With the best online computer science courses, you can get the knowledge and skills you need to build a lucrative career in this thriving field.
The computer science industry covers anything and everything that has to do with computing. Programming languages, algorithms, mathematics, machine learning, game development, software security, database management, and information technology…all the subjects are so diverse and vast that they have their own specializations.
Since digital devices surround us left, right, and center, studying computer science will also help open doors for you in many other fields such as app development, coding, artificial intelligence, etc.
The good news is it’s easier to learn computer science than ever before, and you don’t have to shell out a fortune for an expensive degree from a four-year university.
Thanks to online computer science courses, you can learn new skills on your own time from the comfort of your home (or wherever you want). Many of these courses are designed to prepare students for the job market and help them gain the knowledge they need to get ahead.
We’ve reviewed and ranked the best online computer science courses based on a variety of key factors, including cost, instructor credentials, student reviews, curriculum, and more.
This guide has been fully updated for 2023 with the best current options on the market today, so you can be confident you’re getting current, accurate info to help you decide which of these online courses is best for you.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.
How We Chose the Best Online Computer Science Programs & Courses
With so many online courses out there for computer science students, finding the right ones can be challenging.
We spent weeks reviewing dozens of computer science classes from a wide range of online learning platforms, judging each of them based on the following criteria:
- Curriculum quality– Is the course content up-to-date and comprehensive? Are there any exercises or tests included in the class to assess your understanding of the material? Is the class laid out in a logical manner? These are just a few of the things we looked at when judging the content of these classes.
- Instructor credentials–Do the instructors have relevant experience and qualifications? Are the classes taught by actual computer scientists? We placed a premium on courses that were taught by true experts and backed by high quality institutions.
- Student reviews–While we formed our own thoughts and opinions on the various online courses we looked at, we also wanted to see what actual students thought about the courses. We read through hundreds of student reviews across these online learning platforms in order to get a real sense of how these classes are being received.
- Customer service–We had an overall look at the customer service behind each course. How responsive were they? How helpful was their staff? We wanted to make sure the classes we chose were backed by quality support to help you on your learning journey.
- Overall value–Lastly, we looked at the price and the overall value of each computer science program. We wanted to make sure that students were getting the most bang for their buck when choosing these online courses. After all, a great learning experience should always be worth it!
After looking at a wide range of some of the best online courses out there, we came up with a curated list of what we believe are the 13 top computer science training classes you can find online. From beginner classes to advanced courses, our list has a little bit of everything.
What are the Best Computer Science Classes Online?
Here are our picks for the top online computer science classes you can take in 2023…
1. Introduction to Computers & Programming (Educative)
Introduction to Computers & Programming (Educative)
This online course is an excellent introduction to programming and building problem-solving skills. With a strong emphasis on logic building within the context of computer science and programming, this class provides a solid foundation for students to excel in the field.
Price
Duration
6 hours (30 lessons)
Welcome to your comprehensive guide for programming and problem-solving skills!
This language-agnostic course is designed to help you excel in computer science and programming, without any prior experience.
Starting with the basics, you will learn about the anatomy of computers and the binary number system, followed by the lifecycle of programming.
Educative’s intuitive and accessible teaching methods will guide you through the core concepts of programming, equipping you with the necessary skills for success.
With an interactive, text-based curriculum, you can practice what you’re learning right away! Each chapter is packed with hands-on exercises and quizzes to help you master what you have learned.
With this course, you will gain strong programming fundamentals, regardless of your previous exposure.
What You Will Learn
- The anatomy of a Computer
- How to write pseudocode
- The intricacies of how information is represented in a computer
- How conditional statements are used in programming
- The core concepts of programming
2. Number Systems for Computer Scientists (Educative)
Number Systems For Computer Scientists (Educative)
In this course, you'll learn about the number systems that are essential for computer scientists and take a deep dive into binary representation. No programming experience required.
Price
Duration
2 hours (31 lessons)
Learning about number systems is a crucial aspect of being a computer scientist. In this course, you’ll be taken on a deep dive into the world of number systems.
You’ll learn how to represent and manipulate not only positive numbers, but negative and fractional ones as well.
