The rules and syntax of Java are based on the C and C++ languages and, while there are now countless programming languages on the market, Java has remained the most popular language for application software development for more than thirty years.
Java is also more than just a programming language, it’s also part software platform. Highly regarded for machine learning and data science applications, Java is at the heart of the Android operating system. Its easy-to-use design, cross-platform capabilities, and security are what makes Java such a long-standing favorite.
The 8 Best Online Java Classes
- Udacity—Become a Java Web Developer
- Udemy—Java Programming Masterclass (Online)
- Coursera—Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization (Online)
- Kaprado—The Complete Java Programming Masterclass for 2025
- Skillspire: Learn Java & Cloud Computing with AWS
- Developer Bootcamp—Java Programmer Bootcamp (Online)
- Noble Desktop: Java Bootcamp
- Pluralsight—Java Fundamentals: The Java Language (Online)
#1: Udacity—Become a Java Web Developer (On-Demand)
Broken up into four sections with associated projects, this intermediate-level training teaches back-end development with the Java programming language. You’ll start by building a web-based personal storage application and then move on to other projects like building the back-end system for a car website and designing the data model for a SaaS application. You’ll end the course with the final project where you’ll implement authorization for an ecommerce application.
Key Information
This course can be purchased in two ways: you can sign up for monthly access for $399 per month, or you can purchase four months of access (the average amount of time needed to complete) for $1,596. It takes approximately 4 months to complete this training with 5-10 hours of coursework per week and it’s recommended that you have an intermediate level of Java knowledge before beginning this class. Ideally, students should be able to do the below-listed tasks:
- Initialize and use primitive Java data types (i.e., float, int, etc.)
- Select and use Collections from Java.util. Collections
- Design and create classes and class methods in Java
- Create interfaces and subclasses in Java
- Launch Java applications from an IDE
- Write basic queries in SQL
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Both membership options include real-world projects and immersive content built in partnership with top-tier companies, on-demand help and access to the student community, and career services like how to optimize your LinkedIn profile. You’ll also get timely personalized feedback,
Unlimited submissions and feedback loops, practical tips and industry best practices, and additional suggested resources to help you improve.
Below are a few reviews of this course:
- “What I like about the course is the practical approach besides the theoretical. I think the only way to gain confidential knowledge is to be forced to put working projects together in practice. Getting errors during the work helps me to understand topics better.”
- "The project was really interesting, the materials are relevant to the job industry and are great assets to help you increase your skills, your resume, and build your portfolio.”
#2: Udemy—Java Programming Masterclass (On-Demand)
Designed for current and aspiring developers, this hands-on course will teach you the essential Java skills needed to apply for Java developer positions. Focusing on Java 8 and Java 11, this course is broken down into ten lessons covering things like IntelliJ Basics, expressions, statements, control flow, OOP, and arrays. By the end of this class, you’ll be confident in your Java skills and ready to sit for the Oracle Java Certificate exam if you choose.
Key Information
This course can be purchased in two ways: you can pay a one-time fee of $129.99 or you can become an Udemy member by signing up for a personal plan that gives you access to this course (and many more) for $16.58 per month. The 126.5 hours of coursework can be completed at your own pace thanks to the lifetime access that is granted to you when you sign up for this course. There are no prerequisites for this class but is it recommended that you have a computer with either Windows, Mac, or Linux to install all the free software and tools needed to build your new apps.
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This course comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and, if you sign up for a monthly subscription, you’ll have access to over 8,000 additional courses to build up your resume even more.
Below are a few reviews of this course:
- “Personally satisfied by this course and have a deep learning in Java. Personally satisfied by this course and have a deep learning in Java.”
- “The course is amazing and covers a lot of subjects. The subjects are well explained by Tim. The course uses slides and diagrams to clarify the new concepts before moving on to the code so that you know what's going on. For me, it's the best online course I have taken on Java.”
#3: Coursera—Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization (On-Demand)
In partnership with Duke University, Coursera offers this intensive class where you’ll learn core programming concepts that will equip you with the skills needed to write programs that solve complex problems. Composed of five courses, this program centers around projects that will help you create a portfolio of work to demonstrate your new programming skills. The class culminates with a capstone project where you will create a recommender engine similar to those used by Netflix or Amazon. Additional projects will include an interactive webpage that applies filters to images, an analysis of CSV data files, an encryption program, and a predictive text generator.
Key Information
This course takes approximately six months to complete if you’re committed to ten hours of coursework per week. Coursera is a membership-based site, so you can access this course (and many more) for $39.99 per month. Ideal for beginners, this course requires no previous programming experience. Select programs offer financial aid or scholarships if you can’t afford the enrollment fee.
