What are the best Java programming courses on Coursera?

Top Java courses on Coursera include Duke University’s Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals and Object-Oriented Programming in Java . You can also find Java courses from institutions like UC San Diego and the University of Pennsylvania that teach both basic and advanced concepts.

Can I learn Java for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many Java courses offer a free audit option. You can access most of the course videos and materials at no cost. If you want a certificate or access to graded assignments and feedback, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a Java course?

You’ll learn how to write Java programs, understand object-oriented programming , work with data structures , and debug and test your code. Some courses also cover topics like algorithms, GUI development, and Android app creation using Java.

Do I need any programming experience to start learning Java?

Not at all. Many beginner-friendly Java courses are available on Coursera and are designed to help you start coding from scratch. You’ll build a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced topics.

Can a Java course on Coursera help me get a job?

Yes. Java is widely used in software development , backend systems, Android apps , and enterprise applications. Completing a Java course or certificate on Coursera can help you build in-demand skills, practice with real coding exercises , and show employers what you’ve learned.

Top Java Courses - Learn Java Online

Find the Best Java Course for Your Goals

University of Michigan
Introduction to CSS3
Skills you'll gain: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, HTML and CSS, Web Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Responsive Web Design, Usability, Browser Compatibility, Javascript, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
9.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Vanderbilt University
AI Agent Architecture in Java with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Java, Agentic systems, OpenAI, Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Secure Coding, Business Logic, Software Design Documents, Collaborative Software, Persona Development
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Codio
Java: Linear Data Structures and Trees
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Java, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Vanderbilt University
Android App Development
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), JUnit, Android Studio, Android Development, Unit Testing, Version Control, Maintainability, Software Design Patterns, Test Automation, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Integration Testing, Test Driven Development (TDD), Mobile Development, Development Testing, Software Testing, Testability, Software Engineering, Java Programming, Software Design, User Interface (UI) Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Science, Web Development, Python Programming, Programming Principles, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Application Development, Scientific Visualization
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of Colorado System
Fundamentals of Network Communication
Skills you'll gain: Digital Communications, OSI Models, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Network Routing, Network Architecture, Network Planning And Design, Computer Networking, Network Model, System Programming, Data Integrity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Irvine
Getting Started with Go
Skills you'll gain: Go (Programming Language), JSON, Programming Principles, Other Programming Languages, Development Environment, Data Structures, Remote Access Systems, Software Installation, File Management, Program Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Performance
Skills you'll gain: Unit Testing, Data Structures, Development Testing, Java Programming, Software Testing, Performance Tuning, Debugging, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Theoretical Computer Science
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad de Palermo
Programación Orientada a Objetos con Java
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Software Design Patterns, Programming Principles
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Duke University
برمجة Java: إنشاء نظام ترشيح
Skills you'll gain: Software Design, Databases, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), User Interface (UI), Algorithms, Java, Data Structures, Data Analysis Software, Data Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Alberta
Design Patterns
Skills you'll gain: Model View Controller, Software Design Patterns, Software Design, Unified Modeling Language, Object Oriented Design, Code Review, Software Architecture, Programming Principles, Maintainability, Software Technical Review, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Android Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Interactivity with JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: Javascript, Web Development Tools, Interactive Design, HTML and CSS, Web Design and Development, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Event-Driven Programming, Web Applications, User Interface (UI), Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks