Computer Engineering / Embedded Systems Engineering
Computer engineering encompasses a wide range of topics surrounding this interaction between hardware and software. Computer engineers of the future will be versatile full-stack developers, comfortable with understanding the technical depths of software development while also possessing a wide knowledge of the underlying hardware implementations. The MS-EE on Coursera curriculum in computer engineering emphasizes computer-aided verification and synthesis.
Embedded systems engineering is used in industries such as aerospace and defense, energy, industrial automation, health care, networking and communication, security, transportation and more. Embedded systems also drive the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling countless human-to-machine and machine-to-machine applications including home automation, security and more.
The MS-EE on Coursera's Embedded Systems Engineering curriculum covers essential embedded technologies, synthesizes foundational principles, and directly applies them to current tools and trends. It is structured to provide you with a broad, versatile and highly competitive skill set. We emphasize practical, project-based learning across hardware and embedded software design that addresses numerous end markets, as well as multiple semiconductor technologies including sensors, controllers, programmable devices, and development tools.
Looking for a specific course? Check out the Course List.
Specializations
Advanced Embedded Linux Development Specialization (3 credits)
Instructor: Dan Walkes
- ECEA 5305 Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot (1 credit)
- ECEA 5306 Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto (1 credit)
- ECEA 5307 Embedded System Topics and Project (1 credit)
Real-Time Embedded Systems Specialization (3 credits)
Instructor: Sam Siewert, PhD, Associate Professor Adjunct
- ECEA 5315 Concept and Practices (0.6 credits)
- ECEA 5316 Theory and Analysis (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5317 Mission-Critical, SW Applications (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5318 Real-Time Embedded Systems Project (0.8 credits)
Embedding Sensors and Motors Specialization (Pathway) (3 credits)
Instructors: Jay Mendelson, MSME, Lecturer & James Zweighaft, MSME
Note: This specialization includes hands-on labs requiring a hardware kit that you must purchase separately. You'll use this equipment throughout all four courses to complete practical exercises with real-world tools. Order your kit before the session begins to ensure delivery by the end of Week 1. Late delivery may impact your ability to complete assignments on time.
- ECEA 5340 Sensors and Sensor Circuit Design (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5341 Motors and Motor Control Circuits (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5342 Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5343 Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control (0.6 credits)
Embedded Interface Design Specialization (3 credits)
Instructor: Bruce Montgomery, PhD, Senior Instructor
- ECEA 5346 User Experience Interface Design for Embedded Systems (1 credit)
- ECEA 5347 Rapid Prototyping of Embedded Interface Designs (1 credit)
- ECEA 5348 M2M and IoT Interface Design and Protocols (1 credit)
Sensors for a Carbon Free World Specialization (3 credits)
Instructor: Jay Mendelson, MSME, Lecturer
- ECEA 5349 Electric Vehicle Sensors (1 credit)
- ECEA 5350 Wind Turbine Sensors (1 credit)
- ECEA 5351 Solar Power Sensors (1 credit)
FPGA Design for Embedded Systems Specialization (Pathway) (3 credits)
Instructors: Timothy Scherr, MSEE, Senior Instructor & Benjamin Spriggs, MBA, MSEE, Lecturer
- ECEA 5360 Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5361 Hardware Description Languages for FPGA Design (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5362 FPGA Softcore Processors and IP Acquisition (0.8 credits)
- ECEA 5363 Building FPGA Projects (0.6 credits)
Network Systems: Principles and Practice (Linux and Cloud Networking) Specialization (3 credits)
Instructor: Eric Keller, Associate Professor
- ECEA 5370 Network Systems Foundations (1 credit)
- ECEA 5371 Network Principles in Practice: Linux Networking (1 credit)
- ECEA 5372 Network Principles in Practice: Cloud Networking (1 credit)
Developing Industrial Internet of Things Specialization (3 credits)
Instructor: David Sluiter, BSEE, Lecturer
- ECEA 5385 Industrial IoT Markets and Security (1 credit)
- ECEA 5386 Project Planning and Machine Learning (1 credit)
- ECEA 5387 Modeling and Debugging Embedded Systems (1 credit)
Fundamentals of Model Checking Specialization (3 credits)
Instructor: Hao Zheng
- ECEA 5900 Introduction to Modeling for Formal Verification (1 credit)
- ECEA 5901 Temporal Logic Model Checking (1 credit)
- ECEA 5902 Model Checking with SAT and SMT (1 credit)
Engineering Genetic Circuits Specialization (3 credits)
Instructor: Chris Myers, PhD, Professor
- ECEA 5934 Design (1 credit)
- ECEA 5935 Modeling and Analysis (1 credit)
- ECEA 5936 Abstraction Methods (1 credit)
Certificates
To complete a certificate, you must complete the required specializations.
Industrial Internet of Things Certificate (9 credits)
Required specializations:
- Developing Industrial Internet of Things Specialization
- Embedded Interface Design Specialization
- Embedding Sensors and Motors Specialization
Hardware & Software
Certain courses in the Embedded Systems Engineering track of the MS-EE on Coursera program will feature curated hardware kits designed by electrical engineering faculty, offering you hands-on opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills with real-world tools.
Additional equipment needed for ECEA 5340, 5341, 5342, and 5343:
- ESM Electronic Parts List_FLAT BOM.xlsx
- Wire - various gauges and lengths
- Breadboard
- Oscilloscope – Our suggested model is:
- Depending on your budget, you can also investigate these models:
- Hantek HT6022BE20MHz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009H4AYII
- SainSmart DSO212: https://www.sainsmart.com/products/dso212-2-ch-handheld-mini-digital-oscilloscope?srsltid=AfmBOoqvbqnLiVj1ikzH_1jMgQ5bDtfZsSisQRYJIYPVHeDlCwQnA3eb
- PoScope Mega50 USB: https://www.robotshop.com/en/poscope-mega50-usb-mso-oscilloscope.html
- ADALM2000: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/analog-devices-inc./ADALM2000/7019661