Help yourself out of poverty with this course of 18 Online Engineering Certifications to Advance Your Career. Completing an engineering certification course can help you learn more about specific topics in your engineering field and make you a more appealing candidate. Depending on your engineering field and interests, you could complete many engineering certification courses, many of which are online. In this article, we review 18 online engineering certification courses you can pursue, including the prerequisites and course objectives.
18 online engineering certification courses
Consider these 18 courses in various engineering specialties:
1. Spaceflight Mechanics
This program provides the background knowledge to seek opportunities in the aerospace industry. The platform may also provide a free pre-test to check your eligibility for the program before applying. However, prior knowledge of aerodynamics isn’t required to take this course.
Prerequisites
Linear algebra
Calculus
MATLAB proficiency
Key course objectives
Improve your knowledge of the general terminology of fundamental mechanics
Understand the techniques required to solve aerodynamic problems
Design the theoretical framework of attitude mechanics
Learn the fundamentals of how to encode orientation
Determine the fundamental components of trajectory tracking hardware
Institution: Cornell University
Time: 16 weeks
2. Robotics: Aerial Robotics
Aerial Robotics is an introduction to flight mechanics and the construction of quadrotor flying robots. It covers the basic concepts of flying robots operating in real-world environments. This course is the first out of a six-course Robotics Specialization program.
Prerequisites
Linear algebra
Single variable calculus and differential equations
MATLAB or Octave
Key course objectives
The course teaches how to use the following tools to configure robots to function in various situations and crisis management:
MATLAB
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)
A* search algorithm
Automated planning and scheduling
Particle filter
Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Time: 18 hours
3. Electric Cars: Introduction
This course is for those who wish to learn more about electric vehicle technology. The program contains video tutorials, seminars and practice work. These materials are supplemented with actual case studies from several projects.
Prerequisites
None
Key course objectives
Contribution of EVs in the reduction of carbon dioxide emission
Fundamentals of EVs and battery technology
Different kinds of EVs and the technology behind them
Overview of the EV industry and its prospects
Policy objectives and instruments for promoting EV adoption
Institution: Delft University of Technology
Time: 4 weeks
4. Electric Cars: Technology
This course furthers the study on the technology of EVs. It investigates the critical roles of motors and power electronics and emerging developments in the EV market. The course contains recorded lectures, slideshows and assignments that are accompanied by real-world case studies.
Prerequisites
None
Key course objectives
Performance principle of EVs
EV engines and power electronics
Smart charging development and infrastructure
Wireless charging and solar EVs
Battery innovations
Institution: Delft University of Technology
Time: 4 weeks
5. Solar Energy
This course introduces the technology used in converting solar energy into electricity, heat and solar fuels, with an emphasis on electricity production. It also investigates the benefits of various solar cell technologies. This course includes eight- to 12-minute video lessons, assignments and exams. The final grade is determined by assignments and three exams.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of physics
Calculus
Key course objectives
Learn techniques to transform solar energy into electricity
Learn concepts driving photovoltaic conversion in solar cells
Identify and explain solar cell technologies
Evaluate the efficiency of solar cells and modules
Build a comprehensive photovoltaic system for any specific application
Institution: Delft University of Technology
Time: 8 weeks
6. The Mechatronics Revolution: Fundamentals and Core Concepts
This course explains how to employ microcontroller units (MCUs), sensors and actuators to create useful and intriguing robotic devices. In this course, students may acquire real-world experience by creating their mechatronic systems through a series of hands-on laboratories. Students who complete the course gain the knowledge required to design robotic and computer-controlled devices.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic circuits and components
Programming experience in C, MATLAB or Python
Mechatronics lab kit: The TI-RSLK-Mechkit
Key course objectives
Recognize the components of an MCU and other equipment used in mechatronic devices
Use interrupt-driven programming to create simple programs for MCUs
Create MCU algorithms that read sensor data and generate suitable actuator commands
Utilize actuators, sensors and an MCU command processor to build a mechatronic device
Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology
Time: 16 weeks
7. Model-Based Automotive Systems Engineering
This course offers the background for model-based control design, with a focus on developing mathematical models from physical principles. It explains how to use these models in the design process of automobiles. You may also learn about the mathematical modeling of automotive systems.
Prerequisites
Bachelor-level mathematics
Key course objectives
Longitudinal, lateral and vertical road vehicle modeling
Create mathematical models of dynamical systems
Normalize nonlinear continuous-time systems
Use sampling to create discrete temporal models
Create controllers with discrete time-state feedback
Institution: Chalmers University of Technology
Time: 7 weeks
8. Fluid dynamics simulations using Ansys
The program provides practical experience on how to construct accurate and verified simulations without relying on basic theory. By utilizing the Ansys software, the program focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems through 2D and 3D practice simulation.
Prerequisites
High school-level calculus, physics and algebra
A desktop version of Ansys
Key course objectives
Use Ansys Software to develop simulations for various practical flow problems
Apply problem-based learning techniques in diverse flow situations
Forecast desired outcomes by using hand computations
Use a “verification and validation” method to verify simulation findings
Demonstrate the theoretical model behind simulations like boundary conditions and governing equations
Institution: Cornell University
Time: 2 weeks
9. Algorithm Design and Analysis
This course is an introduction to algorithm creation and analysis while solving other computational issues. It is a part of the Computer Science Essentials for Software Development Professional program. On finishing the course, students may be able to use advanced data structures to create accurate algorithms.
