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As we continue into the digital age, computer science has become an essential discipline for anyone looking to remain relevant in the job market or understand the world around them. This dynamic field offers many exciting opportunities in many subjects, including data science, artificial intelligence, and software development.
Our guide explores curated online computer science courses. These programs offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience for various skill levels and are available through globally recognized institutions. Discover the course that will fuel your passion for technology.
What Subjects Are Covered in Computer Science Courses?
Computer science college courses can cover various subjects, including computer forensics, database management, and web development. Other common subjects include information technology and software engineering. Explore the list below to learn about some of the other subjects explored in popular online computer science classes.
Computer Programming: Computer science professionals write code with programming languages that tell computers to perform tasks. Some computer programming courses provide a broad introduction to programming languages, while others focus more narrowly on one or more languages, like JavaScript, Python, or C++.
Computer Engineering: These classes incorporate computer science and electrical engineering concepts to explore computer hardware development and design fundamentals. Topics may include circuit boards, operating systems, and robotics.
Cybersecurity: A typical cybersecurity class explores computer risk management, information security policies, and penetration testing. Coursework may cover a broad introduction to the subfield or focus on specific tools and practices.
Data Science: This field uses advanced tools to apply data in problem-solving contexts. Students in data science courses learn about data mining, data visualization, statistics, and machine learning.
Information Systems: Information systems classes explore how organizations can use information technology to solve problems. Topics include application design, human-computer interaction, and information systems theories and practices.
Network Administration: Students explore ways to make computer networks run effectively. Enrollees learn to install, fix, and upgrade computer networks. The curriculum may include aspects of data management, web development, and networking solutions.
Software Development: These classes teach learners to create, test, and maintain modern computer applications. The curriculum may cover programming languages, software security, algorithms, and data structures.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Computer Science Courses
Introduction to Computer Science (CS50x)
This Harvard University course, available through edX, provides a broad understanding of computer science fundamentals through theoretical and practical topics. It starts from scratch, making it ideal for beginners and those with some experience. Upon completion, learners earn a certificate of completion from Harvard University's online learning platform, edX.
Provider: Harvard University via edX
Duration: 6-18 hours per week for 12 weeks
Lessons: 9 problem sets (programming assignments), 1 final project
Cost: $199 for a verified certificate and graded assignments
Computer science basics
Programming in C
Web programming (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
Python and SQL
Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03
This Udemy course covers the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on Amazon Web Services (AWS). It helps prepare students for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.
Provider: Udemy
Duration: Self-paced
Lessons: 27 hours of on-demand video, 1 practice test, 13 articles, 1 downloadable resource
Cost: $129.99 (Prices often fluctuate)
Design and deploy scalable, highly available systems on AWS
Ingress and egress data to and from AWS
Select the appropriate AWS service based on data, compute, database, or security requirements
Data Structures & Algorithms I: ArrayLists, LinkedLists, Stacks, and Queues
This Georgia Tech uses the edX platform to explore data storage in Arrays, ArrayLists, and LinkedList nodes — ideal for those with basic Java and object-oriented programming knowledge. It incorporates instructional videos, labs, comprehension questions, and Java coding assignments.
Provider: Georgia Tech via edX
Duration: 9-10 hours per week for 5 weeks
Lessons: Multiple modules, final exam
Cost: $149 for a verified certificate and graded assignments
Java programming skills with generics, references, and interfaces
Low-level data structure programming
Abstract data type design and implementation
Time complexity analysis
Recursive method implementation
Serverless Apps with FastAPI, DynamoDB, and Vue
Students will build serverless web applications with FastAPI and Vue running on AWS. They can construct APIs on AWS Lambda, deploy FastAPI apps through CI/CD on GitHub Actions and Serverless Framework, authenticate with Cognito, and monitor with CloudWatch. The course is for advanced beginners with at least six months of web development experience.