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Once you have successfully passed this training, you’ll receive a certificate from Duke University that can be added to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or personal portfolio website. All of your course projects can also be added to your portfolio and used during your job search.
Below are a few reviews of this course:
- "To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
- "I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
#4: Kaprado—The Complete Java Programming Masterclass for 2025 (On-Demand)
If you’re looking to learn Java with no previous programming experience, then this course may be for you. Designed to help you pass the Oracle Java Certification exam, this class is led by an expert instructor and will test your skills with quizzes, assignments, and even interview questions to help prepare for your job search. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate that you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Key Information
This course is $99 and includes lifetime access and free future updates to the coursework. Kaprado also offers a 30-day guarantee; if you don’t like the course you can receive a full refund within a month of your purchase. There are no prerequisites for this class so all are welcome to attend.
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This course includes several bonuses with purchase, including a mini course, 800 certification questions and answers, a Java career guide, and a compilation of productivity hacks. You’ll also have access to support where you can ask any questions and make friends via the community.
Below are a few reviews of this course:
- “This is the perfect course to get your concepts clarified, the instructor has immense knowledge and clearly knows the stuff he is teaching.”—Soumyansh G.
- “Very good explanation of each concept, explaining the fundamentals on each topic.”—Niranjan George
- “Enrolled in many courses, but nothing matches with this one! Clear and to-the-point explanation. I highly recommend.”—Jeffrey
#5: Skillspire: Learn Java & Cloud Computing with AWS (Live)
This intensive 20-week course is designed to teach the ins and outs of programming, building scalable applications, and managing databases and files using AWS RDS and S3. Focused on hands-on programming exercises, quizzes, and a final project exam, you'll also learn serverless computing with AWS Lambda and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) pipeline with AWS CodePipeline and CodeDeploy. Designed for anyone interested in programming, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of Java and Cloud Computing with AWS and Springboot and helps get you ready for a career as a software engineer.
Key Information
This course costs $6,499 which can be paid in total upfront or through four or six-month installment plans with a $1,000 down payment. Scholarships are available and you can be assessed for eligibility after registering. The time commitment for each student can vary but, on average, it takes anywhere between 1 and 15 hours of coursework for each of the 20 weeks of class. No experience is needed to attend this course.
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Included in the tuition, students will receive career preparation like resume and interview skills to help them take their careers to the next level. You will receive a certificate of completion after you pass the final exam that can be added to your LinkedIn or portfolio website.
#6: Developer Bootcamp—Java Programmer Bootcamp (On-Demand)
This introductory bootcamp is made up of two individual courses: Java Programming and
Introduction to Web Application Development Using JEE, Spring/Hibernate, Web Services, and AJAX. The first course will teach you core language concepts including fundamental data types, flow control, and standard function libraries. It also emphasizes object-oriented programming and modular design to support distributed development environments. The second course offers hands-on experience with Java Enterprise (Java EE) technologies and teaches you to create dynamic web and enterprise applications that utilize several Java frameworks and technologies (like JSPs and Servlets, Java Persistence API (JPA), JNDI, JDBC, AJAX, Web Services, Spring and Hibernate). By the end of the second course, you’ll be able to use the Java EE platform and accompanying frameworks to facilitate the development of distributed, web-enabled applications.
Key Information
This bootcamp costs $2400 and the amount is due in full at the time of booking. Each of the two classes consists of 35 hours of coursework and students are given up to four weeks to complete each course (accommodations can be made for extensions on a case-by-case basis). Previous experience is not needed for this training.
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This class provides a unique approach to on-demand streaming with personal facilitation and comprehensive hands-on exercises. Developer Bootcamp provides personal setup assistance, guidance, and lab equipment setup for each student. Designed to be 50% lecture and 50% hands-on exercises, an instructor is assigned to each student to assist in completing lab exercises and to help with any questions about the course content.
Below are a few reviews of this course:
- “The training manager and instructor were both on hand to help whenever I needed it and were extremely professional when dealing with everything. I would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a training course and will certainly use you again if I need any more training.”
- “I enjoyed taking this course and also enjoyed the flexibility of taking it via video at my own pace.”
#7: Certstaffix—Java Programming Course (Live)
Recently updated to include Java SE 17, this course teaches the main terms and concepts that are essential to programming in Java while you learn what the language elements do and how you can effectively apply them in practice. Including an introduction to the key packages in the Java class library illustrated with full working examples, you’ll master building a robust application to give you a better understanding of how to apply Java in practical projects.
