Top 15 Online Computer Science Courses to Pursue

Computer Science is a field that deals with computers and computational systems responsible for the design and development of software. The field covers a variety of topics like algorithms and complexity, computational science, intelligent systems, information management, architecture, organization, networking and communication, human-computer interaction, etc. Today, the demand for computer science courses like BSc computer science and MSC computer science has increased considerably. There are also various best online introductory computer science courses that will teach you the basics of this field. The reason being the fact that this field has great career options citing the increasing demand for computer science professionals worldwide. So, if you are new to computer science, you can pursue online courses and certifications to excel in this field.

Computer science is an interdisciplinary field that requires a lot of technical knowledge. So, without pursuing online degree courses or earning a certificate in this field, it is very difficult to learn the fundamentals of various topics like computing, artificial intelligence, operating systems, etc. You can find numerous computer science courses after 12th and gain an introduction to computer science. We have prepared a list of some of the best online introductory computer science courses that you can take without having any prior experience in this field. We have compiled these online courses & certifications from top providers like Udemy, Coursera, and others. So let’s get started.

The best Online Introductory Computer Science Courses

Also read: Certificate Course in Subject: Mathematics for Computer Science by University of London, London, Goldsmiths London via Coursera

1. Computer Science 101 - Computers & Programming for Beginners

This is one of the best online introductory computer science courses that will discuss the basic concepts of Computer Science, Computers, and Programming Languages of Computer Science. The course includes 19 sections of 36 lectures and is designed for programming beginners and individuals interested in learning Computer Science and Programming.

Course Structure:

• Basics of computer science

• Programming

• Programming Languages

Duration: 1.5 hours

Fee: Rs 1,280

Offered by: Udemy

2. Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

This is among the best online introductory computer science courses for candidates interested in knowing the fundamentals of computer science. Right from Creating graphical programs, learning computing mathematics to developing mental models of computer systems, this course has a lot to offer.

Course Structure:

• Introduction to computer programming

• Creating interactive graphics

• Mathematics for computer science

• Numerical mathematics

Duration: 4 months

Fee: Rs 2,894 per month

Offered by: Coursera

View more: Computer Science Engineering Certification Courses

3. Master Complete Statistics For Computer Science - I

This Computer Science certification Course deals with subjects like probability & Statistics and the importance of Machine Learning. In this fast-paced world, the need for Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Neural networks has also increased, so this master course will definitely be a good choice for understanding statistics for computer science.

Course Structure:

• Discrete Random Variables

• Continuous Random Variables

• Random Vectors

• The function of One Random Variable

• Cumulative Distribution Function

• Special Distribution

• Two - Dimensional Random Variables

Duration: 21.5 hours

Fee: Rs 455

Offered by: Udemy

4. Introduction to Computer Programming

If you have completed online diploma courses or BSc computer science and want to get a certification course to get an extra edge in this field, then you can opt for this course. This one of the online computer science courses will help you learn the foundational skillset that is required for writing computer programs. It will help you in knowing about the interactive, graphical programs and real programming languages, then this is the course for you.

Course Structure:

• Your development environment

• Simple interaction

• Variables, objects, and interaction

• Variables and data

• Code organization

Duration: 21 hours

Fee: Rs 2,894

Offered by: Coursera

Also read: Certificate Course in Subject: AP Computer Science A: Java Programming Polymorphism and Advanced Data Structures by Purdue University, West Lafayette via Edx

5. Computer Science 101

This among the best online introductory computer science courses will teach you the significant ideas of computer science for audiences with zero-prior-experience. The course will also help you play with little phrases of code to understand the real working of computers. The subjects offered are quite similar to the subjects offered in the Bachelor of computer science degree.

Course Structure:

• Nature of computers and code

• Working on computer hardware

• Analog vs. digital

• Digital media

• Jargon: bits, bytes, megabytes, gigabytes

• Structured data working and more.

Duration: 6 Weeks

Fee: Free

Offered by: edX

6. Computer Science 101: Master the Theory Behind Programming

Being a better programmer and software handler requires being aware of the fundamentals of computer science. This is one of the best online introductory computer science courses to learn about algorithms and data structure, and concepts such as arrays among others. This course is ideal for anyone willing to understand the theoretical aspect of programming and computer science. Whether you are a student who has completed their B.Tech in computer science or someone who is in school and has just started learning about computer programming as a beginner, you are eligible for this Computer Science certification Course.

Course Structure:

• Analyzing algorithms

• Heaps and graphs

• Data structure and algorithms

• Arrays

• Stacks and queues

• Core sorting algorithm

Duration: 10 hours

Fee: Rs. 455

Offered by Udemy

Also read: Certificate Course in Subject: AP Computer Science A: Java Programming Loops and Data Structures by Purdue University, West Lafayette via Edx

7. Introduction to Computer Science

This one of the short duration computer science courses is something that you must go for if you are not sure whether you should pursue a B.Sc in computer science or not. It will give you a basic idea of the function of a computer, an overview of cloud computing, a super computer, a virus and a computer network. The course includes 15 videos discussing what computer science is all about and takes you through concepts of Computer Hardware, Computer Software, Algorithms, Sorting Algorithms, and Operating systems, among others.

