What is computational thinking?

Computational thinking is a way of breaking down a solution to a problem into steps that you can program into a computer for it to solve. When you use computational thinking, you break down the thought process into smaller steps that follow each other in a logical order. You can employ computational thinking to actually program a series of instructions into a computer, or you can use it as a thought exercise that teaches you how to process an issue into the simplest steps possible.

Why is it important to learn computational thinking?

Computational thinking doesn't merely apply to those who program computers. You can rely on the concepts of computational thinking in your life and career. Computational thinking allows you to make sense of complex issues and break them down into simple steps to help you understand and solve them more effectively. It helps you to sort out relevant facts from details that don't matter and develop logical solutions to problems. Proponents of computational thinking insist that you can become more innovative when you apply these principles in your everyday life.

How does computational thinking affect my career?

On the surface, it's easy to see how computational thinking could affect your career if you're considering switching to a job in computer science. Computational thinking is essential to coding and other types of programming, and you can take those skills into that field if you're interested in a career change. You can also put the principles of computational thinking to use in your career in other fields. Learning computational thinking allows you to simplify and solve complex problems efficiently and see other solutions that you may not have been able to see otherwise. Computational thinking can equip you to become a better problem solver no matter where you work.

How can online courses help me learn computational thinking?

Whether you're just beginning to learn the basics of computational thinking or you're trying to understand and apply it at a deeper level, you can benefit from online learning. Online courses allow you to learn from some of the best professors in the field, and you can learn at your own pace and at a schedule that works for you. You can take your newfound knowledge of computational thinking into your workplace, be confident in what you've learned, and use it to improve your career and life as a whole.

What are the benefits of taking an online Computational Thinking course?

Online Computational Thinking courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Computational Thinking skills. Choose from a wide range of Computational Thinking courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Computational Thinking courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Computational Thinking, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Computational Thinking Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Computational Thinking Course Catalog

Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Computer Science, Python Programming, Computer Systems, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of Michigan
Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Problem Solving, Computer Science, Disaster Recovery, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Public Health
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Computer Programming Tools, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Thinking, Program Development, Student Engagement, Technical Communication, Event-Driven Programming, Computer Programming, Education Software and Technology, Animation and Game Design, Code Review, Object Oriented Design, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Computer Science, Software Documentation, Brainstorming, Data Structures, Development Environment
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Computational Thinking with Beginning C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Data Collection, Simulations, Data Analysis, Microsoft Visual Studio, C (Programming Language), Analysis, Automation, Program Development, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Storage, Data Store, Descriptive Statistics, Problem Management, Data Visualization Software, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
432 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Glasgow
Computational Thinking with JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, JSON, Application Deployment, Data Structures, Javascript, Application Development, HTML and CSS, Data Analysis, Code Review, Software Development, Data Visualization Software, Web Development, Scripting, Prototyping, Data Processing, Programming Principles, Unsupervised Learning, Front-End Web Development, Data Science, Computer Programming
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Strategic Thinking for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Visionary, Research, Influencing, Strategic Decision-Making, Data Collection, Systems Thinking, Strategic Planning, Proactivity, Negotiation, Business Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Communication Strategies, Surveys, Creative Thinking, Scientific Methods, Decision Making, Recognizing Others, Cognitive flexibility, Research Methodologies
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
98 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Computational Social Science
Skills you'll gain: Social Network Analysis, Network Analysis, Data Wrangling, Natural Language Processing, Web Scraping, Social Sciences, Data Ethics, Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Research, Simulations, Big Data, Systems Thinking, Trend Analysis, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Research Methodologies, Machine Learning, Data Collection, Agentic systems
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Imperial College London
Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Ideation, Creativity, Cognitive flexibility, Problem Solving, Collaboration
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Stanford University
Introduction to Mathematical Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Calculus, Deductive Reasoning, Logical Reasoning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Algorithms, Data Collection, and Starting to Code
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Data Collection, Microsoft Visual Studio, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Algorithms, Data Storage, Computer Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
376 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of Michigan
Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Information Age
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Experimentation, Critical Thinking, Research Design, Behavioral Economics, Decision Making, Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference, Probability, Correlation Analysis, Adaptability
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Algorithmic Thinking (Part 1)
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Data Analysis, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Network Analysis, Analysis, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
383 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks