How do I choose the right prompt engineering course for my goals?

Consider whether you want to use prompts as a beginner, build apps with large language models , or explore how prompt techniques affect model behavior. For hands-on instruction using ChatGPT , start with Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT from Vanderbilt University. To apply prompting across tools and use cases, explore Generative AI with Large Language Models from AWS and DeepLearning.AI. If you’re focused on specific use cases, try ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers , Prompt Engineering for Educators , or Prompt Engineering for Law .

Which prompt engineering course should I start with as a beginner?

These beginner-friendly options are accessible to learners without coding or AI experience: Design Prompts for Everyday Work Tasks by Google – Covers prompt structure and strategy in everyday contexts. Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT – Offers an applied, tool-based approach for writing clear and effective prompts. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers – While designed for developers, the early modules are approachable for motivated beginners.

What’s the difference between a prompt engineering course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

A course teaches targeted skills—like ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers , which focuses on prompt design patterns. A Specialization covers broader AI concepts—like the AI Agent Developer Specialization , which includes prompting, fine-tuning, and application development. A Professional Certificate includes multiple modules tied to job readiness—such as IBM Generative AI Engineering Certificate , where prompt design is part of the broader product and model lifecycle.

Can I learn prompt engineering for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many prompt engineering and generative AI courses offer a free audit option, allowing learners to 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 prompt engineering course?

You’ll learn how to create prompts that yield accurate, creative, and contextually relevant responses from AI tools. Topics include prompt types (like zero-shot and few-shot), iterative refinement, and ethical considerations in AI interaction.

Do I need coding experience to start learning prompt engineering?

Not necessarily. Many courses are designed for general learners and provide hands-on practice without requiring programming. For more advanced topics—like using APIs or automating prompts—coding experience can be helpful.

Can Coursera’s prompt engineering courses help me in my job?

Yes. Prompt engineering is a valuable skill in fields like content creation , marketing , customer support, and data analysis. Coursera courses can help you develop these in-demand skills, earn certificates, and show how you can effectively collaborate with AI.

Top Prompt Engineering Courses - Learn Prompt Engineering Online

Find the Best Prompt Engineering Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, IBM Cloud
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Productivity, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Problem Solving, Application Development, Collaboration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Data Presentation, Productivity, Document Management, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Risk Management Framework, Microsoft Excel, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Problem Solving, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Information Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Google
Google Prompting Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Prompt Engineering, Data Presentation, Graphing, Generative AI Agents, ChatGPT, AI Personalization, Generative AI, Timelines, Data Analysis, Taking Meeting Minutes, Artificial Intelligence, Complex Problem Solving, Ideation, Business Correspondence, Report Writing, Solution Design, Critical Thinking, Document Management, Machine Learning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
DeepLearning.AI
ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, OpenAI, Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Application Programming Interface (API), Application Development, Jupyter
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering for Educators
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Productivity, Creative Problem-Solving, Generative AI, AI Personalization, Data Synthesis, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Brainstorming, OpenAI, Large Language Modeling, Game Design, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Education Software and Technology, Computer Vision, Data Storytelling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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Explore topics outside of work

Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agent Developer
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, Generative AI, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Data Presentation, Productivity, AI Personalization, Document Management, Agentic systems, Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Service, Large Language Modeling, OpenAI, Risk Management Framework, Expense Management, Microsoft Excel, Software Development
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering for Law
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Productivity, AI Personalization, Law Practice Management Software, Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Service, Large Language Modeling, Legal Writing, Legal Research, Data Ethics, Expense Management, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Productivity Software, Legal Support, Brainstorming, Travel Arrangements, Innovation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM Generative AI Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Prompt Engineering, Data Wrangling, Large Language Modeling, Unsupervised Learning, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Generative AI, Restful API, ChatGPT, Keras (Neural Network Library), Data Transformation, Supervised Learning, Flask (Web Framework), Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Deep Learning, Regression Analysis, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data Import/Export
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
89K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Simplilearn
Advanced Prompt Engineering Course
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, OpenAI, Data Synthesis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
ChatGPT for Project Management - Leveraging AI for Success
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Productivity, Project Planning, Generative AI, Risk Analysis, Milestones (Project Management), Timelines, Project Risk Management, Project Schedules, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence, Workflow Management, Project Implementation, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Project Documentation, Taking Meeting Minutes, Business Metrics, Creative Thinking
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Generative AI for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Business Process Automation, Automation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Cloud Applications
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks