Algorithms are computational procedures that use a given set of input values to determine specific output values and solve a specific problem. Because of their vast applications in the real world, top tech companies and government agencies are always looking for professionals able to create algorithms and work with large sets of data.
If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, we’ve created this list with some of the best online algorithm courses to help you get started. Online classes are a great way of gaining specific skills affordably in a short period of time.
What Is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a sequence of clearly defined instructions followed to transform a set of input values into output values. In other words, algorithms are a set of steps followed to solve a specific problem. They are used in mathematical calculations, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data processing.
Why Online Algorithm Courses Are Important for Professional Development
It’s a great idea to take online algorithm courses for professional development, especially if you are involved in fields such as computer programming and data analysis. Online algorithm courses can help you keep up to date with the latest technologies and trends in algorithm creation.
They are also proof to your current or potential employer that you are able to solve problems using up-to-date knowledge and techniques in your field, and are interested in staying on top of your profession.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Algorithms?
Yes, there are several reasons why you should attend a coding bootcamp, including the fact that a bootcamp program offers the chance to learn specific skills for dealing with data structures and dynamic programming to help you start a career working for a tech giant.
You can enroll in a bootcamp to learn about search algorithms, programming languages, basic data structures, binary trees, graph algorithms, greedy algorithms, and other related concepts in a short period, usually 6-8 months. In addition, many coding bootcamps offer job placement opportunities which can be helpful when looking for work after completing your studies.
Overview: The Best Online Algorithm Courses, Classes, or Training
Do you want to learn algorithms and data structures? You should consider online algorithm courses as they offer learners a chance to pick up skills fast. Here are some of the best online algorithm courses, classes, and training programs.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code Fellows | Code 501: Intro to Data Structures & Algorithms | $2,000 | 1 week | No |
| Codesmith | Full-time Software Engineering Immersive | $19,350 | 12 weeks | Not Specified |
| Deep Learning AI Delivered Through Coursera | Deep Learning Specialization | Membership subscription ($59 per month or $399 per year) | 5 months | Yes |
| Georgia Tech delivered through edX | Data Structures and Algorithms | $596 | 5 months | Yes |
| Hack Reactor | Algorithms & Data Structures | $1,800 | 6 weeks | Yes |
| Hackbright Academy | Software Engineering | $12,900 | 7-8 months | Not Specified |
| Harvard University | Data Science: Machine Learning | Free | Self-Paced (8 weeks 2-4 hrs) | Yes |
| Harvard University | Data Structures and Algorithms | $2,840 | Self-Paced | Yes |
| PluralSight | Algorithms and Data Structures Part 1 | Membership fees (From $159- per year) | 3 hours | No |
| Stanford University Online | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | Free | About 3 months |
Not Specified |
| The University of California San Diego Delivered through Coursera | Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization | Membership subscription ($59 per month or $399 per year) | 8 months | Yes |
| The University of Pennsylvania Delivered through edX | Algorithm Designs and Analysis | Free | Self-Paced | Yes |
| Udemy | JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Masterclass | $84.99 | 21 hours | Yes |
| University of San Diego Extension | Data Structures and Algorithms in C/C++ | $695 | Not Specified | Yes |
| University of Washington | Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures | $1,255 | 9 weeks | No |
In Detail: The Best Online Algorithm Classes, Courses, or Training
Code 501: Intro to Data Structures & Algorithms | Code Fellows
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Intermediate, advanced
- Subjects Covered: Data structures, introduction to algorithms, balanced search trees, priority queues, interviewing, traversals, lists, stack queue, list binary
Code Fellows is a top technical skills training academy that offers a wide array of in-person and online courses. This particular course is designed to help you prepare for a whiteboarding interview that tests your understanding of data structures and algorithms. You’ll need to have a dev environment in the approved programming language of your choice and a GitHub account.
This short course takes about one to two weeks, depending on your preferred learning schedule. During this time, you’ll learn to read and write common algorithms for data structures including balanced trees, linked lists, optimal search trees, arrays, and graphs. You’ll also be able to build data structures using an approved programming language.
