Why learn electronics?

Learn electronics if you're interested in a career in the electronics field, if you want to learn more about emerging technologies, or if you want to design a robot or an app for fun. Some people may learn electronics as part of an engineering curriculum, some may want to learn programming languages, and others may want to understand the science. As technology changes, electronics become more important to our lives. The emerging Internet of Things (IOT) is creating a need for more people who know how to work with electronics. Studying electronics is practical, interesting, and relevant to the modern world.

What jobs can I get in electronics?

Among the many jobs that use electronics are electrician, engineer, programmer, and semiconductor designer. Many people in non-technical jobs may want to understand the fundamentals of electronics so that they have a knowledge of what their clients or co-workers do on the job. Others may want to be doing direct work on electronic device design, debugging, or embedded system design. The number of careers that use some aspect of electronics is increasing as electronic devices become more widespread. There are more people who need to be able to design and optimize electronic systems and more people who need to feel comfortable with the technologies underlying them.

What skills or experience do I need to already have before starting to learn electronics?

The skills and experience needed to start learning electronics range from no special skills to having some math and computer skills, depending on the course you're taking. Many courses are at a beginning level and cover basic concepts and ideas, so you need little beyond an interest in the field and a willingness to learn. Others assume that you have had some math or programming experience in the past. Courses range from theoretical to technical to practical, and some require the purchase of hardware items so that you can test your knowledge and build your own electronic devices. Specializations allow you to build your base of knowledge so that you can take more advanced courses after you master introductory material.

What are the benefits of taking an online Electronics course?

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

Are there free electronics courses or certifications available on Coursera?

Yes, Coursera offers a variety of free courses across many topics, including electronics. While you can access most course materials for free by auditing the courses, this does not include graded assignments or a completion certificate. For those looking to obtain a certificate to showcase their learning or enhance their professional profile, Coursera provides the option to purchase the course. Additionally, Coursera offers free trials or financial aid to learners who qualify, making certifications more accessible to everyone.

Best Electronics Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Electronics Course Catalog

Georgia Institute of Technology
Introduction to Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Electronic Components, Semiconductors, Electronics, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronics Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Schematic Diagrams
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Georgia Institute of Technology
Linear Circuits 1: DC Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Electronics, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Differential Equations
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Power Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Control Systems, Semiconductors, Electronic Systems, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Components, Basic Electrical Systems, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Power, Electronics, Systems Analysis, Simulations, Electrical Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Design, Graphical Tools, Technical Design, Thermal Management, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Design Process
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Power Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electronic Systems, Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Power, Electronic Components, Simulations, Applied Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Digital Systems: From Logic Gates to Processors
Skills you'll gain: Computer Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Technical Design, System Design and Implementation, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Embedded Systems, Digital Design, Computer Hardware, Computational Logic, Simulations
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
836 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Rochester
Fundamentals of Audio and Music Engineering: Part 1 Musical Sound & Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Music, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Electronic Components, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Systems, Instrumental Music, Vibrations, Equipment Design, Construction, Mechanical Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
582 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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University of Colorado Boulder
Modeling and Control of Power Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electronic Systems, Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Electronics, Engineering Analysis, Simulations, Simulation and Simulation Software, Mathematical Modeling, Semiconductors, Matlab, Technical Design, Electrical Equipment, Systems Analysis, Design Specifications
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
148 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Rice University
Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Physics, Electrical Systems, Engineering Analysis, Electronic Components, Mechanics, Electronic Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Calculations, Calculus, Advanced Mathematics, Trigonometry, Linear Algebra
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
209 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Semiconductor Devices
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems, Electronic Components, Physics, Electronics, Electronics Engineering, Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
600 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Embedding Sensors and Motors
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Process Control, Machine Controls, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Electronic Systems, Automation Engineering, Statistical Process Controls, Hardware Design, Electronics Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronic Components, Power Electronics, Three-Phase, Electrical Systems
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Eindhoven University of Technology
RF and millimeter-Wave Circuit Design
Skills you'll gain: Electronics Engineering, Electronics, Telecommunications, Electronic Systems, Electronic Components, Hardware Design, Electrical Engineering, Wireless Networks, Electronic Hardware, Systems Design, Simulation and Simulation Software, Simulations, Laboratory Experience
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
231 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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, Data Structures, Hardware Troubleshooting, Microarchitecture, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning, Computer Architecture, C++ (Programming Language), Hardware Architecture, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
171 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months