Computer Science

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

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[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] Two computer engineers stand in a server room and discuss strategies.

Is Computer Engineering Hard?

Computer engineering is often considered a challenging yet exciting career with prospects across many industries.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After debating a computer science vs software engineering career path, a smiling man works at a laptop in a bright and airy open concept office.

Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: Explore Their Differences

While related, computer science and software engineering professionals have distinct job responsibilities. Explore computer science vs software engineering, including salary, skills, and job outlook for each field, so you can decide which is right for you.

October 21, 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] Two computer engineers stand in a server room and discuss strategies.

Is Computer Engineering Hard?

Computer engineering is often considered a challenging yet exciting career with prospects across many industries.

October 24, 2024

Article

Explore popular computer science courses

Status: Free

Princeton University

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

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews

Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of London

Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Debugging, Development Environment, Computer Systems, Web Applications, Graphing, Javascript, Computer Networking, Computational Thinking, Program Development, Arithmetic, Computer Graphics, Operating Systems, Computer Hardware, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, Problem Management, General Mathematics

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, Engineering Software, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Debugging, Program Development, Database Systems, Database Theory, Network Routing, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Storage

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews

Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

[Featured Image] Two programmers work with high-level programming languages as they work at a computer and discuss what is displayed on the monitor.

Low-Level vs. High-Level Programming Languages

High-level programming languages are easier to read, learn, and comprehend than low-level languages. Read on for a comparison of high-level versus low-level programming languages, plus how you can start learning a high-level language.

October 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After earning game development degrees, two game designers work on a video game featuring virtual reality.

Game Development Degrees and Alternatives in 2025

Explore the options you will have with a game development degree, such as video game development and design, by reviewing the educational requirements to start a career in the field.

October 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A male coworker sits at a table working with a device driver on his computer.

What Is a Device Driver and How Does It Work?

Explore the inner workings of a device driver, including its vital role in facilitating seamless communication between hardware and software.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Learners in a computer science class attend a lecture about Linux vs. Windows as they explore various operating systems’ benefits and uses.

Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right operating system is an integral part of setting up a computer system. Explore the differences between Windows and Linux and get the details you need to decide on the operating system that best meets your needs.

August 27, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A computer engineer is coding on two computer screens.

What Is a Computer Engineer? 2025 Career Guide

Learn about the career of a computer engineer, including what they do, their earning potential, and how to become one.

June 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young person and their professor walk down a hallway and discuss potential computer science fields he can explore.

7 Careers in Computer Science Fields

Discover how to start your career in various computer science fields.

May 28, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A fintech engineer works on their code on a laptop to ensure the organization's digital banking platform runs smoothly.

What Is a Fintech Engineer?

Fintech is an exciting and growing field. Learn more about a career in fintech, what it’s like to be an engineer in fintech, and the education and experience needed for different fintech engineering roles.

April 10, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman wearing a headset is on her laptop and answers phones at an IT call center.

How to Get into Tech Without a Degree

Learn how to get into the technology industry without a degree and what you can focus on instead to build your skills, experience, and qualifications.

April 5, 2024

Article

[Featured image] Two front-end developers are working together while looking at a desktop.

Front-End Developer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

A front-end developer designs and creates the user-facing side of software, websites, applications, or other projects that require coding. Learn the average front-end developer salary and how different factors can affect how much you earn.

November 29, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] After debating a computer science vs software engineering career path, a smiling man works at a laptop in a bright and airy open concept office.

Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: Explore Their Differences

While related, computer science and software engineering professionals have distinct job responsibilities. Explore computer science vs software engineering, including salary, skills, and job outlook for each field, so you can decide which is right for you.

October 21, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two programmers work with high-level programming languages as they work at a computer and discuss what is displayed on the monitor.

Low-Level vs. High-Level Programming Languages

High-level programming languages are easier to read, learn, and comprehend than low-level languages. Read on for a comparison of high-level versus low-level programming languages, plus how you can start learning a high-level language.

October 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After earning game development degrees, two game designers work on a video game featuring virtual reality.

Game Development Degrees and Alternatives in 2025

Explore the options you will have with a game development degree, such as video game development and design, by reviewing the educational requirements to start a career in the field.

October 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A male coworker sits at a table working with a device driver on his computer.

What Is a Device Driver and How Does It Work?

Explore the inner workings of a device driver, including its vital role in facilitating seamless communication between hardware and software.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Learners in a computer science class attend a lecture about Linux vs. Windows as they explore various operating systems’ benefits and uses.

Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right operating system is an integral part of setting up a computer system. Explore the differences between Windows and Linux and get the details you need to decide on the operating system that best meets your needs.

August 27, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A computer engineer is coding on two computer screens.

What Is a Computer Engineer? 2025 Career Guide

Learn about the career of a computer engineer, including what they do, their earning potential, and how to become one.

June 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young person and their professor walk down a hallway and discuss potential computer science fields he can explore.

7 Careers in Computer Science Fields

Discover how to start your career in various computer science fields.

May 28, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A fintech engineer works on their code on a laptop to ensure the organization's digital banking platform runs smoothly.

What Is a Fintech Engineer?

Fintech is an exciting and growing field. Learn more about a career in fintech, what it’s like to be an engineer in fintech, and the education and experience needed for different fintech engineering roles.

April 10, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman wearing a headset is on her laptop and answers phones at an IT call center.

How to Get into Tech Without a Degree

Learn how to get into the technology industry without a degree and what you can focus on instead to build your skills, experience, and qualifications.

April 5, 2024

Article

[Featured image] Two front-end developers are working together while looking at a desktop.

Front-End Developer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

A front-end developer designs and creates the user-facing side of software, websites, applications, or other projects that require coding. Learn the average front-end developer salary and how different factors can affect how much you earn.

November 29, 2023

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)