Embedded systems courses can help you learn programming languages like C and C++, real-time operating systems, hardware interfacing, and system design principles. You can build skills in debugging, optimizing performance, and integrating sensors and actuators into devices. Many courses introduce tools such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, which are commonly used for prototyping, along with simulation software that aids in testing and validating system behavior.

University of California, Irvine
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Internet Of Things, Embedded Software, Network Protocols, Wireless Networks, Computer Hardware, Network Architecture, System Software
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Software Configuration Management, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Git (Version Control System), Build Tools, Software Development Tools, C (Programming Language), Development Environment, Software Design, Hardware Architecture, Cross Platform Development, Debugging
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

EDUCBA
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Debugging, System Programming, Hardware Architecture, Microarchitecture, Computer Architecture, Data Structures, Peripheral Devices
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, C (Programming Language), Embedded Systems, Debugging, Peripheral Devices, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Electronic Hardware, System Programming, Electronics, Software Development Tools, Program Development, Hardware Architecture, Data Structures, Microarchitecture, System Configuration, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Electronic Systems, Embedded Systems, Electronics Engineering, Eclipse (Software), Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Electronic Hardware, Technical Design, Electronics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Test Case, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, System Design and Implementation, Computer Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Software Development, Verification And Validation, Embedded Software
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Hardware Architecture, Electronic Systems, Performance Tuning, Systems Architecture, Software Architecture, Verification And Validation, System Programming, Debugging, Software Design, System Design and Implementation, Linux, Software Technical Review, Systems Engineering, Operating Systems, Software Systems, System Software, Ubuntu
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
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, Development Environment, Peripheral Devices
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Hardware Architecture, Computer Programming, Debugging, Peripheral Devices
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Agile Methodology, Scrum (Software Development), System Programming, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Software Testing, Agile Software Development, Linux, Linux Administration, Shell Script, Docker (Software), Git (Version Control System), Linux Commands, Bash (Scripting Language), Operating Systems, C++ (Programming Language), File Systems, OS Process Management, Debugging, Internet Of Things
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Electronic Systems, Cybersecurity, Automation, Electronics, Sustainable Technologies, Control Systems, Internet Of Things, Software Development, Systems Integration, Reliability, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of California, Irvine
Skills you'll gain: Test Planning, Embedded Systems, Linux, Internet Of Things, Embedded Software, Basic Electrical Systems, Automation Engineering, Electronics, Functional Requirement, Operating System Administration, Electronic Components, Systems Design, Operating Systems, Network Protocols, Control Systems, Debugging, Electronic Hardware, Application Programming Interface (API), TCP/IP, Python Programming
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Edge Impulse
Skills you'll gain: Applied Machine Learning, Embedded Systems, Data Processing, Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Ethics, Deep Learning, Data Analysis, Feature Engineering, Computer Programming
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Browse the embedded systems courses below—popular starting points 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.
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.