Key Takeaway: This is an advanced algorithm course that requires students to have a working knowledge of programming languages such as JavaScript, C++, and Python.
Full-time Software Engineering Immersive | Codesmith
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: algorithms, data structures, programming languages, system design, programming paradigms, databases, design patterns, machine learning
Although this course covers more than just algorithms, the curriculum is designed to help students build a strong algorithm foundation for whiteboard interviews. Additionally, this school condensed the major elements of a four-year degree to give students an opportunity to pick computer science skills quickly.
Codesmith also features career services as part of this program, meaning that you’ll have access to interview training, resume building, salary negotiation, and post-graduation support to help you land your dream job.
Key Takeaway: This is a fast-paced program that features a condensed computer science curriculum that covers algorithms, in addition to a variety of other topics.
Deep Learning Specialization | Deep Learning AI Delivered Through Coursera
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Intermediate, advanced
- Subjects Covered: Neural networks, hyperparameter tuning, deep learning, regularization, optimization, sequence models
Machine learning engineers have skills in algorithms and their applications. Although this course is not fully tailored to teach algorithms, it covers optimization algorithms. Besides, deep learning is a subfield of machine learning which uses algorithms such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), long-short-term memory networks (LSTMS), and recurrent neural networks (RNNs).
This course will help you become a machine learning expert in eight months. It is a specialization course that features five other sub-courses. It is a massively popular program as over 630,000 students have already enrolled.
Key Takeaway: This program is ideal for aspiring machine learning engineers, business intelligence developers, and data scientists. It is an advanced specialization course that will help you master artificial intelligence or AI to break into this industry.
Data Structures and Algorithms | Georgia Tech delivered through edX
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Binary search trees, heaps, hashmaps, advanced algorithms, dynamic programming algorithms, hash tables
Georgia Tech offers a professional certificate in data structures and algorithms. With this worldwide recognized professional certificate, you can pursue careers in the software industry, select government sectors, financial services, and information technology industries.
The program takes five months to complete if you commit to around 10 hours of learning each week. During this time, you’ll learn how to differentiate between linear data structures, implement pattern matching algorithms, perform algorithm exercises, and solve algorithm challenges.
Key Takeaway: This is an ideal course for individuals looking to launch their careers after picking up data structure and algorithm skills. Additionally, this is a professional certificate from an accredited institution.
Algorithms & Data Structures | Hack Reactor
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Algorithms, hashes, trees, graphs, heuristics, advanced data structures, core data structures, hash tables, bloom filters, fundamental algorithms, linear programming
If you are interested in learning code and the practical application of correct algorithms and elementary data structures, you should consider this program from Hack Reactor. It is taught by experts and organized so that students can work in small groups, and provides several programming resources.
You’ll also work on several projects to help you learn through practice, and learn about topics including asymptotic (“Big-oh”) notation, space complexity, analysis of heuristics, dynamic programming, algorithm analysis, and AVL trees.
Key Takeaway: This is a fast-paced program designed to allow students to pick up advanced algorithm skills through a wide range of teaching and learning techniques. It takes six weeks to complete.
Software Engineering | Hackbright Academy
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Core programming, Python, Github, Markov chains, web technologies and programming languages, data structures, APIs, databases, JavaScript, data modeling
Software development is also a popular route that students follow to learn about algorithms. This program from Hackbright Academy features a condensed computer science curriculum with comprehensive courses that focus on equipping students with software engineering skills including data and algorithm skills.
Essential topics covered include relational databases, logistics, command line, adjacency lists, and algorithms, and you’ll learn HTML, CSS, bootstrap, algorithm concepts, algorithm implementations, and project planning. Hackbright Academy also included career services as part of this program to serve as an aid to learners when finding employment after graduation.
Key Takeaway: This program is designed for aspiring software engineers and developers who have a keen interest in algorithms with an emphasis on applications. It is fast-paced and rigorous and it would be better for full-time students.
