Data Structures and Algorithms
Offered by University of California San Diego. Master Algorithmic Programming Techniques.
Data Structures and Algorithms is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Data Structures & Algorithms. It is structured in 6 modules, over 5 months. Learners rate it 4.6/5 from 16.8K ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Data Structures & Algorithms courses collection, where we compare it against 7 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 5 months |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.6★ (16.8K reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
This course, Data Structures and Algorithms by University of California San Diego on Coursera, teaches you to master algorithmic programming techniques. It covers essential concepts such as the Algorithmic Toolbox, fundamental Data Structures, and algorithms for Graphs and Strings. You also explore Advanced Algorithms and Complexity, culminating in a Genome Assembly Programming Challenge. The specialization focuses on how to design and implement efficient algorithms to solve complex computational problems.
The course combines the theory of algorithms with extensive practical application. It challenges you to implement over 100 algorithmic problems, allowing you to choose your preferred programming language from C++, Java, or Python for starter solutions. This hands-on approach ensures you understand how algorithms work by building them yourself. Upon completion, you will be able to apply the right Data Structures and Algorithms in your daily work. You will write programs that run significantly faster and solve algorithmic problems similar to those found in technical interviews at major tech companies like Google and Microsoft. Data science professionals can also use these skills to speed up their experiments.
This specialization is designed for beginners. To get started, you should have basic knowledge of at least one programming language such as C++, Java, or Python. This includes understanding concepts like loops, arrays, stacks, and recursion. A basic grasp of mathematics, specifically proof by induction and proof by contradiction, is also helpful. The course is self-paced and takes approximately 5 months to complete. While it provides a strong foundation in Data Structures and Algorithms, it does not offer university credit directly. If you are looking for a course focused on a specific language, consider alternatives like Mastering Data Structures & Algorithms using C and C++ or Java Data Structures & Algorithms + LEETCODE Exercises. For Python-specific learning, Learn Data Structures and Algorithms with Python is another option.
Level and time commitment
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
6 modulesThe 6-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 5 months.
Module 1 · Algorithmic Toolbox
Module 2 · Data Structures
Module 3 · Algorithms on Graphs
Module 4 · Algorithms on Strings
Module 5 · Advanced Algorithms and Complexity
Module 6 · Genome Assembly Programming Challenge
What learners rate it
Rated 4.6/5 by 16.8K learners on Coursera (checked 10 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 10 August 2026.
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Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Structures and Algorithms This |
 Coursera
|
4.6★ | Check price | 5 months | Quickest to finish (5 months) |
| Java Data Structures & Algorithms + LEETCODE Exercises |
 Udemy
|
4.6★ | Free | Free — certificate included | |
| Mastering Data Structures & Algorithms using C and C++ |
Udemy
|
4.6★ | Free | Free — and still gives a certificate | |
| Data Structures and Algorithms: In-Depth DSA using Python |
Udemy
|
4.5★ | Free | Free — certificate included |
Common questions
How much does Data Structures and Algorithms cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does Data Structures and Algorithms come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does Data Structures and Algorithms take?
Coursera lists it at 5 months. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is Data Structures and Algorithms suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does Data Structures and Algorithms cover?
It is organised into 6 modules, starting with Algorithmic Toolbox and going on to Data Structures, Algorithms on Graphs, Algorithms on Strings, Advanced Algorithms and Complexity, among others. The full outline is on this page.