Computer Science

Learn more about the skills, certifications, and degrees to consider for a computer science career.

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[Featured Image]: AI Engineer, working at a desktop with multiple screens, creating computer systems.
Status: Featured

What Is Computer Science? Meaning, Jobs, and Degrees

Explore the field of computer science and technology, learn more about computer technology careers, and future outlook for jobs to answer, "What is computer science?"

February 3, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] A person looks at their tablet with computers surrounding them.
Status: Featured

What Is a Computer Science Degree?

Prepare for a variety of tech careers across many industries with a computer science degree. Read on to explore whether a CS degree is right for you.

January 14, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A computer programmer is working on a laptop and holding a VR set.
Status: Featured

Computer Science Salary: Your 2024 Guide

Learn about computer science salaries for various computer science professionals and how it can be influenced by factors like industry, location, education, certifications, and company.

June 17, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Two young professionals who followed computer science career paths work in an office, one sitting at a computer and the other standing over her and looking at the screen.

5 Computer Science Career Paths

Explore computer science career paths in this helpful guide outlining academic requirements and salary information for 14 potential jobs in the field.

November 13, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A web developer, which is one of the highest-paying tech jobs, works on some coding on a computer with two screens.

6 Highest-Paying Tech Jobs

As jobs in technological fields continue to grow, discover which of these roles have high salaries, as well as the education and training requirements of each job.

November 6, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman and man in STEM (what does stem stand for? Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) discuss their robotics project in a laboratory.

What Does STEM Stand For?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Explore these fields closely linked, including the several distinct differences that set careers in each field apart.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two young professionals who followed computer science career paths work in an office, one sitting at a computer and the other standing over her and looking at the screen.

5 Computer Science Career Paths

Explore computer science career paths in this helpful guide outlining academic requirements and salary information for 14 potential jobs in the field.

November 13, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A web developer, which is one of the highest-paying tech jobs, works on some coding on a computer with two screens.

6 Highest-Paying Tech Jobs

As jobs in technological fields continue to grow, discover which of these roles have high salaries, as well as the education and training requirements of each job.

November 6, 2024

Article

Explore popular computer science courses

Status: Free

Princeton University

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

University of London

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

Status: Free

Princeton University

Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Java Programming, Programming Principles, Computer Architecture, Data Structures, Mathematical Theory & Analysis

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
619 reviews

Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

[Featured Image] An IT specialist examines various computer parts, including the central processing unit.

What Is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

The CPU is a collection of circuits that run the operating system and apps and manage other computer operations. Learn more about central processing units and the important role they play in all computing devices.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two computer engineers stand in a server room and discuss strategies.

Is Computer Engineering Hard?

Computer engineering is often considered a challenging yet exciting career with prospects across many industries.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After debating a computer science vs software engineering career path, a smiling man works at a laptop in a bright and airy open concept office.

Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: Explore Their Differences

While related, computer science and software engineering professionals have distinct job responsibilities. Explore computer science vs software engineering, including salary, skills, and job outlook for each field, so you can decide which is right for you.

October 21, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two programmers work with high-level programming languages as they work at a computer and discuss what is displayed on the monitor.

Low-Level vs. High-Level Programming Languages

High-level programming languages are easier to read, learn, and comprehend than low-level languages. Read on for a comparison of high-level versus low-level programming languages, plus how you can start learning a high-level language.

October 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After earning game development degrees, two game designers work on a video game featuring virtual reality.

Game Development Degrees and Alternatives in 2024

Explore the options you will have with a game development degree, such as video game development and design, by reviewing the educational requirements to start a career in the field.

October 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A male coworker sits at a table working with a device driver on his computer.

What Is a Device Driver and How Does It Work?

Explore the inner workings of a device driver, including its vital role in facilitating seamless communication between hardware and software.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Learners in a computer science class attend a lecture about Linux vs. Windows as they explore various operating systems’ benefits and uses.

Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right operating system is an integral part of setting up a computer system. Explore the differences between Windows and Linux and get the details you need to decide on the operating system that best meets your needs.

August 27, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A computer engineer is coding on two computer screens.

What Is a Computer Engineer? 2024 Career Guide

Learn about the career of a computer engineer, including what they do, their earning potential, and how to become one.

June 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young person and their professor walk down a hallway and discuss potential computer science fields he can explore.

7 Careers in Computer Science Fields

Discover how to start your career in various computer science fields.

May 28, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman and man in STEM (what does stem stand for? Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) discuss their robotics project in a laboratory.

What Does STEM Stand For?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Explore these fields closely linked, including the several distinct differences that set careers in each field apart.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT specialist examines various computer parts, including the central processing unit.

What Is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

The CPU is a collection of circuits that run the operating system and apps and manage other computer operations. Learn more about central processing units and the important role they play in all computing devices.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two computer engineers stand in a server room and discuss strategies.

Is Computer Engineering Hard?

Computer engineering is often considered a challenging yet exciting career with prospects across many industries.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After debating a computer science vs software engineering career path, a smiling man works at a laptop in a bright and airy open concept office.

Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: Explore Their Differences

While related, computer science and software engineering professionals have distinct job responsibilities. Explore computer science vs software engineering, including salary, skills, and job outlook for each field, so you can decide which is right for you.

October 21, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two programmers work with high-level programming languages as they work at a computer and discuss what is displayed on the monitor.

Low-Level vs. High-Level Programming Languages

High-level programming languages are easier to read, learn, and comprehend than low-level languages. Read on for a comparison of high-level versus low-level programming languages, plus how you can start learning a high-level language.

October 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After earning game development degrees, two game designers work on a video game featuring virtual reality.

Game Development Degrees and Alternatives in 2024

Explore the options you will have with a game development degree, such as video game development and design, by reviewing the educational requirements to start a career in the field.

October 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A male coworker sits at a table working with a device driver on his computer.

What Is a Device Driver and How Does It Work?

Explore the inner workings of a device driver, including its vital role in facilitating seamless communication between hardware and software.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Learners in a computer science class attend a lecture about Linux vs. Windows as they explore various operating systems’ benefits and uses.

Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right operating system is an integral part of setting up a computer system. Explore the differences between Windows and Linux and get the details you need to decide on the operating system that best meets your needs.

August 27, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A computer engineer is coding on two computer screens.

What Is a Computer Engineer? 2024 Career Guide

Learn about the career of a computer engineer, including what they do, their earning potential, and how to become one.

June 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young person and their professor walk down a hallway and discuss potential computer science fields he can explore.

7 Careers in Computer Science Fields

Discover how to start your career in various computer science fields.

May 28, 2024

Article

Computer science is the study of computer hardware and software. As a discipline, it encompasses subject matter from artificial intelligence and cryptography to computer engineering and software development and touches a variety of industries, including game development, financial services, and government.

With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore computer science topics, including:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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