About this Program
From smart appliances and wearables to self-driving cars, today’s leading-edge devices run on embedded systems — tiny, built-in microprocessors that enable products to interconnect, sense and make real-time decisions. AI is driving the next-gen product roadmap, calling for engineers who can deliver memory, speed and power efficiency needed for real-time machine learning.
In this one-course specialization, you’ll gain advanced skills in programming low-power mesh-networked devices with on-board AI processing. You’ll combine theory with hands-on hardware projects as you learn to deploy real-time machine learning models, integrate cybersecurity and program directly on modern silicon platforms. We’ll also cover AI-driven development workflows and emerging applications in quantum cryptography. You’ll take away the knowledge you need to design secure, intelligent embedded systems.
Designed For
Engineers with embedded systems experience who want to build technical skills in low-power mesh networking and cybersecurity for AI/ML devices.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must have ONE of the following:
- Completed the Certificate in Embedded & Real-Time Systems Programming
- Demonstrated equivalent experience with embedded systems programming, including the ability to:
- Understand the basic principles of embedded systems, including hardware-software integration and system constraints
- Program and design applications for real-time operating systems (RTOS), including task scheduling, resource management and inter-process communication
- Design and develop embedded software, including advanced RTOS features such as task synchronization, memory management and interrupt handling
- Work in programming languages commonly used in embedded systems, such as C and C++, with an emphasis on low-level programming and hardware interfacing
- Navigate embedded system architecture, including microcontrollers, processors and peripheral devices
- Debug and test embedded systems, using tools and techniques to ensure system reliability and performance
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, approximately $250-$290 (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: Looking to bring your programming experience to the embedded systems field? The Certificate in Embedded & Real-Time Systems Programming may help you prepare for this specialization.
Skills You'll Gain
- IoT architecture design
- Embedded AI
- Edge and cloud computing
- Embedded systems security
- Device interoperability
- Automation and scalability
- Data integration and connectivity
- Architecture frameworks
- API management
- Anomaly detection and monitoring
Get Real-World Experience
- Develop and deploy an ML-enabled device using common hardware platforms
- Implement machine learning models within embedded systems for real-time applications
- Design and demonstrate a secure, low‑power mesh‑networked system that integrates IoT, edge processing and AI
Career Stats
25%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for embedded intelligence skills (2026-2028)
12%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for embedded systems skills (2026-2028)
EARN A DIGITAL BADGE
After successfully completing this program, you can claim a digital achievement badge that 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.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.