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Data Science: Machine Learning | Harvard University
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Basic algorithms, basics in machine learning, regularization, algorithmic techniques
If you’re on a budget and are looking to learn machine learning and algorithms, consider this free course from Harvard University. The course is available through Harvard’s online learning platform or edX and is part of a larger data science professional certificate program. It focuses on machine learning and the ways in which prediction algorithms are used in this context.
Key Takeaway: This introductory course is ideal for students looking to learn machine learning and basic algorithms. It is free and students can learn at their own pace.
Data Structures and Algorithms | Harvard University
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Data algorithms, data structures, efficient algorithms, randomized algorithms, approximation algorithms, graph theory algorithms, string algorithms
Harvard is known for its world-class faculty, curriculum, and learning facilities. Students can take advantage of this program if they wish to pursue a degree afterward, as it will count towards their degree credits.
This program covers advanced topics including design methods and randomized algorithms. It is a self-paced program, meaning students are free to learn at their leisure. However, it is an advanced program meaning it would be best to have a basic understanding of algorithms, programming languages, and advanced topics such as binary search beforehand.
Key Takeaway: This is an advanced program designed for students who can learn on their own. It covers advanced topics, including design methods and randomized algorithms.
Algorithms and Data Structures Part 1 | PluralSight
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Data structures, algorithms, binary trees, hash tables, queues, stacks and linked lists, basic familiarity, algorithmic programming techniques
This introductory course examines core data structures, algorithms, and their everyday applications. It is the first of a two-part series designed to cover data structures and algorithms from beginner to expert level. Other topics you’ll learn in this program include practical applications of algorithms, linked lists, binary trees, and hash tables.
Key Takeaway: Consider this program if you are a beginner looking to learn about algorithms, data structures, and their everyday applications in a short time.
Design and Analysis of Algorithms | Stanford University Online
- Learning Format: This is a full course
- Level: Beginner, intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Randomized algorithms, Quicksort, contraction algorithm, data structures, balanced search trees, fundamentals of algorithms, heapsort algorithm, sort algorithms, geometric algorithms, approximate algorithms, assembly algorithms, associative arrays
If you have little knowledge of programming languages and algorithms, you should consider this course from Stanford. It is a specialization course that adopts a self-paced learning approach to help you become an algorithm designer in a step-by-step process. However, it is rigorous and it would be best if students had programming language skills in Python and Java.
Key Takeaway: This is a free program that features a world-class curriculum that covers advanced topics such as Asymptotic (“Big-oh”) notation, graph primitives, array sequences, and list operations.
Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization | The University of California San Diego Delivered through Coursera
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Algorithmic complexity, algorithmic toolbox, data structures, algorithms on graphs, algorithms for interviews
The University of San Diego offers this specialization program which is a series of courses designed to help you master algorithms and data structures. This is an intermediate course that requires learners to have basic knowledge of discrete mathematics and at least one programming language, such as Python, JavaScript, Rust, Ruby, or Scale.
You’ll have to work on a hands-on project on big networks and Genome Assembly before you can receive a certificate of completion. You will receive step by step instructions as you develop crucial skills you’ll need to land a job in the field.
Key Takeaway: This is a specialization program that will help you become an expert in this field. It is led by a team of highly qualified instructors with industry expertise.
Algorithm Designs and Analysis | The University of Pennsylvania Delivered through edX
- Learning Format: This is a full course
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Asymptotic analysis sorting and searching, heaps and binary search trees, graph traversals, shortest paths algorithms, approximation algorithms
You should consider this course from the University of Pennsylvania if you are an aspiring certified software engineer. This course is part of the computer science essentials for software development professional certificate program.
This is a self-paced program, but you’ll be able to complete it in four weeks if you commit to between six and eight hours per week. This course acts as a complete guide to help you represent and access data efficiently and analyze the efficiency of algorithms.
Key Takeaway: This is an advanced program that provides a conceptual understanding and in-depth knowledge of algorithms and requires students to have a working knowledge of discrete mathematics, probability, and Java.
JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Masterclass | Udemy
- Learning Format: This is a full course
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Big O Notation, recursion, binary search, multiple pointers, data structures
This course is ideal for students with a basic knowledge of JavaScript syntax, but you don’t need to have experience with data structures or computer science to keep up with the curriculum.
This highly interactive course that spends time on topics like data structures, linked lists, algorithms, trees, dynamic programming, heaps, hash tables, and graphs. By the end of this program, you’ll be able to apply for high-paying developer jobs. You will also have lifetime access to the course content.
Key Takeaway: You should consider this course if you are preparing for programming interviews or are looking to upgrade your existing skillset.
Data Structures and Algorithms in C/C++ | University of San Diego Extension
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Basic performance measures, mutual improvements, recursion, pointers, dynamic memory allocation
This course gives students an ideal opportunity to develop a strong foundation in algorithms, algorithm efficiency, and data structures. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to write code that scales well with large sets of data. You’ll also learn to identify bottlenecks to correct data structures and performance issues in existing software to prepare for algorithm jobs.
Key Takeaway: This course covers key topics in algorithms as well as answers to questions asked during technical interviews.
Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures | University of Washington
- Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Algorithms, data structures, design patterns, system design, complexity analysis
This is an advanced course designed to train professionals to deal with huge amounts of data and different types of algorithms. You’ll learn the best practices for Ternary trees, red-black trees, data structures, and bloom filters. You’ll also cover advanced applications of Graphs, implementing consistent hashing, and methods for backtracking and dynamic programming.
To take this course, you need to have prior experience with programming languages, data structures, and algorithms. This course is for experienced programmers as it does not cover any programming languages, and includes work in Python and C#.
Key Takeaway: You need to have prior experience in programming and algorithms before taking this course.
Online Algorithm Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
With so many options online, it can become frustratingly challenging to pick an online algorithm program that meets your educational needs. Courses, classes, and training programs differ in cost, topics covered, and time taken to complete. Fortunately, we’ve put together a few factors to consider when choosing the right online algorithm course.
How to Choose the Right Online Algorithm Course, Class, or Training Program
Student and Instructor Interactions
Learning algorithms can be challenging, especially for beginners. Interactions with program instructors and fellow students can help you learn, and might even help you build a professional network. You should strongly consider programs that encourage interactions among students and instructors, who can answer your questions on algorithms as they come up.
Value of The Program vs. Cost
Price is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an online program. Many courses are offered for free, but they typically sacrifice depth or breadth of topics covered to compensate.
On the other hand, some courses might offer access to better instructors or additional services, such as job placement support or interview prep material, making your investment worthwhile. Make sure you evaluate the cost versus your time and resources to find the option that suits your needs best.
Quality of The Curriculum
Take time to explore and compare different online programs and study their descriptions. Does the curriculum feature projects designed to help students solve problems in the real world? Does the curriculum take a hands-on approach to learning? Be sure the program you choose meets your professional or academic needs.
Algorithm Course Certificates vs Certifications
There are several key differences between earning an algorithm certificate and algorithm certification. Algorithm certificates are awarded to students after completing a program such as a training or a short course from an educational institution.
Certifications are awarded to professionals who’ve passed examinations set by professional bodies or organizations. They demonstrate proficiency and expertise in algorithms, computer science, programming, or data structures.
Importance of Algorithm Certifications
Algorithm certifications can strengthen your candidacy and make you more attractive to recruiters. They demonstrate your skills in a particular area, such as data structures, dynamic programming, or computer science. Earning a related certification also puts you in a prime position for job promotions or landing lucrative positions in different organizations.
Why You Should Take Online Algorithm Courses or Classes
There are many reasons why you should consider an online algorithm course or class. Online algorithm courses are a great way to pick up new skills and knowledge from an industry expert without necessarily disrupting your existing professional life. Online algorithm courses are often flexible, offer peer-to-peer support, and give you the chance to learn at your own pace.
In addition, enrolling in an online algorithm course or class is an ideal way to start a career in this field, or prepare for a coding interview. Not only are they cheaper than traditional learning programs, but they take a reasonably short amount of time to complete, from a few weeks to a few months.
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