What is discrete mathematics?

Discrete mathematics refers to a group of mathematics branches that deal with discrete objects instead of continuous objects. In discrete mathematics, objects have distinct, separate values represented by integers, unlike real numbers used in continuous mathematics. Discrete mathematics includes combinatorics, set theory, graph theory, number theory, and probability. It is integral to computer science and plays a role in the field of data science.

Why learn discrete mathematics?

You may consider learning discrete mathematics if you want to study computer science or work in a data science field. Discrete mathematics is a foundation of computer science, and programmers often use principles of set theory, probability, and combinations to analyze algorithms when writing programs and applications. Learning discrete mathematics can also help boost other useful skills like logic, reasoning, and problem-solving, making you a more marketable job candidate.

What are typical careers that use discrete mathematics?

Typical careers that use discrete mathematics are in the computer science field, such as software development, programming, and cryptography. Data scientists and data analysts may use their knowledge of discrete mathematics in their work. Other careers that can incorporate discrete mathematics include electrical and mechanical engineers in addition to data analysts, business analysts, and market researchers. Discrete mathematics also influences the work of urban planners, epidemiologists, and social scientists who collect and analyze large amounts of data.

How can online courses help me learn discrete mathematics?

Online courses can introduce you to core concepts of discrete mathematics, such as sets, relations, and functions. Lessons include topics like partial orders, enumerative combinatorics, and the binomial coefficient, and you have opportunities to apply the concepts to real-world applications. You may choose courses that cover specific subjects like graph theory or probability to increase your knowledge of these disciplines. Alternatively, you may decide to take courses that explore the application of discrete mathematics in specific fields like data science, computer science, or machine learning.

What are the benefits of taking an online Discrete Mathematics course?

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

What Discrete Mathematics courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Discrete Math, 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 Discrete Mathematics Courses & Certificates [2025]

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Explore the Discrete Mathematics Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Logical Reasoning, Cryptographic Protocols, Combinatorics, Computational Logic, Deductive Reasoning, Cryptography, Probability, Key Management, Computational Thinking, Encryption, Probability Distribution, Network Analysis, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Theoretical Computer Science, Bayesian Statistics, Python Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Arithmetic
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Discrete Mathematics
Skills you'll gain: Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Theoretical Computer Science, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Data Structures, Computer Science
3.3
Rating, 3.3 out of 5 stars
200 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science and Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Programming Principles, Cryptography, Algorithms, Applied Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, Data Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Peking University
离散数学概论 Discrete Mathematics Generality
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Graph Theory, Computational Logic, Logical Reasoning, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Combinatorics, Network Model, Geospatial Information and Technology, Deductive Reasoning, Algebra, Spatial Analysis, Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Information Technology, Programming Principles, Computer Science, General Mathematics, Informatics, Arithmetic, Algorithms
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
281 reviews
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 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: New
Status: Free Trial
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Mathematics for Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Calculations, Data Analysis, Trigonometry, Engineering Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Computational Logic, Statistical Analysis, Linear Algebra, Logical Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning, Calculus, Analytics, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Differential Equations, Statistical Inference, Theoretical Computer Science, Programming Principles, Descriptive Analytics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
162 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Mathematics for Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Dimensionality Reduction, NumPy, Regression Analysis, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, Machine Learning Algorithms, Jupyter, Data Science, Advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, Algorithms, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Machine Learning, Derivatives
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
15K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Linear Algebra from Elementary to Advanced
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Geometry, Graph Theory, Applied Machine Learning, Markov Model, Probability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
202 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mathematics for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Matlab, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Finite Element Methods, Integral Calculus, Mathematical Software, Mechanical Engineering, Calculus, Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering, Simulation and Simulation Software, Advanced Mathematics, Geometry, Computational Thinking, Estimation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
DeepLearning.AI
DeepLearning.AI Mathematics for ML and Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability & Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Probability Distribution, Linear Algebra, Statistical Inference, A/B Testing, Statistical Analysis, Applied Mathematics, NumPy, Probability, Calculus, Dimensionality Reduction, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Jupyter
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of London
Mathematics for Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Arithmetic, Computer Graphics, Computational Thinking, General Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Algebra, Cryptography
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
258 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Expressway to Data Science: Essential Math
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Integral Calculus, Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Calculus, Graphing, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Derivatives
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
460 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular discrete mathematics courses

Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science: University of California San Diego
Discrete Mathematics: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science and Engineering: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
离散数学概论 Discrete Mathematics Generality: Peking University
Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Stanford University
Mathematics for Engineering: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Mathematics for Machine Learning: Imperial College London
Linear Algebra from Elementary to Advanced: Johns Hopkins University
Mathematics for Engineers: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
DeepLearning.AI Mathematics for ML and Data Science: DeepLearning.AI

Discrete Mathematics Courses Online