What is the Internet of Things, and why is it important to learn about?

The Internet of Things, abbreviated IoT, expands access to the world-wide web from computers, smartphones, and other typical devices to create a vast network of appliances, toys, apparel, and other goods that are capable of connecting to the internet. These goods, which range from refrigerators to bicycles and everything in between, are equipped with computer chips, microcontrollers, and sensors that can collect and transmit data. The IoT is important to study for learners interested in enabling the development of IoT products, as well as in gleaning the data generated by them.

Can I take free IoT courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning IoT on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many IoT 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 IoT, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

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

The skills and experience that you might need to already have before starting to learn IoT would likely include an interest in engineering and embedded systems, a deep understanding of the internet and how it’s transforming society, and how devices are impacting businesses and consumers because of the Internet of Things. Some of the practical areas to learn might include C or C++ programming, debugging, and API setups. In effect, IoT takes normal, everyday objects and turns them into smart devices that can do a number of things, like automate tasks, transmit data, and emit sounds, without the person having to press buttons or click manually on the device. Having the knowledge of how software and hardware work together for these IoT devices can help you in your internet-focused career.

How do I know if learning IoT is right for me?

You might know if learning IoT is right for you if you want to gain a stronger knowledge about the latest advances in technology, and how they are impacting our modern society. Clearly, if you love health and fitness tracking wearable devices or home voice assistants, and use all the gadgetry and technology in your car and embedded tech in your kitchen tools, then it would be a good guess that learning IoT is right for you.

Best IoT Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the IoT Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT)
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Internet Of Things, Linux, Test Planning, TCP/IP, Hardware Design, Electronic Hardware, User Requirements Documents, Network Protocols, Functional Specification, Local Area Networks, Software Design, System Design and Implementation, Requirements Analysis, Basic Electrical Systems, Debugging, USB, C (Programming Language), Command-Line Interface, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
20K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH)
Introduction and Programming with IoT Boards
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Wireless Networks, General Networking, Embedded Software, Emerging Technologies, Embedded Systems, Systems Architecture, Electronic Hardware, Information Technology Architecture, Computer Programming Tools, Computing Platforms, Problem Solving
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
IoT Devices
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Basic Electrical Systems, Embedded Software, Electronics, Embedded Systems, Wireless Networks, Electrical Systems, Electronic Hardware, Systems Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Systems Design, Electronic Components, Computing Platforms, Telecommunications
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
515 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Embedded Systems, Network Protocols, Local Area Networks, TCP/IP, General Networking, Wireless Networks, Computer Hardware, Operating Systems, Emerging Technologies, Automation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
EIT Digital
Architecting Smart IoT Devices
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Internet Of Things, System Software, Debugging, Software Systems, Hardware Architecture, Verification And Validation, Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Security Testing, Performance Tuning, Network Protocols, Simulations
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
341 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
EDUCBA
IoT Enabled Farming
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Data Management, Big Data, Applied Machine Learning, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Predictive Analytics, Wireless Networks, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Automation, Real Time Data, Data Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
182 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Free Trial
Yonsei University
IoT (Internet of Things) Wireless & Cloud Computing Emerging Technologies
Skills you'll gain: Wireless Networks, Cloud Computing Architecture, Internet Of Things, Cloud Computing, Cloud Services, Network Architecture, Telecommunications, Emerging Technologies, Infrastructure Architecture, General Networking, Hardware Architecture, Local Area Networks, Amazon Web Services, Systems Architecture, Network Protocols, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Manufacturing Operations, Digital Transformation, Cloud Computing, Business Technologies, Technology Strategies, Emerging Technologies, Automation, Operational Efficiency, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Real Time Data, Cybersecurity, Strategic Partnership, Scalability
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
193 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
IIT Bombay
Introduction to Internet of Things
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, General Networking, Wireless Networks, Network Protocols, Systems Architecture, Data Analysis, Emerging Technologies, Analytics, Regression Analysis, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
60 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hands-on Internet of Things
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Network Routers, Network Architecture, Network Switches, General Networking, Network Infrastructure, Basic Electrical Systems, Cloud Infrastructure, Local Area Networks, Embedded Software, Network Protocols, Network Performance Management, Electronics, Network Security, Infrastructure Security, Wireless Networks, Distributed Computing, Telecommunications, Python Programming, Machine Learning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
597 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Getting started with Azure IOT Hub
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Excel, Data Visualization Software, Internet Of Things, Cloud Storage, Data Import/Export, Data Storage Technologies
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
77 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
EIT Digital
Introduction to Architecting Smart IoT Devices
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, Systems Design, Embedded Systems, Software Development Life Cycle, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Architecture, Internet Of Things, Requirements Analysis, Cybersecurity
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
310 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks