Best Algorithmic Trading Courses

Whether you’re naturally math-inclined or dedicated to honing your craft, algorithmic trading is possible. Better yet, you don’t have to modify your schedule or enter an intimidating classroom setting to begin algorithmic trading. Whether you know what a stock trading algorithm is or not, you can learn algorithmic trading strategies that will help you turn a profit, plan for the future or even change careers.

Thanks to the plethora of online courses that are available, you can take steps to develop and hone your trading skill in your own time. From courses tailored to beginners without any knowledge of linear algebra or coding to those looking to brush up their skills, there’s an option for you.

What is Algorithmic Trading?

What is algorithmic trading? Algorithmic trading (black-box trading, algo trading, automated trading, or whatever you like to call it,) is an automated process that uses algorithms to seek and purchase or sell stocks based on current market conditions. Automated trading strategies are no different from a traditional trading strategy, but you come about those strategies differently. This is why taking an algorithmic trading course is alway a good idea.

Best Algorithmic Trading Classes

• KJ Trading Systems
• Masters Courses in Automated Algorithmic Trading
• Black Algo Trading: Build Your Trading Robot
• Trading Algorithms
• Python for Financial Analysis and Algorithmic Trading
• Advanced Trading Algorithms
• Algorithmic Trading Courses From Udemy

Are you new to trading? The best algorithmic trading courses can help you understand the market and how to use algorithms to your advantage. When you learn the basics in beginner courses, you can move on an algorithmic trading certification and much more.

1.  KJ Trading Systems: Strategy Factory Workshop

This course is designed for intermediate to advanced traders. 

Taught by Champion Trader Kevin Davey, The Strategy Factory Workshop includes an all-day, live class, over 25 hours of supplemental videos and access to the highly regarded Strategy Factory Club – where members can exchange verified strategies.
The best part of the class is you get e-mail support from Kevin himself. 

While this course is more expensive than others on this list, it can be free via a Tradestation Rebate program.  If you are serious about algo trading, you should seriously consider this award winning course.

2. Masters Course in Automated Algorithmic Trading

Zen Trading Strategies offers a masters course, complete guide and all the tools to create your own algorithms and automate them today. It also offers an inside look into how one trader turned $5,000 into more than $10,000,000.

The course offers traders the exact processes, methods, beliefs, tools and automations to create the highest level of financial freedom and lifestyle freedom available. No programming knowledge is needed.

This course is designed to pay for itself exponentially and uses techniques applied by many of the most successful traders of all time. It is broken down into 8 phases with a few added bonus sections. As trading courses go, this advanced course gives you a thorough overview of how the process works, never overreaching, and always explaining in great detail how to get positive results.

3. Black Algo Trading: Build Your Trading Robot

This online trading course from Udemy is designed to arm you with the knowledge required to build an algorithmic trading bot, adjust your strategy and complete algorithmic trades. It features 13.5 hours of videos and 44 articles.

Plus, you get 77 downloadable items that will help you become a successful trader. The only requirement for students is a basic understanding of Excel. The course teaches more than just the basics of trading robots. In fact, it promises to teach you how to code one in less than an hour, which you can verify in the course review. You’ll learn how the markets move, pick up a few C++ tricks and some JAVA skills along the way.

4. Trading Algorithms

• Who's it for? Advanced
• Price: On sale

Trading Algorithms is one of the most comprehensive courses for intermediate-level students. Of the courses on this list,  this is one of the few that delves into trading emerging market stocks. The course is taught through four different modules that cover a variety of topics, from proven trading strategies to how to decipher financial reports. After each module, you will to complete a quiz or two to test what you’ve learned.

This is done to ensure that you are ready to move onto the next section and that you’re retaining the information. The entire course takes about seven hours to complete, but as always, the pace is up to you. The instructor is Prasanna Tantri, Senior Associate Director at the Centre for Analytical Finance in India.

5. Python for Financial Analysis and Algorithmic Trading

This Udemy course expects students to come in with a bit more technical knowledge than our other picks. For those who wish to take the next step in their trading journey, an understanding of coding, linear algebra, and/or statistics is encouraged.

There are more than 120 lectures, 17 hours of video, 9 articles and a few downloadable resources. The course focuses on teaches students how to use NumPy and Matplotlib. You’ll also learn about various financial measures, including volatility, daily and cumulative returns. Algo trading with Python can become another arrow in your quiver, a tool you can use for specific occasions.

