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: Test Planning, Embedded Systems, Linux, Internet Of Things, Embedded Software, Functional Requirement, Operating System Administration, Debugging, General Networking, Hardware Design, Systems Design, Operating Systems, Electronic Hardware, System Requirements, System Design and Implementation, C (Programming Language), Basic Electrical Systems, Application Programming Interface (API), TCP/IP, 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, Emerging Technologies, Embedded Software, Communication Systems, Electronic Hardware, Embedded Systems, Information Technology Architecture, Computer Programming Tools, Python Programming, Problem Solving
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.8K 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, Business Technologies, Business Transformation, Cloud Computing, Automation, Operational Efficiency, Emerging Technologies, System Implementation, Technology Strategies, Real Time Data, Value Propositions, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Case Studies, Cybersecurity, Scalability
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
195 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Internet Of Things, General Networking, Operating Systems, Wireless Networks, Network Protocols, Computer Hardware, Emerging Technologies, Network Architecture, Technology Strategies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Yonsei University
IoT (Internet of Things) Wireless & Cloud Computing Emerging Technologies
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Wireless Networks, Cloud Computing, Internet Of Things, Cloud Platforms, Local Area Networks, Emerging Technologies, Network Architecture, Telecommunications, Amazon Web Services, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Software As A Service, Hardware 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign
IoT Devices
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Embedded Software, Wireless Networks, Network Protocols, Infrastructure Security, Data Science, Embedded Systems, General Networking, Network Planning And Design, Big Data, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Platforms, Computer Hardware
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
517 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Preview
IIT Bombay
Introduction to Internet of Things
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Network Protocols, Wireless Networks, Emerging Technologies, Data Analysis, Communication Systems, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Regression Analysis, Systems Architecture, Pandas (Python Package), Unsupervised Learning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
65 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 Infrastructure, Network Routers, General Networking, Embedded Software, Network Switches, Network Protocols, Network Architecture, Wireless Networks, Local Area Networks, Infrastructure Security, Wide Area Networks, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), Data Science, Telecommunications, Embedded Systems, Communication Systems, Distributed Computing, Python Programming, Machine Learning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
600 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
EDUCBA
IoT Enabled Farming
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Big Data, Wireless Networks, Predictive Analytics, Applied Machine Learning, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Environmental Monitoring, Sustainable Technologies, Machine Controls, Real Time Data, Automation, Data Analysis, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
192 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Getting started with Azure IOT Hub
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, Data Visualization, Microsoft Excel, Internet Of Things, Cloud Storage, Data Storage Technologies, Data Analysis Software, Data Import/Export, Data Pipelines
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
77 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
EIT Digital
Architecting Smart IoT Devices
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Systems, Threat Modeling, Systems Architecture, Debugging, Computer Architecture, Hardware Architecture, System Programming, Internet Of Things, Application Security, General Networking, Wireless Networks, Operating Systems, Performance Tuning, Linux, Microsoft Windows
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
343 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
IoT Systems and Industrial Applications with Design Thinking
Skills you'll gain: User Research, Internet Of Things, Usability Testing, Prototyping, Design Thinking, Ideation, Automation, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Interaction Design, Information Systems Security, Human Centered Design, Data Management, Systems Architecture, Embedded Software, Real Time Data, Hardware Architecture, Network Protocols, Systems Integration, Interoperability
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months