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.

Top Embedded Systems Courses - Learn Embedded Systems Online

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 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
77 reviews
Beginner · 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
208 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, Verification And Validation, Electronic Systems, Embedded Systems, Electronics Engineering, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, System Design and Implementation, Electronics, Software Design, Program Development, Technical Design, Eclipse (Software), Computational Logic, Software Development, Embedded Software, Integrated Development Environments, Computer Architecture, Development Environment, Schematic Diagrams
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Real-Time Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Systems, Performance Tuning, Embedded Software, Hardware Architecture, Software Design, Debugging, Software Architecture, Verification And Validation, System Design and Implementation, Linux, Code Review, Systems Engineering, Software Systems, System Programming, System Software, Systems Architecture, Systems Design, Real Time Data, Performance Testing
Build toward a degree
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
107 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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IBM
Generative AI for Java and Spring Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, Restful API, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Application Deployment, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Application Programming Interface (API), Natural Language Processing, Java Programming, IBM Cloud
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 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, Internet Of Things, IBM WebSphere MQ
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
Edge Impulse
Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Applied Machine Learning, Embedded Systems, Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Ethics, Deep Learning, Data Analysis, Feature Engineering, Computer Programming
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
731 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
26 reviews
Beginner · 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