Additionally, you’ll discover how these numbers are stored and represented within computers.
Not confident in your math skills? No need to worry! This course only requires a basic understanding of arithmetic that we all learned in grade school.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to easily differentiate between binary, hexadecimal, and other number systems, as well as understand how to convert between them and perform binary arithmetic.
This course offers plenty of hands-on exercises and quizzes to help you practice and master the concepts.
If you’re looking to enhance your computer science skills, this course is definitely for you.
What You Will Learn
- How to differentiate and convert between binary, hexadecimal, and other number systems
- The basics of computer storage
- How to perform binary arithmetic
- How floating point representation works
3. Ace the AP Computer Science Exam (Educative)
Ace the AP Computer Science Exam (Educative)
Learn the basics of computer science in this comprehensive course. While designed as a test prep for AP Computer Science students, this class is perfect for anyone interested in understanding the principles of computer programming.
Price
Duration
15 hours (189 lessons)
Are you interested in computer science but don’t know where to start? Look no further than this comprehensive course, designed to cover everything you need to know to ace the AP Computer Science exam.
But this course isn’t just for high school students preparing for the exam – it’s an excellent introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming for anyone interested in learning. No prior knowledge is required, so you can dive into coding in Java right away.
This course was designed with the student in mind. Lessons are broken down into small chunks that allow for easy comprehension and understanding even if you’re unfamiliar with computer programming concepts.
With the added bonus of three practice exams, you’ll test your knowledge and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
Like all Educative courses, what really sets this apart from classes on other platforms is the interactive nature that lets you practice what you’re learning directly in the interface so you can get instant feedback and make sure your code is running properly.
What You Will Learn
- The basic foundations of computer science
- How to solve real problems using interactive coding projects
- How to code in Java
- How to search and sort algorithms
- The basics of software development
4. Computer Science Career Path (Codecademy)
Computer Science Career Path | Codecademy
Start your computer science career on the right foot by building a solid foundation with this collection of courses. Codecademy's curated career path will give you the specialized skills and portfolio you need to achieve your coding goals.
Price
Plans starting at $17.49/month
Duration
6 courses, 82 lessons – 20 weeks
Embark on a transformative educational journey with the comprehensive Computer Science Career Path from Codecademy.
This curated collection of courses is designed to provide aspiring tech enthusiasts and computer science learners with a deep and practical understanding of the foundational principles and advanced concepts of computer science.
Through engaging and interactive lessons, participants will embark on an immersive exploration of computer science topics, ranging from programming languages and data structures to algorithms and web development.
By progressing through the courses, learners will acquire the skills needed to create efficient and elegant code, design and implement algorithms, and develop dynamic web applications.
Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps in the world of computer science or an experienced programmer seeking to refine your skills, this comprehensive collection offers a structured and guided path to build a solid foundation in computer science.
Unlock the doors to exciting opportunities in software development, data analysis, and beyond, as you gain the expertise to confidently tackle real-world challenges in the dynamic tech industry.
What You Will Learn
- Theory behind programming
- Data structures and algorithms
- How to write super-efficient code
- Python tips and tricks
5. CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science (edX)
Price
Duration
This entry-level course is 12 weeks long, with a rough window of 6-18 hours per week.
Powered by Harvard University, this online course aims to provide a comprehensive insight into several topics related to computer science.
It requires no prior knowledge of the subject, which means that you can take up this course even if you belong to a separate field of work.
In this online computer science course, you’ll get introduced to programming languages such as C, JavaScript, Python, SQL, plus CSS and HTML. Abstraction, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering.
This course also aims to enable efficiency and problem-solving capabilities. Students who have a good performance can also apply for a final project which makes them eligible for a professional certificate. Hands-on projects can help reinforce their understanding of the topics discussed in this course.
The best part about this online computer science course is that it’s absolutely free!
What You Will Learn
- Introduction and in-depth insight into computer science and programming
- An extensive understanding of several computing concepts and languages
- Developing programming projects and presentation skills
- How to resolve data-related issues
- How to perceive things mathematically
- Resource management and security
- Problem sets based on real-world disciplines
6. Computer Science 101 (edX)
Price
Get started for free. They also offer a paid optional upgrade. See our edX review to learn more.
