prerequisites. For example, you might need to be familiar with programming languages like JavaScript and HTML. As another example, you might need to demonstrate an understanding of advanced math, like calculus.
For advanced online computer science courses, prerequisites can be even more strict. For example, you might need to know multiple programming languages like CSS, Java, and Python. As another example, you might need to have taken lower-level courses in order to qualify to take a higher-level class.
In summary, the prerequisites you might need to fulfill vary from one course to the next. There are no set requirements. Instead, you’ll need to consult the course syllabus to see if you need to meet any prerequisites before enrollment.
Can I get a certificate with a free online computer science course?
Yes, there are free online computer science courses that offer a certificate.
In many cases, these certificates are for completing the course. As discussed earlier, these certificates are not professional or educational certificates. Instead, they simply show that you completed all the coursework.
Certificates of completion can be a valuable asset. They show that you’re pursuing greater knowledge and skills. But as noted in the methodology section above, these certificates don’t hold as much weight as a professional or educational certificate.
Many websites offer free certificates with free online computer courses. Coursera, for example, often has these courses available.
It’s important to frequently check online learning platforms for the availability of free courses with certificates. Sometimes, certificates are free only during special promotional periods. Otherwise, you might have to pay a fee to get the certificate.
What are the best online computer science degrees?
The best online computer science degrees have a number of features.
First, they are accredited. Accreditation means that the program has been reviewed by an outside organization. Their stamp of approval indicates that the program meets strict standards.
By getting a degree from an accredited institution, you ensure that you’re getting the best education. Furthermore, credits you earn from an accredited school are more likely to transfer than those from a non-accredited school. This is beneficial if you decide to switch schools.
Second, the best online computer science degrees offer you flexibility. In other words, top programs have different areas of emphasis from which you can choose.
For example, you might be able to specialize in computer programming or artificial intelligence. Likewise, you might be able to focus on machine learning or Java.
A third factor that makes an online computer science degree a good option is affordability. Just like with our rankings, price matters. Since formal college education can be extremely expensive, it’s helpful to factor in expense. So, the best online computer science degrees are affordable.
A final component that can put an online computer science degree at the top of the list is the features it offers.
For example, some online degree programs have real-time tutoring and student support. They might have the option to take an accelerated track. They might even have options to participate in live classes.
With these kinds of amenities, the best online computer science degrees make it easier on you to learn and finish your studies in a timely fashion.
What are the best online schools for computer science?
According to our rankings, Princeton University is at the top of the list for the best online schools for computer science. In fact, the top two spots in our rankings are occupied by courses from Princeton.
There are plenty of other options too. There are courses on our list from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois. Each of these schools is well known and well respected for its academic programs.
You’ll find that most colleges and universities in the United States and abroad offer online courses in computer science. Some are certainly better than others. But the ease of accessing these courses is certainly a benefit.
There are other options for learning computer science online. Websites like Coursera, edX, Alison, and Udemy offer hundreds of computer science courses online. Clearly, these sites are not traditional schools. However, they get consistently good reviews from students that take their courses.
Additionally, these websites often have courses created by colleges and universities. There are many free courses available too. Even the paid courses are far less expensive than taking an online course from most colleges or universities. That makes these sites an attractive option if you’re on a tight budget.
What jobs are available for someone with a background in computer science?
If you have computer science skills, there are many jobs available to you. If you have a degree in computer science, even more jobs might open up. Below is a list of some common jobs in this field that might be of interest.
Software developer – Software developers create programs that enable users to complete specific tasks. Some software developers work on creating apps for mobile devices. Others work on programs specifically for computers. In addition to developing the software, developers are also responsible for testing it. They must continually maintain and update it as well.
Computer network architect – These computer scientists design network communication systems. Part of their job is to determine the networking needs of businesses and meet those needs with a well-designed network. Another part of the job is to test the systems they’ve developed. This is done before they deploy the network for the client.
Computer information systems managers – These workers are responsible for evaluating a company’s needs for technology. As part of that process, they manage the implementation of networks and other data systems. Since this is a managerial role, there is also oversight of computer information systems staff members.
Information security analyst – With a background in computer science, you might be able to work as an information security analyst. This job requires you to design networks that protect information from attacks. You must also stay up-to-date on the latest information security methods. Doing so helps you foresee potential security issues and prepare for them.
Do I need a degree in computer science to get a job in this field?
Many workers in this field have a degree. It’s common to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, many companies hire workers with an associate’s degree.
But in some cases, even an associate’s degree isn’t needed. Hiring managers typically look for people with the knowledge and skills to get the job done. They are concerned more with an applicant’s ability to fulfill the duties of the job. They are less worried with how or where you learned your computer science skills.
However, it can be easier to get a job in computer science with a degree. That’s because employers have proof of your training. In some cases, earning a degree also gets you a certificate. Certificates are usually not required for most jobs. But, they can be helpful in making you stand out from other applicants.
Whether you need a degree or not depends on other factors too.
For example, the type of employer can make a difference. If you apply for a private sector job, you might find more opportunities without a degree. But schools or research facilities usually require applicants to have a formal education.
The area of specialization can impact whether you need a degree as well.
For example, if a job requires you to be an expert in Java, that’s a skill that can be learned in online computer science courses like those outlined above. But jobs in artificial intelligence might require you to have a degree due to the difficulty of the work.
How much does someone with a computer science degree earn?
The amount of money you can earn in computer science varies quite a lot.
One of the most important things that influences how much you earn is the type of computer science job you have. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers earn an average salary of $105,590 per year. On the other hand, computer programmers earn an average salary of $86,550 per year.
In both cases, the salary is quite good. However, there is a big difference based on which type of job you have.
Another factor that impacts how much you earn with a computer science degree is the level of the degree. Typically, people with an associate’s degree earn less than those with a bachelor’s degree. Workers with a bachelor’s degree usually earn less than those with a master’s degree. Likewise, if you have a doctorate, you can likely earn more money than if you have a master’s.
Part of this also has to do with your level of experience. Usually workers with an associate’s degree are young and right out of college. The types of jobs they can get are often entry-level positions that pay less. But someone with a doctorate likely has a lot of experience working in computer science. Due to that experience, they can often get a higher salary.
Yet another factor that influences how much money you can earn is the place of your employment.
In many cases, working in the private sector means a higher wage. This is not a rule, but it is common. But if you work for a public institution, like a local or state government agency, your salary will likely be less.
Even the location where you work can have an impact on how much you earn. For example, workers in urban areas often make more money than those in rural areas. Cost of living is more expensive in urban areas though. Factoring that in, the gap in salary is usually much less.
OCR Staff
June 2020
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