Why learn electronics?

Learn electronics if you're interested in a career in the electronics field, if you want to learn more about emerging technologies, or if you want to design a robot or an app for fun. Some people may learn electronics as part of an engineering curriculum, some may want to learn programming languages, and others may want to understand the science. As technology changes, electronics become more important to our lives. The emerging Internet of Things (IOT) is creating a need for more people who know how to work with electronics. Studying electronics is practical, interesting, and relevant to the modern world.

Can I take free electronics courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning electronics topics on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many electronics courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in electronics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What jobs can I get in electronics?

Among the many jobs that use electronics are electrician, engineer, programmer, and semiconductor designer. Many people in non-technical jobs may want to understand the fundamentals of electronics so that they have a knowledge of what their clients or co-workers do on the job. Others may want to be doing direct work on electronic device design, debugging, or embedded system design. The number of careers that use some aspect of electronics is increasing as electronic devices become more widespread. There are more people who need to be able to design and optimize electronic systems and more people who need to feel comfortable with the technologies underlying them.

What skills or experience do I need to already have before starting to learn electronics?

The skills and experience needed to start learning electronics range from no special skills to having some math and computer skills, depending on the course you're taking. Many courses are at a beginning level and cover basic concepts and ideas, so you need little beyond an interest in the field and a willingness to learn. Others assume that you have had some math or programming experience in the past. Courses range from theoretical to technical to practical, and some require the purchase of hardware items so that you can test your knowledge and build your own electronic devices. Specializations allow you to build your base of knowledge so that you can take more advanced courses after you master introductory material.

What are the benefits of taking an online Electronics course?

Online Electronics courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Electronics skills. Choose from a wide range of Electronics courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Best Electronics Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Electronics Course Catalog

Status: Preview
Georgia Institute of Technology
Introduction to Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Electronic Components, Semiconductors, Electronics, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronics Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Schematic Diagrams
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Power Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electronic Systems, Electrical Engineering, USB, Electrical Systems, Electronics, Electric Power Systems, Simulation and Simulation Software, Basic Electrical Systems
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
University of Colorado Boulder
Microcontrollers: Basic Architecture and Design
Skills you'll gain: Microarchitecture, Hardware Design, Electronic Hardware, Computer Architecture, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Hardware Architecture, Electronics Engineering, Electronics, Electronic Components, Performance Tuning, Peripheral Devices, Debugging, Digital Design
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Power Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Control Systems, Electronic Systems, Electrical Engineering, USB, Electrical Systems, Semiconductors, Electronic Components, Electric Power Systems, Simulation and Simulation Software, Electrical Power, Electronics, Basic Electrical Systems, Systems Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Design, Engineering Analysis, Technical Design, Design Specifications, Engineering Design Process
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Modeling and Control of Power Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electronic Systems, Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electric Power Systems, Simulation and Simulation Software, Electronics, Simulations, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Matlab, Technical Design, Systems Design, Verification And Validation, Systems Analysis, Design Strategies, Applied Mathematics
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
155 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Embedding Sensors and Motors
Skills you'll gain: Process Control, Control Systems, Machine Controls, Embedded Systems, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Embedded Software, Electronic Systems, Hardware Design, Electronics Engineering, Three-Phase, Electronics, Electrical Equipment, Power Electronics, Electronic Components, Electrical Engineering, Medical Equipment and Technology, Laboratory Experience, Electrical Systems, Basic Electrical Systems
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free
Columbia University
MOS Transistors
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electronics, Electronics Engineering, Electronic Components, Simulation and Simulation Software, Electrical Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Differential Equations, Calculus
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
148 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Georgia Institute of Technology
Linear Circuits 1: DC Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Electronics, Engineering Calculations, Physics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Digital Systems: From Logic Gates to Processors
Skills you'll gain: Computer Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Technical Design, System Design and Implementation, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Embedded Systems, Digital Design, Computer Hardware, Simulations
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
843 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Rochester
Fundamentals of Audio and Music Engineering: Part 1 Musical Sound & Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Music, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Electronic Components, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Systems, Instrumental Music, Vibrations, Equipment Design, Construction, Mechanical Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
586 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Chip based VLSI design for Industrial Applications
Skills you'll gain: Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Electronics, Hardware Design, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Electronics Engineering, Serial Peripheral Interface, Computational Logic, Electrical Engineering, Computer Architecture, Schematic Diagrams, Semiconductors, Electronic Hardware, Electronic Components, Internet Of Things, Programmable Logic Controllers, Low Voltage, Embedded Software, Electronic Systems, Network Protocols, Embedded Systems
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
134 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Semiconductor Devices
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Electronic Components, Electronics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
605 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months