Provider: TestDriven.io
Duration: Self-paced
Lessons: CI/CD pipeline, API, DynamoDB, Cognito; Vue Application; Going to Production
Cost: $25
Developing an API with FastAPI
CI/CD pipeline setup with GitHub Actions
Data modeling with DynamoDB
Authentication setup with Cognito
Vue application development
CloudWatch monitoring setup
The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2023: Go from Zero to Hero
This course will teach you how to use SQL to query a database and perform data analysis. With nine hours of on-demand video and detailed code notebooks for every lecture, this is one of the most comprehensive courses for SQL.
Provider: Udemy
Duration: Self-paced
Lessons: 9 hours of on-demand video, 14 articles, 13 downloadable resources
Cost: $189.99 (prices often fluctuate)
PostgreSQL and PgAdmin
Fundamental SQL syntax
Aggregate functions for data analysis with GROUP BY commands
Sophisticated queries using string operations and comparison operations
Logical operators to introduce decision-making into SQL queries
Common SQL JOIN commands
Construct tables and databases with restrictions on data inputs
Utilize Python to enhance SQL capabilities
Introduction to Cybersecurity
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the modern cybersecurity landscape. Students learn about the latest types and methods of cyberattacks, as well as modern strategies for protecting systems and information. Enrollees develop familiarity with concepts such as malware, networking security, and web security. They will also receive hands-on experience with basic cybersecurity techniques.
Provider: Udacity
Duration: 4 months (5-10 hours/week)
Lessons: 4 modules with multiple lessons in each; final project
Cost: $399 per month
Introduction to cybersecurity
Cyberthreats and attacks
Securing networks
Securing systems and data
Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp
This course provides an introduction to data science and machine learning using Python. Students will gain practical experience with Python's popular data science libraries like pandas, seaborn, Matplotlib, plotly, and scikit-learn. It's a perfect course for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their data science and machine learning skills.
Provider: Udemy
Duration: Self-paced
Lessons: 25 hours of on-demand video, 13 articles, 5 downloadable resources
Cost: $99.99 (Prices often fluctuate)
Introduction to Python for data science
Data visualization with Matplotlib, seaborn, and plotly
Machine learning with scikit-learn
Natural language processing with NLTK
Free Online Computer Science Courses
Building a Basic Website
This free 12-lesson class — the first MOOC from University of Massachusetts Amherst — helps students develop the design skills to build basic websites. The journalism department created this course for a general audience. Subjects include styles of navigation, aesthetic choices, and basic HTML and CSS. The class also explores using templates, integrating images, and adding plugins and other extra features to websites.
Provider: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Duration: Self-paced
Lessons: 12 lessons
Design principles
CSS
HTML5
Computer System Engineering
This course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science provides a foundation in software and hardware engineering. Students design distributed systems to solve problems in the real world through hands-on projects.
Provider: MIT
Duration: 5 hours per week (14 weeks)
Lessons: Design projects, lectures, recitations, written assignments, quizzes
Operating systems
Networking
Distributed systems
Security
Databases: Relational Databases and SQL
This self-paced MOOC from Stanford Online joins four other database-related classes from Stanford University. The curriculum introduces concepts in relational databases and SQL. Learners need strong backgrounds in basic computer science, including programming and computer science theory. The class includes access to detailed lecture notes. Participants can pay a fee to receive shareable certificates upon completion.
Provider: Stanford Online
Duration: 2 weeks (8-10 hours per week)
Lessons: Videos, quizzes, exercises
SQL
Relational databases
Relational database management systems
Intro to Theoretical Computer Science
This self-paced theoretical computer science class welcomes intermediate students with a basic understanding of introductory algorithms and computer programming. It explores complexity classes, approximate solutions, and unsolvable computer problems. Students learn to use tools to handle complicated algorithmic problems, but the course does not require prior knowledge of theoretical computer science.
