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Certificate in Embedded & Real-Time Systems Programming

Design and Develop Embedded Products

About This Program

Embedded and real-time systems play an integral role in many technology products. These systems have applications across a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive and health care.

In this three-course certificate program, we’ll cover how to design, develop, test, debug and document low-level software for embedded devices using C programming and ARM assembly. You’ll gain an understanding of hardware schematics and how to build the skills to analyze and improve the performance of a product.

Related Article: How to Become an Embedded Software Engineer

Designed For

Developers and technical professionals with experience programming in the C language who want to acquire the skills needed to develop embedded and real-time software for microcontrollers and microprocessors.

See Requirements

 
Video Overview

Certificate in Embedded and Real-Time Systems Programming instructor Glenn Andrews explains how the certificate allows students to gain the skills they need to be successful in their careers.

Duration: 2:23

What You'll Learn

  • Concepts in computer architecture and hardware from a software perspective

  • Embedded debugging techniques, including in-circuit debugging

  • Key principles of real-time operating systems (RTOS)

  • How to build a firmware image, write device drivers, design and develop a software/hardware interface API, develop event-driven systems and deal with a multithreaded environment

Get Hands-On Experience

You’ll develop embedded and real-time systems software using a hardware development kit driven by an industry-standard microcontroller.

How It Works & Next Steps

To earn the certificate, complete the courses in the order below. To get started, visit the first course page to see upcoming offerings and apply.  

Apply for a Scholarship

You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.

Career Stats

96%

Alumni working in field

Sample Employers

Boeing, Apple, Amazon, First Mode, NanoString Technologies, Stryker

31.6%

Projected job growth for software developers in Washington state. (2024–2034)

$162,386

Median salary for software developers in Washington state (2023)

Source: Lightcast. Learn about career stats data.

Career-Ready Credentials

When you complete this program, you’ll earn a certificate and a digital achievement badge you can use to showcase your professional development. You’ll also earn achievement badges for each course you complete.

Our Enrollment Coaches Are Here to Help

Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.


This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.

Program Overview

Complete the courses listed below to earn the certificate.

Visit the first course page to view upcoming offerings and apply.

Attend an info session

Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the program, curriculum and instructors.

Upcoming Session

Wed, Jun 17 at 12:00 p.m. – Online

RSVP