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Gain an introduction to embedded systems, including hardware design and software engineering principles. Learn to apply electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science principles in real-world embedded platforms.
Students in the online certificate program complete the same embedded systems courses and learn from the same faculty as students in the on-campus program.
The online certificate in embedded systems prepares students with the skills to design, analyze, and optimize strategies in embedded systems, with a focus on:
Topics of study include the design and exploration of multi-core processor, memory, interconnection, and sensor architectures. Students learn to overcome and anticipate current and future challenges for embedded systems professionals. Examples of such challenges include:
Coursework includes both group and individual projects. Students can tailor projects on individual interests and focus on software or hardware, or both. Online classes provide embedded systems training on how to:
The Graduate Certificate in Embedded Systems is taught by experts in the field who have both industry and research experience. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Colorado State University is known for leading research in areas including embedded systems, lasers and optics, radar systems, and biomedical systems, and is sponsored by industry (e.g., the National Science Foundation (NSF), Dept. of Defense (DOD), Dept. of Energy, and the Airforce).
CSU faculty have active collaborations with leading semiconductor companies, system on chip (SOC) design companies, and application domain experts (e.g., automotive companies). These partnerships aim to improve products and performance. Faculty share that experience in the online classroom so students gain both practical and academic knowledge of existing and future challenges for embedded systems.
The online embedded systems certificate prepares students for careers in roles such as:
Embedded systems are the underlying digital intelligence behind smart electronic devices and the Internet of Things (IoT).
"There is currently a huge demand for embedded systems designers, individuals who can both write software and design hardware. We are surrounded by hundreds of embedded systems in our everyday lives. ES is also the fastest growing computing platform in terms of market share. Those who can understand and design these systems can have a big impact on people's everyday lives."
Embedded systems are integral to any device using a smart card, or computer system within a larger mechanical or electrical system, such as:
Credits completed for this certificate may be applied toward CSU's online electrical or computer engineering master's degrees after formal admission per University transfer policies. Additionally, you can earn a guaranteed admission recommendation into either master's program from the department and bypass the GRE requirement, if you complete two classes from the curriculum with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and with no less than a 2.7 in any course. Learn more about this option and the online computer engineering master's program and electrical engineering master's program at CSU.
Embedded Systems Graduate Certificate courses cover the skills needed to understand modern processor, memory, network, and sensor architectures, as well as analyze and optimize various embedded hardware design and software architectural candidates.
You must be admitted to this program for the certificate to appear on your official University transcript.
Select three courses from the following. At least one ECE course is required.
Note: This certificate may have courses in common with other graduate certificates. A student may earn more than one certificate, but a given course may be counted only in one certificate.
Students can be admitted for either the fall or spring semester. Summer admission is not available. For full consideration, submit your application and supporting documents prior to the dates below.
| Fall semester | July 1 |
| Spring semester | December 1 |
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowThis graduate certificate requires applicants to have the following, at a minimum:
Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience.
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
Request one official transcript from the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.
Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary): Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
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