Course Structure:

• Computer Hardware, Software and Operating System

• Algorithms and Data Structures

• Data Processing and File Processing

• Programming Basics

• Web Programming Basics and more.

Duration: 2 hours

Fee: Rs. 455

Offered by: Udemy

8. Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

In this computer science certification course, you will be taught the Introduction to Computer Science and Programming and Python programming language. It will also teach you the introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science. The reason for compiling these two prominent topics together is to make it easy for beginners with no prior experience to excel in this field.

Course Structure:

• Computation

• Algorithmic complexity

• Data structures

• Python programming language

• Some simple algorithms

• Testing and debugging

Duration: 9 Weeks

Fee: Free

Offered by: edX

View more: Online Software Development Courses & Certifications

9. Advanced Diploma in Computer Vision

This is one of the best online introductory computer science courses that will provide you with a unique insight into the emerging field of Computer Vision. A variety of topics like technology and its applications, including image processing, geometry, and homography will be taught in this course

Course Structure:

• Images processing and transform

• Stereo Geometry

• Project Geometry and homography

• Camera Geometry

Duration: 20 to 30 hours

Fee: Free

Offered by: Alison

Also read: Certificate Course in Subject: Coding & Computer Science for Beginners by Shaw Academy

10. Introduction to Machine Learning for Data Science

This computer science certification course will help you understand Computer Science from the scratch. Algorithms, Programming, Data, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science are some of the most important topics that will also be discussed in this one of the highest-rated computer science courses. You will be able to learn how all these elements work together as a complete whole.

Course Structure:

• The machine learning process

• Impacts, importance, and example

• Applying machine learning in data science

Duration: 5.5 hours

Fee: Rs. 455

Offered by: Udemy

11. Computer Science 101: Intro to Java & Algorithms

This is another one of the best online introductory computer science courses to learn Java and algorithms of computer science. The course will cover both the fundamentals of programming such as OOP, Methods and Arrays alongside more advanced concepts. The course contains 14.5 hours of on-demand video, with 9 articles and 7 downloadable resources.

Course Structure:

• Java

• Computer Science

• Fundamentals of OOP

• Advanced OOP Concepts

• Algorithms

• Fundamentals of Programming

• Selection Statements to Loops

• Methods and Arrays and more.

Duration: 14.5 hours

Fee: Rs. 455

Offered by: Udemy

Also read: B.Tech in Computer Science: Course, Eligibility, Syllabus, Scope, Fees

12. FPGA computing systems: Background knowledge and introductory materials

The is among the best online introductory computer science courses for individuals who are passionate about learning hardware components. By emphasizing FPGA computing systems, the candidates will become well versed in computer science. It is one of those online computer science courses where you will gain background knowledge about creating advanced computing systems and even FPGA.

Course Structure:

• Adaptive Computing Systems

• Reconfigurations

• Reconfigurable Computing

• How to configure an FPGA

Duration: 46 hours

Fee: Rs 2,152

Offered by: Coursera

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13. CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals

This computer science certification course is CS50’s introduction to computer science specially designed for business professionals, managers, founders, and other decision-makers. The demand for computer science skills especially for business professionals has increased considerably and this is the reason for the increasing demand for this course.

Course Structure:

• Computational thinking

• Technology stacks

• Cloud computing

• Programming languages

• Internet technologies

• Web development

Duration: 6 Weeks

Fee: Free

Offered by: edX

View more: Data Science with Machine learning and AI Pro+ Certification Course with Honeywell

14. Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User

Operating systems form the basis of any computer science course. Whether you do B.Sc computer science or B.Tech computer science, operating systems is a topic that is present in every computer science course. At the completion of this amongst the best online introductory computer science courses, you will be well versed in the different types of operating systems and how they will be used.

Course Structure:

• Navigating the System

• Operating Systems in Practice

• Users and Permissions

• Package and Software Management

Duration: 35 hours

Fee: Rs 1,039

Offered by: Coursera

15. AP Computer Science A: Java Programming

This is one of the online computer science courses where you will be given a broad view of computer operation. Computer science is a field that requires a lot of technical skills and knowledge in terms of the global impact on computing and even Java programming concepts including variables, selection, and object-oriented design. For beginners, this is a great course to get a basic knowledge of computer science.

Course Structure:

• Ethical computing

• Basic computer hardware

• Number representations

• Java program structure

• Simple input / output

Duration: 6 Weeks

Fee: Free

Offered by: edX

Also read: Certificate Course in Subject: Preparing for the AP* Computer Science A Exam — Part 2 by The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York City via Edx

Conclusion

These 15 best online introductory computer science courses can be pursued by candidates interested in computer science. The whole world has now become dependent on technology and computer systems, so, enrolling in computer science courses after 12th can pave some of the great career options in diverse industries. You can opt for the best courses by doing an online course comparison. All of these online computer science courses are of the introductory level so it can be undertaken by individuals who have no prior experience in this field.

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