Prerequisites
Discrete mathematics
Boolean logic
Basic probability
Java expertise
Key course objectives
Effectively access and visualize data
Evaluate the effectiveness of algorithms
Add small-input solutions into algorithmic solutions with larger inputs
Solve basic optimization issues
Determine whether a locally optimum method can give a globally optimal solution to a problem
Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Time: 4 weeks
10. Mathematical Optimization for Engineers
This course helps engineers learn a few of the applications for mathematical and computational principles. For example, the course covers machine learning, operations research, signal and image processing, control, robotics and design.
Prerequisites
Linear algebra, vector calculus and differentiation
Familiarity with numerical computation
Programming experience in Python and Jupyter Notebooks
Key course objectives
Optimality criteria that are both mathematical and intuitive
Embedded optimization via machine learning
Practical training in implementing and solving optimization issues in Python
Different optimization formulations
Institution: RWTH Aachen University
Time: 8 weeks
11. Biomaterials and Biofabrication: Design, Engineering and Innovation
This course may be the right fit for you if you’re interested in medical technology and innovation. You may also enroll if you want to learn how to use natural resources to address contemporary issues. The course features immersive tutorials to reinforce learning concepts with engaging situations, illustrations, a companion textbook and in-video quizzes.
Prerequisites
None
Key course objectives
Basic concepts of biomaterials and medical devices
Quality control and clinical trials
Fundamentals of tissue engineering
Essentials of biofabrication
Advances in the biofabrication industry
Institution: University of Bayreuth
Time: 8 weeks
12. The Engineering of Structures Around Us
This introductory course teaches basic engineering principles you can apply to structural systems. These structural systems may range from natural objects to mechanical and aeronautical systems, or any solid item that resists a load. It also explores how structures operate, why they were built the way they were, how they sustain weights and how forces flow within them.
Prerequisites
High school algebra and geometry
Key course objectives
Reasons behind the designs of natural structures
Design structural prototypes
Identify structural components, shapes and processes
Creativity and innovation behind engineering
Institution: Dartmouth College
Time: 5 weeks
13. Road Traffic Safety in Automotive Engineering
The course introduces the basic principles of active and passive safety. It also explores scientific and engineering techniques used in the creation and evaluation of traffic and vehicle safety.
Prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering encouraged
Key course objectives
Basics of future integrated safety systems
Physiological and biomechanical reactions of the human body
Models for evaluating collision safety
Design and performance of sensor concepts in active safety systems
Institution: Chalmers University of Technology
Time: 8 weeks
14. The Art of Structural Engineering: Vaults
This engineering course teaches how to evaluate the different perspectives of vaults. It investigates historic vaults, such as the Pantheon, but it concentrates more on modern vaults erected following the Industrial Revolution.
Prerequisites
None
Key course objectives
Compute structural efficiency using the proper formulas
Analyze structures by structural art merits
Cultural and economic impacts on structural design
Assess various vaulted shapes
Institution: Princeton University
Time: 6 weeks
15. Engineering Leadership
This program is about evaluating leadership qualities and decision-making processes. It contains courses on improving critical communication and influencing abilities. You may also learn how to prepare for personal developments and prosperity in project team management.
Prerequisites
None
Key course objectives
Supervise engineering and technology teams
Use strengths and core beliefs to maximize team efficiency
Apply sophisticated techniques in daily interactions
Control emotional responses to everyday workplace problems
Improve project leadership skills and ability to get executive support
Institution: Cornell University
Time: 2 weeks
16. Introduction to Engineering and Design
This introduction course starts with the fundamental areas of engineering. It also covers the engineering design process, from conceptual design and optimal option assessment to experimentation and project implementation. This course may be a great start for those who want to extend their technical knowledge and apply engineering and design ideas to their current work.
Prerequisites
None
Key course objectives
Fundamental understanding of the major engineering disciplines
Engineering design techniques and applications
Develop models that address engineering problems
Institution: Brown University
Time: 3 weeks
17. Materials Science and Engineering
This course exposes you to the diverse characteristics and structures of materials. It helps you build a base for your future studies in engineering and related areas. You may also learn how to evaluate the correlation between the characteristics of metal alloys and nonmetal materials.
Prerequisites
Chemistry
Physics
Key course objectives
Basic materials science principles
Information about material science and societal significance
Elastic and thermodynamic characteristics of materials
Relationship between material mechanics and atomic structure
Institution: MISIS
Time: 7 weeks
18. Robotics: Perception
This course starts with the fundamentals of how light from an image reaches a camera and how it’s reproduced into a 2D picture. It contains 42 short lecture videos, with some basic questions to answer after each module. This is the fourth of a six-course program.
Prerequisites
Linear algebra
Single variable calculus
Differentiation
Key course objectives
Learn how media captured by cameras attached to robots are converted into attributes and optical flow
Understand camera orientations concerning robotic navigation
Application of random sample consensus (RANSAC) in estimating the variables of a mathematical model
Extract 3D information from 2D representations
Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Time: 33 hours