6. Advanced Trading Algorithms

Who's it for? Advanced

If you are a seasoned trader looking to take your skills to the next level, Coursera’s extensive offerings are proof that there is always more to learn.

This course focuses on emerging markets and is divided into 4 weekly modules, which should take you about eight hours to complete. It takes a deep dive into the differences between—and relevancy of—solid data and mere data mining.

The course looks to deliver a complete breakdown of how to incorporate frictions and transaction costs into a backtesting algorithm. Along with this, you’ll focus on risk-adjusted returns, Jenson’s Alpha, the Sharpe ratio, and Treynor’s Ratio.

7. Algorithmic Trading Courses From Udemy

Who’s it for? Any trader who wants to learn about algorithmic techniques

When you want to find a few courses that suit your fancy, try Udemy. Udemy is an open platform where you may create courses for passive income or study almost anything you like.

Search for algorithmic courses that you believe will be easy to manage and understand. Udemy courses come with the materials, contact with the instructor, potential forums where you can discuss concepts learned in the class, and you might even pay to receive a certificate of completion once complete.

You can learn at your own pace, choose the course you prefer and start using algorithmic trading today.

You should be able to find a course that fits any budget, regardless of your skill level or background knowledge. To help you with this, we’ve compiled some of the best algorithmic trading courses you can start today and assessed their validity based on specific criteria we explain below. You’ll also find some tips and tricks on how to track down the best ones for future learning.

When selecting a course online, you want to pick one that is going to give you the most benefit in terms of real-life application. Among the sea of different options, the best algorithmic trading courses share some common traits. In essence, it boils down to the price, instructor expertise, and course content.

How to Find the Best Price?

Trading classes for beginners come at a bargain price. However, this doesn’t mean you should jump at the opportunity and enroll in the cheapest course you can find.

Carefully read the course description to confirm what you are paying for; not all courses offer the same “basics.” You may find that a course is not designed to give you enough operational knowledge to start trading, but rather, serves as an overview of the topic. If you are looking to trade upon completion of your class, this is a sign to look elsewhere.

Imparted Skills

By the time you have finished your course, you should have enough skills needed to get your feet wet in algorithmic trading. This translates to having some knowledge in basic trading principles, software applications, and industry rules and regulations. It is not uncommon to stumble upon a course which offers the secrets for ‘quickly acing the algorithmic trading game.’ Some might even claim that you can earn ‘X amount’ of money by the end. Remember, even the world’s most successful traders lose money.

They just have to make more than they lose over time. Any course that guarantees profits is more likely to be snake oil than real knowledge.   To avoid this pitfall, make sure to read testimonials for the specific course. However, fake or paid testimonials is not uncommon for online products, so beware for any reviews that look over-the-top or feel off. Use your best judgment when evaluating the sincerity of these.

Course Instructors

When you find an algorithmic trading course that has a curriculum you’re happy with, it’s time to check the instructor. Your course won’t do you any good if you have a lousy instructor. Your trading education is more likely to stock with you if you are learning from an expert you trust and understand. Do your homework and perform a quick background check of the instructor’s credentials to ensure he or she is actually an industry expert. And again, take a look at what the other students have to say about the instructor.

Great teachers are more likely to get rave reviews. Note what previous students liked about the instructor, including whether he or she is reachable for questions or clarification during the course. Trading training can be confusing, and you want the “open door” policy that gives you the freedom to ask questions. This is about more than algo trading strategies. You want a resource that you might reach out to in the future when you’re using stock market algorithms or a similar systematic trading strategy.

Based on the points of importance described above, we’ve selected some of the best algorithmic trading classes for beginners to experts. Take into consideration your needs and the position you want to be in post-course as you evaluate your options.

Find Your Course Today

If you’re ready to advance your trading knowledge and practice, choosing between online trading classes comes down to identifying your needs. Once you know what skills you’re looking to develop, you can find a class that fits your budget and timeframe in order to advance your understanding.

Make sure to note if your class requires prior experience or knowledge, how available the instructor is for questions, and whether the pace is too fast or slow for your schedule. Any of these courses, paired with the best finance book for your needs is a surefire way to move you towards your investing goals.

Frequently Asked Questions