What are the best embedded systems courses on Coursera?

Popular embedded systems courses include Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments from the University of Colorado Boulder and An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IoT) Specialization from UC Irvine . These cover C programming , microcontrollers, real-time systems, and IoT applications.

Can I learn embedded systems for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many embedded systems courses offer a free audit option. You can access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in an embedded systems course?

You’ll learn how embedded systems work, how to program microcontrollers, and how to interact with hardware using C / C++ , sensors, and real-time operating systems. Some courses also cover system design , debugging, and building IoT -connected devices.

Do I need programming experience to study embedded systems?

Some basic programming knowledge—especially in C or C++ —is helpful, but many beginner-friendly courses introduce these skills as part of the curriculum. You'll also gain hands-on experience through simulations or hardware-based projects.

Can Coursera’s embedded systems courses help me get a job?

Yes. Embedded systems are used in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare devices, and robotics . Learning these skills through Coursera can help prepare you for roles in embedded software development, IoT engineering, and firmware programming.

Best Embedded Systems Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Embedded Systems Course for Your Goals

University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments
Skills you'll gain: Software Configuration Management, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Git (Version Control System), Version Control, Build Tools, Software Development Tools, C (Programming Language), Development Environment, Software Design, Hardware Architecture, Debugging, Command-Line Interface
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
642 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Internet Of Things, General Networking, Operating Systems, Wireless Networks, Network Protocols, Computer Hardware, Emerging Technologies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Embedded Software Development with C
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, C (Programming Language), Embedded Systems, Debugging, Peripheral Devices, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, System Programming, Electronics, Electronic Systems, Software Development Tools, Hardware Architecture, Data Structures, Hardware Troubleshooting, Microarchitecture, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning, Computer Architecture, C++ (Programming Language), Data Storage
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
211 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
FPGA Design for Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, System Design and Implementation, Electronic Systems, Embedded Systems, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Semiconductors, Schematic Diagrams, Program Development, Technical Design, Eclipse (Software), Software Development, Embedded Software, Integrated Development Environments, Verification And Validation, Computer Architecture, Computer Engineering, Programming Principles, Development Testing
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Packt
Mastering Hardware Protocols with ESP32 and Arduinos
Skills you'll gain: Network Protocols, Internet Of Things, Electronic Components, Wireless Networks, Computer Programming Tools
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Embedded Systems using C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Debugging, System Programming, Microarchitecture, Computer Architecture, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Peripheral Devices
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
79 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Real-Time Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Electronic Systems, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Software Systems, Performance Tuning, Systems Architecture, Computer Engineering, Hardware Architecture, Software Architecture, Verification And Validation, Software Design, Debugging, System Design and Implementation, Hardware Design, Middleware, Linux, System Programming, Systems Engineering
Build toward a degree
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
107 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Advanced Embedded Linux Development
Skills you'll gain: Agile Methodology, Embedded Software, Scrum (Software Development), Embedded Systems, System Programming, Software Testing, Agile Software Development, Linux, Software Development Methodologies, Docker (Software), Git (Version Control System), Containerization, Operating Systems, File Systems, C++ (Programming Language), Shell Script, Debugging, OS Process Management, IBM WebSphere MQ, Internet Of Things
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
146 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Embedded Software and Hardware Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Debugging, Data Structures, System Programming, Microarchitecture, C (Programming Language), Hardware Architecture, Computer Architecture, Integrated Development Environments, Software Design, Maintainability, System Configuration, Peripheral Devices
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
520 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Starweaver
Introduction to Automotive Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Electronic Systems, Cybersecurity, Automation, Electronics, Control Systems, Internet Of Things, Software Development, Real-Time Operating Systems, Systems Integration, Artificial Intelligence
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
ARM Cortex (STM32) Fundamentals: Building Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Hardware Architecture, Computer Architecture, Debugging, Peripheral Devices
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT)
Skills you'll gain: Test Planning, Embedded Systems, Linux, Internet Of Things, Embedded Software, Functional Requirement, Debugging, General Networking, Hardware Design, Systems Design, Operating Systems, Requirements Analysis, Electronic Hardware, System Design and Implementation, C (Programming Language), Basic Electrical Systems, Application Programming Interface (API), TCP/IP, Integrated Development Environments, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
20K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months