Duration
The course stretches out to 6 weeks, with a suggested pace of 4-6 hours per week.
Another one of the free computer science courses stands out because of its unique curriculum. Sourced through Stanford University, this course takes you through the working of things and teaches you the logic of why and how programs function the way they do.
The best thing about this course is that it is entirely-browser based, which means that you wouldn’t have to go through the hassle of installing different software.
It requires zero prior knowledge of the subject and aims to uncomplicate the workings of a computer so that you can navigate and progress with things on your own, even after the course finishes.
What You Will Learn
- How computer and code works
- An understanding of hardware and its function, such as chips, CPU, memory disk, etc.
- What is required to run software and programs
- Understanding digital images
- Understanding structured data
- Components of the internet: Wi-Fi, IP address, routing, etc.
- How security works in terms of dealing with viruses, Trojans, passwords, etc.
- Unraveling different terminologies such as bits, bytes, gigabytes, megabytes, etc.
7. CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals (edX)
Price
Get started for free or pay for an optional upgrade. See our edX pricing guide to learn more.
Duration
The course is about 6 weeks long, with a recommended pace of 2-6 hours per week.
Very popular amongst people who are product managers, founders, business professionals, and team leaders, this online computer science course is tailored to provide a detailed insight into low-level concepts and implementation details.
It then takes you to master high-level concepts and teaches you how to inculcate them into a professional setting.
Their curriculum and teaching methodologies make you much more confident in your decision-making and also provide a thorough understanding of how computing works.
Enrolling in this course can be particularly beneficial for people who need to up their game of taking technology-based initiatives.
It requires no prior knowledge of the subject, so you can have a well-rounded computational experience without actually belonging to the field itself.
What You Will Learn
- How to use computational thinking and programming languages
- Understanding technology stacks
- Analyzing cloud computing and how it can be used
- Exploring web development and different internet technologies
8. Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization (Coursera)
Price
Duration
This online course has the option of pursuing it in either one month, three months, or 6 months.
Estimated hours
- One month: 20 hours per week
- Three months: 7 hours per week
- Six months: 3 hours per week.
This course has an all-rounding nature because it covers everything from basic introductions to detailed demonstrations. It is an entry-level course which means that if you have some basic programming experience, it will help you, but there are no hard and fast rules for prior knowledge. It is available in multiple languages and promises to help you master skills like Computer Graphics, Computer Programming, JavaScript, and much more.
This course also provides a hands-on experience of applying your computer knowledge to various tasks and activities that help you better understand the subject. Their graded assignments, practice quizzes, and programming tasks help you figure out the technicalities of computer science within your desired timeline.
Powered by the University Of London, this course will improve your programming skills and concepts, along with a shareable certificate.
What You Will Learn
- Exploring 2d graphics by creating programs using the JavaScript language
- Understanding the working of systems with the help of creating mental models
- Understanding modular arithmetic, sequences, series, and plot graphs, and how to use them computationally.
- Exploring arithmetical functions further in terms of transforming numbers between number bases and also resolving the problems that arise with them.
9. Computer Science 101: Master the Theory Behind Programming (Udemy)
Price
Regularly $49.99 but often on sale
Duration
This is a self-paced computer science course that is estimated to be 10 hours long, with the option of flexible timings.
As its name suggests, this course aims to make you a pro in programming theory and software engineering.
This computer science class is designed to befit people that struggle with analytical tasks and need constant reinforcement.
Available on Udemy.com, this is one of the best computer science courses because it focuses on making knowledge about computers easy and uncomplicated.
The course includes 10 videos with an average of 12 lectures each. You can demand these videos any time you please and watch them within your convenient time frames.
They also offer lifetime access to all the videos and resources and a certificate of completion.
The best part about this course is that there are no pre-requisites; all they want from you is a passion for knowledge!
What You Will Learn
- Introduction to logarithmic functions and algebraic expressions
- Analyzing programs and nodes
- Different types of notations
- Implementation of stacks with the help of arrays or linked lists
- A thorough understanding of linked lists
- Sorting different algorithms and their comparison
- Binary to Hex and back
- Trees, binary search trees, binary search tree run times, and their real-world examples
- Real-world examples of stack and queues
10. CS101 Bootcamp: Introduction to Computer Science & Software (Udemy)
Price
Regularly $19.99, but often on sale
Duration
The course has on-demand videos that sum up to be 2.5 hours long.