Key Information
This course costs $2,850 and must be paid in full at the time of registering. Completed in just five days, this course requires no previous programming experience but it is helpful to have an aptitude for problem-solving.
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Tuition for this course includes access to Cerstaffix’s software lab, a free retake within six months, and live hands-on learning where you can ask questions and receive instant feedback from an expert instructor. Upon completion, you’ll get both a certificate and a digital badge that can be added to your social profiles or LinkedIn account.
Below are a few reviews of Certstaffix:
- “Carefully crafted course. Covers relevant material. Deep but not too deep. Has meaningful exercises. The instructor is more of a coach who helps you go through the material. All and all very good impression. Will probably come back for more!"
- “Instructor was clear and organized in his presentation. Very good course, glad the labs were made available for download. I will revisit them for additional practice."
- "I never used remote training before, and was pleasantly surprised that it worked really well."
#8: Pluralsight—Java Fundamentals: the Java Language (On-Demand)
This course provides you with the strong language basics required for any Java-based development project. Broken up into 14 lessons, you’ll get a quick intro to the programming language and then learn to set up your own app. You’ll also learn about variables, data types, and math operators; conditional logic, looping, and arrays; how to represent complex types with classes; and the fundamentals of class initializers and constructors. The remaining lessons cover a variety of essential topics, ensuring that you are adequately prepared to develop with Java when you’ve completed the class.
Key Information
Pluralight offers a 10-day free trial for all their courses but, after that, there is a $45 per month subscription fee. Consisting of just under eight hours of coursework, you can complete this course in as little as a day. This course is designed for beginners so no previous experience is needed.
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By signing up for this course, you’re eligible for the ten-day free trial of their premium subscription. This includes additional benefits like an expanded library of over 7,000 courses and a hands-on library where you can complete projects and interactive courses based on real-world scenarios to practice and apply your knowledge.
Below are a few reviews of Pluralsight:
- “Pluralsight is one of the best learning platforms I've ever used to develop & enhance my skills including technical, communication, teamwork…"
- “Pluralsight is an outstanding platform that provides the user with a variety of courses with the latest to oldest technologies and the platform keeps updating itself to provide the most relevant information.”
#9: Oracle University—Java SE 8 Programmer—Associate (On-Demand)
This thorough course will teach you to program in Java using Java SE 8 and Java SE 11, the long-term support releases, and the most widely used versions of Java SE. You’ll also learn Java EE 7, the platform for enterprise Java applications, and design applications with explicit dependencies and encapsulation at the JAR level.
By taking advantage of all the training in your learning subscription, you can also master implementing WebLogic Server, SOA Cloud, and WebCenter Portal cloud services in creating applications on Oracle Cloud. This course will teach you to create more readable and succinct code using convenience methods and develop web-based interfaces using Servlets, Java Server Pages, and JavaServer Faces.
Key Information
Oracle has several levels of subscription. The Technology Learning Subscription costs $4,995 per year and grants you access to Oracle’s full catalog of courses that are mapped to job roles and constantly updated content that aligns with each product release. You can also attend live sessions with product experts, measure your progress, and get Oracle certified.
The training consists of 15 hours and 44 minutes of coursework including hands-on labs and role-based learning. You can also take the corresponding exam preparation course to make sure you’re ready to take the Oracle certificate exam.
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Several certification exams are included with your subscription. Below is a list of the included tests:
- Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829
- Java SE 11 Developer 1Z0-819
- Upgrade OCP Java 6,7 & 8 to Java SE 11 Developer | 1Z0-817
- Java SE 8 Programmer I 1Z0-808
- Java SE 8 Programmer II 1Z0-809
- Java EE 7 Application Developer | 1Z0-900
- Oracle WebLogic Server 12c: Administration I—1Z0-133
- Oracle WebLogic Server 12c: Advanced Administrator II—1Z0-134
- Oracle SOA Suite 12c certification exam included:
- Oracle SOA Suite 12c Essentials | 1Z0-434
- Oracle Business Process Management Suite 12c Essentials | 1Z0-435
#10: Simplilearn—Java Certification Course (Live)
Considered an advanced course, this training will provide you with the knowledge of Core Java 8, operators, arrays, loops, methods, and constructors while giving you hands-on experience in JDBC and JUnit framework. Broken up into ten lessons, you’ll get hands-on coding experience through two web-based projects and can receive certification at the end of your course by successfully passing the exam.
