About This Course
Interested in a summer offering of this course? Go to Software Algorithms & Data Structures Summer 2026 for more information and to register.
Algorithms and data structures are the essential frameworks for solving almost any computer engineering problem. You need a fundamental grasp of these tools to understand how computers and programming languages work. What's more, expertise in algorithms and data structures helps you evaluate their relative strengths and weaknesses and decide on the best solutions.
In this course, you’ll examine, create, compare and test the major types of algorithms and data structures. You’ll learn how to conduct a Big-O analysis to assess the complexity and runtime of your code, and how to understand the tradeoffs of using different algorithms and data structures. You’ll learn to identify different problem-solving approaches and how to forge solutions for optimal performance and efficiency.
Because this course is for experienced programmers, it doesn’t teach any programming. It is language-agnostic, but coursework is in Python or C#.
▸ Related Article: How to Become a Software Developer
Designed For
Those with experience coding in a common programming language — like Python, C#, C++, Java — and who are looking to move into computer science or software development.
▸ Explore More: Want to get started in coding? Check out our Foundations of Python Programming course — or find the right programming language for you.
What You'll Learn
How to understand number base systems and recursion
Approaches for sorting algorithms and Big-O analysis
Techniques for using arrays, lists, stacks, queues, binary trees and binary search trees, hash tables, binary heaps and priority queues, and graphs
Get Hands-On Experience
Build data structures from scratch
Create and implement algorithms from scratch
Practice common job interview problems that involve algorithms
Complete a Certificate
Combine this course with the Foundations of Python Programming and Software Design Patterns & System Design to earn the Certificate in Software Development Essentials.
Career Stats
16%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for data structures skills (2025–27)
23%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for algorithms skills (2025-27)
Earn a Digital Badge
After successfully completing this course, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.
Our Enrollment Coaches Are Here to Help
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.
