What topics are typically covered in programming courses?

Programming courses cover a wide range of topics essential for developing skills in various programming languages and software development techniques. These include the basics of programming languages such as Python , Java , and JavaScript , as well as foundational concepts like variables, data types, and control structures. Learners will explore topics such as object-oriented programming , data structures and algorithms . Advanced courses might cover web development , mobile app development , and software engineering principles . Practical exercises and projects help learners apply these concepts to real-world coding scenarios.

How can I choose the right programming course for my career goals?

Choosing the right programming course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of a specific programming language, including syntax, basic programming concepts, and simple projects. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on more advanced topics such as data structures and algorithms , and object-oriented programming . Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on full-stack web development , mobile app development , or preparing for certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer . Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in programming?

A certificate in programming can open up various career opportunities in software development and IT. Common roles include software developer , web developer , mobile app developer, and systems analyst. These positions involve writing and maintaining code, developing applications, and ensuring software functionality and performance. With the growing demand for skilled programmers across industries, earning a programming certificate can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as technology, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Top Programming Courses - Learn Programming Online

Explore the Programming Course Catalog

Status: Free
University of Toronto
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Python Programming, Computational Logic, Problem Solving, Programming Principles, Computer Programming Tools, Critical Thinking, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Java Programming, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Computational Logic, Theoretical Computer Science, Critical Thinking, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Problem Solving, Computer Science
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The University of Edinburgh
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Computer Programming, Problem Solving, Computer Graphics, Creativity, Decision Making, Programming Principles, Application Development, Critical Thinking, System Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Java Programming, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Problem Solving, Data Structures, Software Engineering, Computer Programming Tools, Critical Thinking, Computational Thinking, Data Analysis, Javascript, Software Testing, Front-End Web Development, HTML and CSS, Web Design, Web Development, Web Development Tools, Computer Graphic Techniques, Software Architecture, Data Model, Cryptography, Data Analysis Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, C Programming Language Family, Computational Logic, Computer Programming, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Process Analysis, Programming Principles, Data Visualization, Theoretical Computer Science
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Santa Cruz
Coding for Everyone: C and C++
Skills you'll gain: C Programming Language Family, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Data Structures, C++ Programming, Computational Logic, Computer Programming Tools, Computational Thinking, Critical Thinking, Mathematics, Problem Solving, Graph Theory, Theoretical Computer Science, Software Engineering
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Duke University
Introductory C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Computer Programming, C Programming Language Family, Algorithms, Computational Logic, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Process Analysis, Programming Principles, Computer Programming Tools, Data Visualization, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Software Testing, Writing, Software Engineering, User Experience
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Programming with Python and Java
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Python Programming, Programming Principles, Java Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Data Analysis, Data Structures, Problem Solving, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis Software, Data Management, Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Software Engineering, Data Science
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Python 3 Programming
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Python Programming, Problem Solving
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of London
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Mathematics, Problem Solving, Algebra, Calculus, Computer Networking, Applied Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Javascript
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Software Engineering
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
230K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
SAS
SAS Programmer
Skills you'll gain: SAS (Software), Data Analysis, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis Software, Computer Programming, Statistical Analysis, Programming Principles, Data Management, Data Structures, Exploratory Data Analysis, Databases, Problem Solving, SQL, Process Analysis, Computational Logic
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months