Online Robust Embedded Software Certificate

Prepare for Safety-Critical Embedded Systems at MTU.

When software lives inside machines, failure isn’t an inconvenience—it’s a safety, reliability, and security risk. From vehicles and aircraft to medical devices and industrial automation, embedded systems make real-time decisions that can affect people, equipment, and critical operations.

Michigan Tech’s Online Graduate Certificate in Robust Embedded Software helps engineers build the advanced verification, testing, and quality assurance skills needed to design software that performs reliably under real-world conditions—timing pressure, unexpected inputs, partial failures, and evolving security threats. It’s a focused, career-relevant way to strengthen your expertise in dependable embedded software while keeping pace with today’s increasingly connected, safety-critical technologies.

What Are Embedded Systems and Why Do They Matter?

Embedded systems are the hidden backbone of modern life. They are small, specialized computing devices built into larger systems such as automobiles, medical equipment, avionics, and industrial control systems. They monitor, regulate, and secure critical infrastructure.

Embedded software is the firmware and real-time code that runs on specialized hardware inside a larger device, using sensor data to monitor conditions and control functions like motors, brakes, displays, or communications. Robust embedded software goes a step further: it’s embedded software engineered to remain dependable under real-world stress. It handles timing constraints, unexpected inputs, partial hardware failures, and even security threats through disciplined design, rigorous verification, thorough testing, and strong quality assurance.

Why does this software need to be robust, reliable, and resilient?  A single fault in an embedded system can jeopardize safety, disrupt operations, or even threaten lives. That’s why embedded systems engineers with advanced expertise in software robustness, quality assurance, and testing are in high demand.

Embedded systems are crucial to several industries:

• Automotive and EVs: ECUs, ADAS, battery management, over-the-air updates.
• Aerospace and avionics: navigation, redundancy, fault detection, flight control.
• Medical devices: monitoring, imaging, implantables, regulatory requirements.
• Industrial automation and robotics: PLCs, motion control, safety systems.
• Cyber-physical and IoT systems: edge devices, smart infrastructure, sensors.

Why Learn About Embedded Systems at MTU?

Michigan Tech is uniquely positioned to train the next generation of embedded systems professionals.

• Expert Faculty

  Courses are developed and taught by faculty with deep expertise in robustness, dependability, testing, and formal methods. You’ll learn directly from leaders such as Dr. Ali Ebnenasir, Dr. Charles Wallace, and Christopher Cischke.

• Hands-On, Project-Based Learning

  This program goes beyond theory. Every course is project-based, giving you experience in the design, verification, implementation, and testing of embedded software.

• Flexible and Online

  Designed for working professionals, the certificate can be completed 100% online in 12 months. You’ll gain advanced skills without putting your career on pause.

• Industry Relevance

  Michigan Tech is located in a hub of automotive, aerospace, and medical device industries, making this program especially valuable for engineers across Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond.

What Courses Will You Take in The Robust Embedded Software Certificate?

The graduate certificate in Robust Embedded Software is a 9-credit program made up of three 3-credit courses. Each course builds on the previous to allow you to progress deeper into the subject and provide you with comprehensive expertise.

At the completion of the certificate, graduates will be able to

• Design and implement embedded software in C/C++ on microcontrollers/RTOS.
• Use model-based design and formal verification tools to prove properties.
• Plan and execute testing and QA for embedded and safety-critical systems.
• Reason about fault tolerance, redundancy, and security in embedded designs.

Who Should Earn This Embedded Software Certificate?

This online certificate is targeted ar  engineers and professionals, whether early or mid-career, who want to specialize in embedded software development or strengthen their credentials. It is ideal for those  with backgrounds in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechatronics, controls, and robotics.

Ideal For Engineers in These Fields

• Automotive systems (electric vehicles, control systems, advanced driver assistance)
• Aerospace and avionics
• Medical device engineering
• Industrial automation and robotics
• Cyber-physical and IoT systems

What are the Career Prospects?

There is a high demand for embedded systems engineers with advanced expertise in software robustness, quality assurance, and testing. Some in-demand job titles include  embedded software engineer, firmware engineer, controls engineer, safety engineer, systems engineer.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 15% growth, by 2034, in jobs for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers. The median salary for these jobs is $131,450 per year ($63.20 per hour).

Get Started on Your Online Robust Embedded Software Certificate.

Take the next steps on your educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program. Hit the buttons below to tell us more about you.

Or begin the FREE and EASY online application process right away!

• Request Info
• Apply Now (MTU Application Portal)