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Computer Science

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

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[Featured Image] After debating a computer science vs software engineering career path, a smiling person 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

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[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

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

Game Development Degrees and Alternatives in 2026

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] After debating a computer science vs software engineering career path, a smiling person 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

Explore popular computer science courses

Status: Free Trial

University of London

Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Debugging, Development Environment, Computer Systems, Web Applications, Arithmetic, Computer Literacy, General Networking, Javascript, Network Security, Computer Networking, Application Security, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming Tools, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Applied Mathematics, Computer Programming, General Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Problem Solving

Build toward a degree

4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews

Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Status: Free Trial

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Python Programming, NumPy, Scripting, Data Collection, Data Analysis

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
44K reviews

Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Status: Free Trial

Rice University

Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Event-Driven Programming, Algorithms, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Application Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Probability, Video Game Development, Bioinformatics, Interactive Design, Animation and Game Design, Python Programming, Data Analysis, User Interface (UI), Computer Science, Computer Programming

4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.1K reviews

Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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

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[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.

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

What Is a Computer Engineer? 2026 Career Guide

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

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

7 Careers in Computer Science Fields

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

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[Featured Image] A fintech engineer works on their code on a laptop to ensure the organization's digital banking platform runs smoothly.

What Is a Fintech Engineer?

Fintech is an exciting and growing field. Learn more about a career in fintech, what it’s like to be an engineer in fintech, and the education and experience needed for different fintech engineering roles.

April 10, 2024

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[Featured Image] A person wearing a headset is on their laptop and answers phones at an IT call center.

How to Get into Tech Without a Degree

Learn how to get into the technology industry without a degree and what you can focus on instead to build your skills, experience, and qualifications.

April 5, 2024

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[Featured image] Two front-end developers are working together while looking at a desktop.

Front-End Developer Salary: Your 2026 Guide

A front-end developer designs and creates the user-facing side of software, websites, applications, or other projects that require coding. Learn the average front-end developer salary and how different factors can affect how much you earn.

November 29, 2023

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[Featured image] A front-end developer is in an office working on their laptop with earbuds on.

What Skills Should a Front-End Developer Have?

If you’re interested in becoming a front-end developer, learn about the technical and workplace skills used in this career to be successful. This article covers the responsibilities of a front-end developer and how you can grow your skill set.

November 29, 2023

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[Featured Image] Two students earning a computer science degree are sitting together and studying while looking at their computers.

Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

Take a closer look at what a computer science (CS) degree can mean for your career path, salary, and skills development.

November 1, 2023

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 2026

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 coworker sits at a table working with a device driver on their 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? 2026 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 they 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 fintech engineer works on their code on a laptop to ensure the organization's digital banking platform runs smoothly.

What Is a Fintech Engineer?

Fintech is an exciting and growing field. Learn more about a career in fintech, what it’s like to be an engineer in fintech, and the education and experience needed for different fintech engineering roles.

April 10, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A person wearing a headset is on their laptop and answers phones at an IT call center.

How to Get into Tech Without a Degree

Learn how to get into the technology industry without a degree and what you can focus on instead to build your skills, experience, and qualifications.

April 5, 2024

Article

[Featured image] Two front-end developers are working together while looking at a desktop.

Front-End Developer Salary: Your 2026 Guide

A front-end developer designs and creates the user-facing side of software, websites, applications, or other projects that require coding. Learn the average front-end developer salary and how different factors can affect how much you earn.

November 29, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A front-end developer is in an office working on their laptop with earbuds on.

What Skills Should a Front-End Developer Have?

If you’re interested in becoming a front-end developer, learn about the technical and workplace skills used in this career to be successful. This article covers the responsibilities of a front-end developer and how you can grow your skill set.

November 29, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] Two students earning a computer science degree are sitting together and studying while looking at their computers.

Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

Take a closer look at what a computer science (CS) degree can mean for your career path, salary, and skills development.

November 1, 2023

Article

Computer science is the study of computer hardware and software. As a discipline, it encompasses subjects from artificial intelligence and cryptography to computer engineering and software development. It touches various 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 or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore computer science topics, including:

Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of computer science, information systems, and artificial intelligence.

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