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 California San Diego
Advanced Data Structures in Java
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Java Programming, Java, Object Oriented Design, Software Design, Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Maintainability, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Network Routing, Computational Thinking, Application Development, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Build Your First GUI App With Java
Skills you'll gain: Application Development, UI Components, Event-Driven Programming, Integrated Development Environments, User Interface (UI), Java, Software Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of California San Diego
Learn to Teach Java
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Programming Principles, Java Programming, Pedagogy, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Software Design, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Cultural Responsiveness, Test Case, Pseudocode, Algorithms, Data Structures, Computer Science, Technical Communication
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Javascript, Responsive Web Design, Ajax, Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Web Applications, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Browser Compatibility, Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Usability, Cross Platform Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Lambda Expressions with Java
Skills you'll gain: Eclipse (Software), Java, Java Programming, Functional Design
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Codio
Java Basics: Selection and Iteration
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Java, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Computational Logic, Data Structures, Data Storage
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
110 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Java Classes and Objects
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Object Oriented Design, Java Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Vanderbilt University
Building Cloud Services with the Java Spring Framework
Skills you'll gain: Spring Framework, Object-Relational Mapping, Cloud Security, Java, Scalability, Cloud Services, Web Services, Cloud Computing, JSON, Security Controls, Restful API, Web Applications, Object Oriented Design, Database Design, Software Design, Dependency Analysis
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
251 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Codio
Java Basic Structures: Arrays, Strings, and Files
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Java Programming, Java, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Rice University
Distributed Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Java, Software Architecture, Systems Architecture, Programming Principles, Servers, Algorithms, Network Protocols
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
500 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
LearnQuest
Introduction to Java Enterprise Edition (EE)
Skills you'll gain: Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Application Deployment, Web Applications, Application Servers, Java, Application Development, Web Development, Server Side, Application Frameworks
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
75 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
IBM
Object Oriented Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Java, Java Programming, File Management, Application Development, Computer Programming, Program Development, Data Structures, Data Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months