Key Information
This course costs $799 and comes with lifetime access to high-quality self-paced e-learning content curated by industry experts and learner assistance and support. It is recommended that you possess an undergraduate degree or a high school diploma and knowledge of Core Java.
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Each class in this training is conducted via live online streaming. These interactive sessions enable you to ask questions and participate in discussions during class time. Recordings of each session you attend can be provided for your future reference.
Below are a few reviews of this course:
- “Simplilearn's Java Certification course is simple yet effective. The trainer was helpful and gave examples which made the content easy to understand. I would highly recommend Simplilearn.”
- “I have enrolled for Simplilearn's Java Certification Training. The content is very informative. The trainer is knowledgeable and his skills of explaining the concepts are awesome.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Online Java Classes?
There are several ways to learn Java online and each will require different financial and time commitments. If you’re looking to explore Java more before committing to more extended and expensive training, you could check out introductory classes or seminars. These can usually be found through Java programming blogs or YouTube accounts. While these options are low-cost and a minimal investment of your time, they often lack the depth of knowledge that can be gained in a more traditional course.
On-demand online classes offer a lot of the same benefits as in-person courses like a traditional class structure, and top-tier curriculum, and often result in a certificate upon completion. On-demand classes allow you to attend from anywhere you choose, whether that’s your home, your office, or your favorite coffee house. They also allow you to study whenever you choose since all coursework is pre-recorded and can be completed on your own time. Plus, if you struggle with a particular lesson, you can take as much time as you need before moving on to the next.
Live online classes let you learn from anywhere but still have the benefit of face-to-face interaction with your teacher. You can ask questions and receive feedback in real time and, in some courses, even interact with other students via breakout sessions. Live online classes also offer an extra layer of accountability as you are required to attend class at specific times, increasing your knowledge retention and chances of completing your course.
No matter which method you choose, learning Java is a highly desirable skill set that can help further your programming career. Choosing the right option for you will depend upon your schedule, learning style, and level of commitment, so it's important to consider all of these factors when making your decision.
What Will I Need for an Online Java Class?
There are a few things each student will need to have to learn Java. The first thing you’ll need is to install the Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your computer. (This software allows you to develop and run Java programs.) The JDK is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux and you can download the JDK from the Oracle Corporation website.
You will also need an integrated development environment (IDE) to write, edit, and debug your Java code. Some popular (and free to download) IDEs for Java are Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans.
Finally, you must have a good understanding of the basics of programming such as data types, variables, and control structures. If you are new to programming, it may be helpful to start with a beginner's tutorial or course before diving into Java.
(There are also a few standard necessities that you’ll want to have like your own computer, reliable internet, and helpful items like headphones, a journal, and a pen for notes.)
Can I Learn Java Online for Free?
The internet is a great resource for free Java tutorials. From blogs to YouTube videos, there are seemingly endless free tips and tricks available. You can also use free trials of online trainings to try your hand at learning programming before committing to a paid course. These free training materials are great for dipping your toes into Java programming and can help you further explore if learning Java is the right choice for you.
If you want to learn up-to-date skills with Java or do a deep dive into this programming language, then a more structured class or course is the better choice. Experienced instructors, a high-quality curriculum, and a more traditional learning environment will allow you to become an expert Java programmer in no time. Whether you enroll in an on-demand or live online course, both options offer a breadth of knowledge that you won’t be able to access through free resources.
Is It Better to Learn Java in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Live and self-paced classes each offer their own benefits and disadvantages and which one you choose will depend on a lot of varying factors. Live classes provide face-to-face time with an expert instructor. You can ask questions, troubleshoot any issues, and receive feedback in real-time. You can also interact with other students through breakout sessions, and have an extra level of accountability since you are required to attend class at scheduled times.
Having a set schedule often means that live online classes have more limited offerings. And, if you happen to work varying or difficult hours, a live class might not be accessible for you. Self-paced classes, also referred to as on-demand, offer much more flexibility for students. You can attend from wherever and whenever you choose, thanks to no set class times. You’ll work your way through the curriculum(usually a combination of videos, projects, readings, and quizzes) at your own pace and can take as much time on particularly difficult lessons as you need.
While on-demand classes still have highly-trained instructors, you aren’t able to interact with them during class and will have to submit any questions to be answered at a later time when the instructor is available. These classes are best for self-motivated students since you won’t have the added layer of accountability that scheduled class times provide.
While these fundamental differences between live and on-demand classes exist, both options allow you to study from wherever you choose and make quality and in-depth training courses available to more people. So, which option is better for you?