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
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must have:
Completed the programming skills assessment
ONE of the following:
Completed the UW Foundations of C Programming course
Experience programming in the C language, specifically:
Fundamental C programming constructs: Proficiency in syntax, data types and basic operators; understanding of how to use control structures such as loops
Memory management: You should be comfortable with dynamic memory allocation and deallocation.
Understanding of low-level programming concepts: Working with bitwise operators, pointers and pointer arithmetic
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about eight to 10 hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid . To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs .
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students .
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Access to a computer (tablets won’t work) with a recent Windows, Mac or Linux operating system and web browser
Administrator privileges on the computer and one available USB-A port
Development kit, $220 (supplied through the University of Washington); an additional $40 will be charged for shipping the kit to addresses outside the U.S.
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
▸Explore More: Interested in building internet-connected embedded systems? Consider our Specialization in IoT Embedded Systems Design .
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
Play
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.
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 iin Washington state. (2024–2034)
$162,386
Median salary for software developers in Washington state (2023)
EARN DIGITAL BADGES
You can earn a digital achievement badge for successfully completing this certificate program, as well as a separate badge for each course. These badges can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges .
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 .