What are the best C programming courses online?

Browse the C programming courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals: University of California, Santa Cruz The Arduino Platform and C Programming: University of California, Irvine Programming in C: University of Michigan Programming with C: Simplilearn Embedded C Programming Essentials: EDUCBA

How to learn C programming?

Whether you’re learning C programming for software development, systems programming, or academic purposes, having a clear goal can guide your learning. Consistent practice with coding and debugging is critical. Join communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/C_Programming to ask questions and share knowledge. Work on real projects such as creating small programs. Introduction to C and C++ Specialization by Duke University on is a great starting resource.

Can I take free C programming courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning C programming on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many C programming courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in C programming, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a C programming course?

You’ll learn how to write C code, understand control structures (like loops and conditionals), use functions, work with arrays and strings, and manage memory with pointers. Some courses also cover debugging and testing C programs.

Do I need coding experience to start learning C programming?

Not at all. Many courses are designed for beginners and introduce C concepts step by step. However, some familiarity with basic programming logic can be helpful, especially if you want to move on to more advanced topics or other programming languages.

Can Coursera’s C programming courses help me in my career?

Yes. C programming is fundamental in areas like embedded systems , game development , and operating systems. Coursera courses can help you build job-ready skills, strengthen your programming foundation, and prepare for roles that require low-level programming expertise.

Best C Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the best C Programming course for your goals

Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Introductory C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Programming Principles, Maintainability, Software Testing, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Algorithms, Pseudocode, Simulations, System Programming, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Development, Software Engineering, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, Development Environment, User Interface (UI), Problem Solving, Software Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C (Programming Language), Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, Algorithms
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
C Programming for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Software Design, Application Security, Other Programming Languages, Python Programming, System Programming, Computer Architecture, Java, Performance Tuning, Unix, Computer Science, Debugging
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
183 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
C Programming with Linux
Skills you'll gain: Command-Line Interface, C (Programming Language), Linux Commands, Linux, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Programming Principles, Computer Engineering, Linux Servers, File Systems, System Programming, Build Tools, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming, Software Documentation, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
419 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
Coding for Everyone: C and C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), C and C++, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Data-oriented programming, Programming Principles, Graph Theory, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, Game Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Programming in C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, C++ (Programming Language), Algorithms, Data Structures, Other Programming Languages, System Programming
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
60 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
The Arduino Platform and C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Debugging, C (Programming Language), Integrated Development Environments, Electronic Components, Development Environment, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Electronics Engineering, Digital Communications
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Programming With C#
Skills you'll gain: C# (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, .NET Framework, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Development Tools, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
73 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java Programming, Java, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Simplilearn
Programming with C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Data Structures, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Management, System Programming, Algorithms
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Embedded C Programming Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Debugging, Embedded Systems, Integrated Development Environments, C (Programming Language), Development Environment, Electronic Hardware, Electronics, Software Development Tools, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
68 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
C Programming: Getting Started - 1
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Software Documentation, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Embedded Software, Human Computer Interaction, Debugging, Development Environment, Engineering Calculations
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
257 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months