What are the best data structures and algorithms courses on Coursera?

Top options include the Data Structures and Algorithm Specialization from the University of California, San Diego , and the Algorithms from Princeton University . These programs cover essential topics like linked lists, trees, sorting, dynamic programming, and algorithmic complexity.

Can I learn data structures and algorithms for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many data structures and algorithms courses offer a free audit option, letting learners access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a data structures and algorithms course?

You’ll learn how to store and organize data efficiently using data structures like arrays, stacks, queues, and graphs, and how to solve problems using algorithms for searching, sorting, and graph traversal. Many courses also include practice coding exercises and real-world applications.

Do I need coding experience to start learning data structures and algorithms?

Some experience with programming is helpful, as these courses typically include coding exercises in languages like Python , Java , or C++ . Beginner-level courses often review coding basics before diving into more complex structures and techniques.

Can Coursera’s data structures and algorithms courses help me in my career?

Yes. These concepts are critical for software engineering , web development , data science , and technical interviews. Coursera courses can help you master key techniques, build a portfolio of coding solutions, and earn certificates that demonstrate your technical knowledge to employers.

Top Data Structures And Algorithms Courses - Learn Data Structures And Algorithms Online

Find the Best Data Structures And Algorithms Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Graph Search, Shortest Paths, and Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Network Model, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Network Routing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Data Structures in C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Data Structures, Application Security, System Programming, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Java: Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Java, Java Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Computer Science, Computer Architecture, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Java Programming, Computer Hardware
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
700 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Data Structures and Algorithms: The Complete Masterclass
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Algorithms, Program Development, Network Analysis, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Python Programming, C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Graph Theory, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Analysis, Probability, Design Strategies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Data Storage, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, C++ (Programming Language), Theoretical Computer Science, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.5K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: New AI skills
Google
Google Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Literacy, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Rmarkdown, Interactive Data Visualization, Interviewing Skills, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Professional Networking, Ggplot2, Tableau Software, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Sampling (Statistics)
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
168K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, SQL, Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Jupyter, Data Literacy, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Mining, Data Cleansing, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Generative AI, Pandas (Python Package), Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
143K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Databases, Stored Procedure, Relational Databases, Database Design, Query Languages, Database Management, Data Analysis, Jupyter, Data Manipulation, Pandas (Python Package), Transaction Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Python for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Databases, Web Services, Restful API, Data Modeling, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Data Collection, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Data Import/Export, Software Installation
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
277K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Algorithms for Searching, Sorting, and Indexing
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Analysis, Big Data, Probability & Statistics
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
493 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks