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 take free data structures and algorithms courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning data structures and algorithms on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many data structures and algorithms courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in data structures and algorithms, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can 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.

Best Data Structures And Algorithms Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Data Structures And Algorithms Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Bioinformatics, Network Model, Advanced Mathematics, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Program Development, Operations Research, System Design and Implementation, Network Analysis, Network Routing, Programming Principles, Linear Algebra, Text Mining, C (Programming Language), Software Testing, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Amazon
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: JUnit, Version Control, Data Structures, Software Testing, GitHub, Unit Testing, Git (Version Control System), Performance Tuning, Test Driven Development (TDD), Algorithms, Software Development, Data Storage, Java Programming, Data Management, Scalability, Java
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
38 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Structures, Back-End Web Development, Microsoft Copilot, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning, C# (Programming Language), Pseudocode, Application Programming Interface (API), Scalability, Authentications
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Bioinformatics, Theoretical Computer Science, Network Model, Network Routing, Network Analysis, Probability, Design Strategies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Codio
C++: Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Structures, Graph Theory, C++ (Programming Language), Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Programming Principles, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Pseudocode, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Computational Thinking, Solution Design, Operations Research, Cryptography, Program Development, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Numerical Analysis, Data Storage Technologies, Applied Mathematics, Encryption, Design Strategies, Software Design, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
844 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free
Princeton University
Algorithms, Part I
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Theoretical Computer Science, Java, Java Programming, Computational Thinking, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Testing
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Python Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Python Programming, File Management, Development Environment, Software Installation, Virtual Environment
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
97K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Tsinghua University
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Computer Science, System Design and Implementation, Performance Tuning
2.8
Rating, 2.8 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), Data Collection, Data Structures, Data Manipulation, Programming Principles, NumPy, Application Programming Interface (API), Data Import/Export, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
42K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Coding Interview Preparation
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Pseudocode, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Communication, Program Development, Computational Logic, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java Programming, Technical Communication, Python Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
721 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Princeton University
Algorithms, Part II
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Algorithms, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Java, Computer Programming, Network Routing, Computational Thinking, Operations Research
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months