Designed for beginners with zero familiarity with the subject, this course focuses on coding, programming, and computer hardware.
This online computer science class consists of 5 sessions that typically have 3 lectures, 10-15 minutes long.
Offered by Udemy, this course aims to provide you with the basics of computer science that normally stretch out to a semester in just 2 hours!
All you need is to have a thirst for knowledge, and they’ll take you from there.
The short duration and great topics covered make it a perfect fit for people who want to learn computer sciences but have jobs or commitments. You can take the entire course on a weekend or break it into smaller sessions that take up a few minutes daily.
This course has lifetime access to all the videos and resources and offers a completion certificate.
What You Will Learn
- How hardware and software work
- How to build webpages in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Using Java and Python in programming concepts
- Different web servers and their functions
- How to develop mobile apps
- Analyzing components of Cloud Computing, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
- Introduction to various databases
- Data analysis
11. Number Systems For Computer Scientists (Educative)
Price
Plans starting at $199/year for unlimited access to all courses on the platform
Duration
This course is estimated to take up to 2 hours to complete.
Based on 31 lessons and 26 quizzes, this course focuses on binary representation and mastering the number systems that computer professionals need. It is a text-based course that helps you grasp concepts more quickly and efficiently. They also focus on giving you a hands-on experience of live coding environments; you can practice alongside the lessons, saving yourself a lot of time and effort.
The course requires no prior knowledge of programming; however, they do demand a basic high-school-level understanding of arithmetic. Their extensive quizzes and illustrative presentations ensure effective transfer of concepts and also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. All of this comes with a certificate of completion as well!
What You Will Learn
- A qualitative understanding of different number systems that comes in handy when programming
- Understanding the grounds and functions of computer storage
- Exploring fixed-point notation
- How to carry out binary arithmetic in a coding environment
12. Intro to Theoretical Computer Science (Udacity)
Price
Duration
The estimated timeline for this course is approximately two months.
An intermediate-level course powered by Udacity offers a comprehensive study of theoretical computer sciences and their implementation. Mostly self-paced and taught by industry professionals, this course introduces you to computer science theories while also conducting interactive quizzes to help you analyze your progress.
It also stresses different methods and techniques used to combat problems and how to think algorithmically. While the course does not require any prior knowledge of computer science theories, it asks for a basic understanding of algorithms and programming.
The entire course comprises 7 lessons covering several topics related to the subject. If you’re a beginner and looking for something that isn’t too complex, make sure you check this one out.
What You Will Learn
- What sort of problems generally arise in computer sciences
- Unsolvable problems in computer theory
- Random tips and tricks that prove to be beneficial
- How to speed up the working
- How to cleverly assess and solve issues and errors
- Exploring the concept of NR-completeness
- Studying different tools that can help combat technical problems
See our Udacity review to learn more.
13. Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science (Coursera)
Price
Duration
The estimated duration of this course is approximately 6 weeks.
Sourced by the University Of California and Higher School Of Economics, this course takes up a relatively unconventional approach. Students are asked to experiment on their own before any explanations.
This sparks up curiosity amongst students and also allows room for self-learning.
The course is available in multiple languages and is best recommended for beginners.
They also require a basic knowledge of math and programming. If you have prior know-how of Python and programming, you will have no trouble pursuing this course.
It includes many fun quizzes and puzzles which help you further.
What You Will Learn
- Fundamentals of an argument and how to make a successful one.
- Examples, its requirements, and how to find them
- Recursion and induction
- How to work around mathematical logic
- Using invariants in analyzing different processes
- Understanding mathematical concepts with the help of puzzles
A Final Word on the Best Online Computer Science Courses
With the computer science classes above, you can quickly build the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in this always-growing field.
Remember, many of the best online course websites offer free trials, so be sure to take advantage of those so you can try out classes at no cost.
Have any questions about our guide to the best online computer science courses? Let us know by commenting below.