Provider: Udacity
Duration: 2 months
Lessons: 7 lessons, instructor videos, interactive quizzes, exercises
Algorithms
Programming
Theoretical computer science
Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science
MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers this introductory data science course through its open courseware program. This class can help students who do not have computer science experience. The curriculum covers machine learning, classification, and clustering.
Provider: MIT
Duration: 3 hours per week (15 weeks)
Lessons: Lecture videos, programming assignments, problem sets, lecture notes, final exam
Optimization problems
Confidence intervals
Sampling and standard errors
Understanding experimental data
Introduction to Data Science with Python
HarvardX's intermediate, self-paced course provides practical experience with using Python to answer real-world questions. The curriculum focuses on machine learning and the foundations of data science. In the final week of the class, each student completes a capstone project. The free program offers an optional paid upgrade, which delivers a shareable certificate after completion, graded assignments, and exams.
Provider: HarvardX
Duration: 8 weeks (3-4 hours per week)
Lessons: 8 lessons, capstone project
Linear regression
Classification and logistic regression
Model selection and cross-validation
Hypothesis testing
Secure Software Development: Requirements, Design, and Reuse
This self-paced introductory class, offered through edX, explores the basics of secure software development. Students learn to create secure software and respond to attacks effectively. The class requires basic software creation knowledge for developers, software engineers, and other professionals. The course is one of three in the Secure Software Development Fundamentals Professional Certificate program.
Provider: The Linux Foundation
Duration: 7 weeks (1-2 hours per week)
Lessons: Final exam for students paying for the verified track
Secure design principles
Security basics
Reusing external software
Supply chain evaluation
What to Expect From Online Computer Science Classes
Students can take online computer science courses in various subjects with several formats and structures. Synchronous classes take place in real time, requiring learners to log on to a virtual classroom at specific times. Asynchronous courses, however, generally let students complete coursework on their schedules as long as they meet deadlines.
Typical class structures include live or recorded lectures, reading and writing assignments, and required quizzes. Computer science courses also may include guest speakers and hands-on projects.
Many online computer science classes welcome beginners with little or no previous experience in the field. However, some courses may include prerequisites or require relevant experience. Some classes supply readings or use free resources, but others may require students to purchase supplemental materials.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Should You Take Computer Science Courses Online?
Online computer science courses can appeal to anyone seeking a flexible and affordable learning pathway. Distance education may benefit people trying to educate themselves while working full time.
Older adults worried about whether or not they are too old to learn to code may find computer science online classes a convenient and low-risk way to start their education.
Taking a one-off online computer science class allows a student to dip their toe into the field and help them decide if they want to pursue a degree or certificate. Learners can also take online classes that provide certificates or degrees.
Pros and Cons of Online Courses in Computer Science
Pros
Convenience of learning in the comfort of your home instead of commuting to a campus
Opportunities to develop time management skills
Save money
Learn at an accelerated rate and prepare for basic tech jobs
Flexibility to access content and complete coursework anytime
Cons
Reduced interactions with teachers and classmates
Burden of motivating yourself to stay on track
Fewer networking opportunities
Fixed class schedule may conflict with work or personal commitments
Additional costs such as transportation, parking fees, and meal expenses
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
FAQ About Taking Computer Science Courses Online
How long do online courses in computer science take?
Computer science courses vary in length. Some last just a few hours, while others occur over weeks or months. Students can even earn four-year computer science degrees online.
Which online computer science class is best for beginners?
Harvard University's CS50x is a standout choice for beginners. It provides a broad understanding of key concepts, making it ideal for those new to the field.
Are online computer science courses worth it?
Yes — they can be. Many online computer science classes are free or carry low costs and can help students gain the skills they need to pursue entry-level tech jobs. Research a class's details before signing up to ensure that it covers your interests or needs.
Can I take computer science college courses online?
Yes — many colleges and universities offer computer science courses online. For instance, MIT provides free online computer science courses via MIT OpenCourseWare. Additionally, institutions such as Stanford University and Harvard University offer online courses in computer science through platforms like edX.
