What are the best data structures and algorithms courses online?

Browse the data structures and algorithms courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization: University of California San Diego Data Structures and Algorithms with SQL: Microsoft Data Structures and Algorithms: Amazon Algorithms, Part I: Princeton University C++: Data Structures and Algorithms: Codio

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 [2026]

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Data Structures And Algorithms

Data Structures And Algorithms Courses

Data Structures and Algorithms courses can help you learn about arrays, linked lists, trees, and graph structures, along with sorting and searching algorithms. You can build skills in problem-solving, optimizing code efficiency, and analyzing algorithm complexity. Many courses introduce tools like Python, Java, or C++ for implementing these concepts, as well as platforms for coding challenges that reinforce your understanding through practical application.

Popular Data Structures And Algorithms Courses and Certifications

Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Program Development, Bioinformatics, Data Storage, Development Testing, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Programming Principles, File Systems, Computer Programming, Python Programming, C and C++, Java, Rust (Programming Language), Javascript, Software Testing, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Microsoft Copilot, .NET Framework, Algorithms, Back-End Web Development, Pseudocode, C# (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Programming Principles, Server Side, Scalability
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Amazon
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: JUnit, Test Driven Development (TDD), Version Control, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Performance Tuning, Unit Testing, Data Structures, Java Programming, Development Testing, Algorithms, Program Development, Software Testing, Java, Computer Programming, Software Development, Programming Principles, Debugging, Scalability
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Programming Principles, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Jupyter, Data Structures, Data Processing, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, JSON, Computer Programming, Restful API, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Scripting, Application Programming Interface (API), Automation, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
43K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Codio
C++: Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Data Structures, C++ (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Coding Interview Preparation
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Visualization, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Technical Communication, Computer Programming, Program Development, Communication
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
760 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Theoretical Computer Science, Social Network Analysis, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Analysis, Network Routing, Probability, Pseudocode, Computational Logic, Operations Research
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Algorithms, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Operations Research, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Cryptography, Computer Science, Pseudocode, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Encryption, Combinatorics, Python Programming, Analysis, Mathematical Modeling
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
892 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Algorithms, Part I
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Java, Performance Testing, Computer Programming, Java Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Data Storage, Programming Principles, File Systems, Graph Theory, Computer Programming, C++ (Programming Language), Java, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.6K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Programming Principles, Data Management, Computational Thinking, Tree Maps, Data Manipulation, C and C++, Software Design, Analysis, Problem Solving, Complex Problem Solving
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Data Structures and Algorithms: The Complete Masterclass
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), Machine Learning Algorithms, Computational Thinking, C++ (Programming Language), Data Architecture, Random Forest Algorithm, Performance Tuning, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Network Analysis, Program Development, Problem Solving, Debugging
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
35 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular data structures and algorithms courses

Data Structures and Algorithms: University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Algorithms: Microsoft
Data Structures and Algorithms: Amazon
Python for Data Science, AI & Development: IBM
C++: Data Structures and Algorithms: Codio
Coding Interview Preparation: Meta
Algorithms: Stanford University
Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithms: University of Colorado Boulder
Algorithms, Part I: Princeton University
Data Structures: University of California San Diego

Skills you can learn in Algorithms

Graphs (22)

Mathematical Optimization (21)

Computer Program (20)

Discrete Mathematics (10)

Graph Theory (10)

Image Processing (10)

Linear Algebra (10)

Reinforcement Learning (10)

Frequently Asked Questions about Data Structures And Algorithms

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.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.