What is parallel programming?

Parallel programming is a concept in computing where a computer uses its resources to solve a problem. The computer breaks the problem down into multiple steps in order to process more information at a time. Parallel programming allows a computer to complete tasks quickly and more efficiently than if the computer solved one section of the problem at a time. Your laptop or desktop computer, smartphone, and tablet rely on parallel programming to process data quickly, allowing you to get better and faster performance from them.

Why is it important to learn parallel programming?

If you're programming computer software or an application, relying on parallel programming allows you to create an app that's more responsive for users. Games run more quickly and are more fun when parallel programming allows you to play them in real-time. Internet searches are more efficient and accurate when the device you're on uses parallel programming to perform the search. Video looks smoother, and audio sounds better on devices that use parallel programming. In short, parallel programming makes the apps and sites that you use every day perform their best.

What career opportunities can arise from learning parallel programming?

If you're interested in changing to a career in computer programming, you can apply for software engineering and computer architecture engineering positions in cutting-edge technological companies. Once you've learned parallel programming, you'll be able to develop apps and software programs that run faster and more smoothly. Many cloud applications rely on parallel programming, so you can look for positions with companies developing this rapidly growing sector of technology.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn parallel programming?

When you take online courses on Coursera in parallel programming, you'll learn from international experts from prestigious schools like École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and successful companies like Oracle Labs. Instructors from our partner organizations will give you a thorough grasp of the principles of parallel programming, as well as real-world applications. Once you've finished the course, you'll have confident knowledge that can lead you to a new, successful programming career. Best of all, you can learn at your own pace and on a schedule that fits your lifestyle.

What are the benefits of taking an online Parallel Programming course?

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

What Parallel Programming courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Parallel Programming, 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 Parallel Programming Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Parallel Programming Course Catalog

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Parallel programming
Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, Data Structures, Distributed Computing, Algorithms, Functional Design, Scalability, Java Programming, Performance Tuning, Computer Programming, Computer Science
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
GPU Programming
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Neural Networks, Image Analysis, Event-Driven Programming, C and C++, Scalability, Applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Performance Tuning, Linear Algebra, Distributed Computing, Computer Hardware, Mathematical Software, Computer Vision, Computer Architecture, Computer Systems, Data Structures, Performance Testing, System Programming
Build toward a degree
2.7
Rating, 2.7 out of 5 stars
139 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Rice University
Parallel, Concurrent, and Distributed Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Java Programming, Java, Software Architecture, Systems Architecture, Data Structures, System Programming, Programming Principles, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Servers, Application Frameworks, OS Process Management, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Debugging, Computer Science, Operating Systems
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Rice University
Parallel Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Java, Distributed Computing, Programming Principles, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Application Frameworks, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Functional Design, Scalability, Computer Science
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · 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, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to Parallel Programming with CUDA
Skills you'll gain: Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Performance Testing, Distributed Computing, System Programming, Computational Thinking, Hardware Architecture, Algorithms, Computer Hardware, Computer Architecture, Program Development, Software Development, Debugging
2.7
Rating, 2.7 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Python 3 Programming
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, JSON, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design, Debugging, Object Oriented Design, Data Processing, Unit Testing, Data Import/Export, Restful API, Python Programming, Image Analysis, Data Manipulation, Jupyter, Data Structures, Software Engineering, Application Programming Interface (API), Computer Programming, File Management, Functional Design
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to High-Performance and Parallel Computing
Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Scalability, Distributed Computing, Computer Systems, Big Data, Operating Systems, File Systems, Linux, Command-Line Interface, Performance Tuning, Programming Principles
Build toward a degree
3.5
Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
124 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Packt
Concurrent and Parallel Programming in Python
Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Distributed Computing, OS Process Management, Computer Programming, Scalability, Web Scraping, Database Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Washington
Programming Languages, Part A
Skills you'll gain: Software Installation, Programming Principles, Other Programming Languages, Functional Design, Computer Programming, Ruby (Programming Language), Theoretical Computer Science, Software Design
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to Concurrent Programming with GPUs
Skills you'll gain: C and C++, Distributed Computing, Computer Hardware, Computer Architecture, Computer Systems, Software Development, Computer Programming, Program Development, Algorithms, Python Programming
2.6
Rating, 2.6 out of 5 stars
103 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Parallel programming (Scala 2 version)
Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, Data Structures, Distributed Computing, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Functional Design, Scalability, Performance Testing, Computer Architecture
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks