Free Online Computer Science Courses

The increased role of computer systems in the modern world has led to a raised demand for people with the skills needed to understand programming languages, perform computational thinking, and work in software development. Computer science degrees teach learners the fundamentals and more advanced skills to work in this emerging field, but there are options beyond degrees.

Many online computer science programs are offered through universities and companies that can be used to teach new skills or enhance established ones. Enrollment in these online programs is often affordable for students looking to change careers or deepen their knowledge, with some programs having no tuition or enrollment cost.

Can I Learn Computer Science Online for Free?

It is possible to learn the skills associated with being a computer scientist online for little to no cost, especially compared to a full bachelor's degree program offered through a university. However, this doesn't mean that you can entirely circumvent college courses. Learning individual skills isn't always enough to ensure future employment.

Learning the fundamentals of various components of computer science can be done online, but you will need to advance your education if you plan to work as a computer scientist. Many employers will acknowledge the skills associated with a certification or similar online course, but there is a reason that most computer science careers require a college degree. Computer science often includes electrical engineering principles, real-time problem-solving, and other skills that can't be included in these fundamental courses.

The main advantage of online courses is for computer scientists looking to learn new skills. For example, artificial intelligence has increased the demand for machine learning-focused engineers.

Many of these courses will work across different computer and phone operating systems, including:

• Windows from Microsoft
• IOS for Apple
• Android

If you plan to work primarily in a single operating system, try to find courses offered by computer companies. Their courses will probably include information from the computer scientists who program those systems.

Top Free Online Computer Science Courses

Many free online programs are available if you're looking to learn the fundamentals of computer and data science without paying college tuition rates. Universities and companies offer these courses. Computer scientists design courses with real-world experience to help students learn the most valuable skills.

Many free computer science programs are designed for beginners to learn the basics of programming, but some additional classes cover web development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and more.

Stanford Online's Computer Science 101

Stanford University offers many online courses through an EDX program called Stanford Online. Computer Science 101 is a self-paced course that covers the basics of computer hardware, data science, and programming languages. This program is designed for beginners with no previous computer science training and can be a great way for people considering a computer science career to make an informed decision.

Khan Academy's Intro to Computer Science: Python

Programmers use multiple languages in software development, such as SQL, Javascript, and HTML. One of the most common languages, though is Python. Khan Academy has a course that teaches learners the basics of Python 3. The course combines hands-on programming with quizzes to give students opportunities to prove their knowledge. This Khan Academy course includes related skills to Python, like designing algorithms, interpreting data structures, and automation.

Khan Academy's Computer Science Theory

Although computer science is a highly technical field of study, there are some theoretical elements that computer scientists need to understand. The Khan Academy course on Computer Science Theory introduces learners to algorithms, cryptography, and information theory as they relate to computer science. The course doesn't have official prerequisites, but students will get the most out of the material if they already have a background in computer programming languages.

MIT OpenCourseWare's Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

MIT OpenCourseWare is a program offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with free courses based on the coursework of their degree programs. Their Introduction to Computer Science and Programming uses Python 3.5 to teach beginners the basics of this programming language through videos, lectures, quizzes, and assignments. The program is entirely free to all students, but it doesn't come with any certification or documentation of completion. This program doesn't include a formal credential, but the knowledge can help you learn base-level information for certification or degree programs.

Harvard University Online's Introduction to Computer Science

CS50 Introduction to Computer Science is a free course offered through Harvard University. This program covers multiple languages, such as:

• C Programming
• Python
• SQL
• JavaScript
• CSS
• HTML

The program involves projects and hands-on practice culminating in a final project and presentation. Students with a qualifying final score are eligible for certification, which can benefit students pursuing entry-level jobs or internships. You'll have to pay an enrollment fee for the program to pursue the certification.

Udacity's Intro to Python Programming

This seven-lesson program is designed to teach beginner learners how to use Python and its role in software engineering from scratch. The program combines hands-on projects with examinations to give students multiple opportunities to display proficiency. Additionally, Udacity involves interactive expert feedback to help you learn based on your work and abilities.

Google's Python Class

Google For Education is a program that teaches free lessons through pre-recorded video lectures and exercises on various topics. Their Python program is designed for learners with a basic level of programming knowledge. The course is designed to be completed over multiple days, but the self-paced nature of the course means it can be completed whenever you can fit it in. Although this program doesn't end in a credential, Google does offer paid programs through Coursera that can lead to certifications.

Are Free Online Courses Actually Free?

There are plenty of free online courses with no enrollment costs, but that doesn't mean they are entirely free. Although most of these courses are online, some will require additional materials that might come with costs. Information technology is inherently related to computers, and you will benefit most from having one that can handle object-oriented programming coursework.

The universities and companies that offer these free courses usually don't credential them. Learning new knowledge is always a benefit for students but for learners trying to expand their careers or resumes, this might be a disadvantage. Fortunately, many of these courses have paid options that result in a certificate that you can put on your resume or LinkedIn page to display your skills to future employers.