Best Free CS: Theory Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course) (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Embark on an exciting journey to construct a fully functioning general-purpose computer in six engaging projects. This hands-on course breaks down the complexities of computer systems into understandable steps, allowing you to build from basic logic gates all the way up to a modern computer. Discover how computers work and are designed through practical application.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

Assembly Hardware Description Language Memory

Coursera

Stanford University

Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Dive into the core concepts of computer science with our specialized online course on Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms. This course is designed for those who want to understand how to efficiently manage large datasets and solve complex computational problems using advanced techniques. Learn about asymptotic notation, sorting algorithms like Merge Sort and QuickSort, searching methods such as Binary Search, and the power of randomized approaches.

Jun 22nd 2026

4 Weeks

Programming Algorithms Matrix

Coursera

Stanford University

Graph Search, Shortest Paths, and Data Structures (Coursera)

CS: Theory

Dive into the world of advanced data structures and graph algorithms with our Graph Search, Shortest Paths, and Data Structures course. This specialized program is designed for those looking to deepen their understanding of essential concepts like heaps, balanced search trees, hash tables, bloom filters, and more. Explore practical applications in connectivity and shortest path analysis, and discover how these principles can be applied to solve complex problems across various fields.

Jun 22nd 2026

4 Weeks

Algorithms Data Structures Computer Science

Coursera

Stanford University

Greedy Algorithms, Minimum Spanning Trees, and Dynamic Programming (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Dive into the world of efficient problem-solving with our specialized online course on Greedy Algorithms, Minimum Spanning Trees, and Dynamic Programming. This course is designed for those who want to enhance their algorithmic skills and learn how to tackle intricate computational challenges effectively.

Jun 22nd 2026

4 Weeks

Programming Algorithms Clustering

Coursera

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Big Data Analysis with Scala and Spark (Coursera)

CS: Theory CS: Programming

Discover the power of big data analysis with this comprehensive course on Scala and Spark. Gain expertise in handling massive datasets, enhancing your analytical skills, and improving decision-making processes through efficient data manipulation techniques.

Jun 22nd 2026

4 Weeks

Programming Algorithms SQL

Coursera

University of California, San Diego,Higher School of Economics - HSE University

Number Theory and Cryptography (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Explore the intriguing realm of number theory, from its historical roots to contemporary applications in cryptography. This course will guide you through fundamental concepts, revealing how numbers have shaped mathematics and secured our digital communications.

Jun 22nd 2026

4 Weeks

Cryptography Algorithms Arithmetic

Coursera

University of California, San Diego,Higher School of Economics - HSE University

Delivery Problem (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Dive into the world of computational problem-solving and learn how to optimize delivery routes like never before with 'Delivery Problem: Solving the Travelling Salesman Problem'. This course, available on Coursera, equips you with Python programming skills to tackle one of the most challenging problems in logistics – visiting all locations as efficiently as possible. Whether you're a student or a professional in logistics, this course will help you understand and implement efficient algorithms for solving the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP), a crucial aspect of delivery optimization.

Jun 22nd 2026

3 Weeks

Probability Combinatorics Algorithms

Coursera

University of Michigan

Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking (Coursera)

CS: Theory Computer Science

Dive into 'Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking' on Coursera and unlock the secrets to tackling complex problems with ease. This course teaches you how to think like a computer, breaking down issues into manageable parts and developing solutions that are both logical and effective. Ideal for beginners eager to grasp the fundamentals of programming and computational logic.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

Programming Algorithms Computational Thinking

Coursera

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Big Data Analysis with Scala and Spark (Scala 2 version) (Coursera)

CS: Theory Data Science

Dive into the world of big data analysis with this comprehensive course on Apache Spark and Scala. Discover how to manipulate vast amounts of distributed data using powerful functional programming ideas, essential for modern data science and analytics professionals.

Jun 22nd 2026

4 Weeks

SQL Scala Big Data