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    • Software Design

    Software Design Courses Online

    Learn software design for developing robust applications. Understand design patterns, object-oriented principles, and user-centered design.

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    Explore the Software Design Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Statistical Analysis and Advanced Techniques

      Skills you'll gain:

      Beginner · Course

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Relational Database Design and Advanced Querying

      Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Data Warehousing, Star Schema, Microsoft SQL Servers, Relational Databases, SQL, Query Languages, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Modeling, Transact-SQL, Data Integrity, Business Intelligence, Generative AI, Data Visualization Software

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Web Development Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Web Development, HTML and CSS, Web Applications, Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Semantic Web, Javascript, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Data Storage Technologies, Application Security, User Interface (UI), Data Validation

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of London

      Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

      Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Game Design, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Agile Software Development, Animations, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Network Security, Web Applications, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Database Design, Web Development, Generative AI, Usability Testing

      Earn a degree

      Degree · 1 - 4 Years

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Power Electronics Graduate Certificate

      Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Debugging, Tensorflow, Computer Vision, Display Devices, Control Systems, Computer Displays, Image Analysis, Semiconductors, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Systems Design, Artificial Neural Networks, Applied Machine Learning, USB, Electrical Systems, Computer Programming Tools, Electrical Power, Technical Design

      Credit offered

      Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Introduction to JavaScript Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Javascript, Program Development, Web Applications, Programming Principles, Software Development, Data Structures, Web Development Tools, Development Environment, Video Game Development, Debugging, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Validation, Computer Programming

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • N

      Northeastern University

      Master of Science in Information Systems

      Skills you'll gain:

      Earn a degree

      Degree · 1 - 4 Years

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Industrial Internet of Things Graduate Certificate

      Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning Algorithms, Real-Time Operating Systems, Big Data, User Research, User Experience Design, Product Development, User Experience, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Usability, Power Electronics, Verification And Validation, UI/UX Research, Analytics, Human Computer Interaction, Embedded Systems, Control Systems, Internet Of Things, User Interface (UI), Machine Controls, Embedded Software

      Credit offered

      Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months

    • H

      HEC Paris

      Leading Innovation With Creativity University Certificate

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Active Listening, Innovation, Creativity, Organizational Structure, Business Modeling, Organizational Strategy, Talent Management, Creative Thinking, Business Strategy, Self-Awareness, Initiative and Leadership, Consumer Behaviour, Strategic Decision-Making, Creative Problem-Solving, User Research, Organizational Effectiveness, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Ideation

      University Certificate · 6 - 12 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      JavaScript Development Tools and React

      Skills you'll gain: Maintainability, React.js, Debugging, Application Development, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Development Tools, Software Testing, Code Review, Development Testing, Secure Coding, Software Development Tools, Application Security, Software Development

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Semiconductor Photonics Graduate Certificate

      Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Power Electronics, Display Devices, Control Systems, Computer Displays, Electronic Systems, Systems Design, Technical Design, Electronic Components, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Power, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Equipment Design, Systems Analysis, Simulations, Engineering Calculations

      Credit offered

      Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Microsoft SQL Server

      Skills you'll gain:

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 1 - 3 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular software design courses

    • Statistical Analysis and Advanced Techniques: Microsoft
    • Relational Database Design and Advanced Querying: Microsoft
    • Web Development Fundamentals: Microsoft
    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: University of London
    • Power Electronics Graduate Certificate: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Introduction to JavaScript Programming: Microsoft
    • Master of Science in Information Systems: Northeastern University
    • Industrial Internet of Things Graduate Certificate: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Leading Innovation With Creativity University Certificate: HEC Paris
    • JavaScript Development Tools and React: Microsoft

    Skills you can learn in Software Development

    Programming Language (34)
    Google (25)
    Computer Program (21)
    Software Testing (21)
    Web (19)
    Google Cloud Platform (18)
    Application Programming Interfaces (17)
    Data Structure (16)
    Problem Solving (14)
    Object-oriented Programming (13)
    Kubernetes (10)
    List & Label (10)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Software Design

    Software design is the process of creating a plan to guide the development of a software solution based on an assessment of user requirements determined through research and testing. It is a very important phase of the software development lifecycle, as software design provides the foundation for subsequent coding and implementation by programmers and software engineers.

    The software design process may encompass many aspects including planning for software architecture, design of user interfaces and other visual elements, and the selection of software design patterns and other components. Application security is another critical consideration for software design, and implementing secure practices as early as possible in the software development lifecycle can help ensure that the final product provides adequate protections for business and customer data.‎

    An understanding of software design principles can be a terrific asset for a career in software development, as it provides an overarching view of the entire software development lifecycle. In some ways, you can think of the software designer as the architect whose vision directs the work of a team of engineers and construction workers. According to Glassdoor, software designers in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $92,046 - significantly more than software programmers, whose average salary according to Glassdoor is $76,526.‎

    Certainly. Taking online courses on Coursera has become an incredibly popular way for students from around the world to learn about a wide range of computer science topics, including software design. Top-ranked schools like the University of Alberta, the University of Colorado, and the University of Minnesota offer individual courses as well as Specializations spanning multiple courses covering software design and related topics such as application security and software design patterns. And, since you can view lessons and complete coursework on a flexible schedule, you can build these valuable, job-ready skills regardless of whether you’re a student or a mid-career professional looking to upgrade your skill set.‎

    The skills and experience you might want to acquire before starting to learn software design would include practical knowledge and work experience in all kinds of software development work, from websites to apps to network maintenance and more. You may already have skills or experience in designing, developing, and installing software for enterprise information systems via an internship or job role.‎

    Some of the common career paths for someone in software design might include starting out in junior roles in web design and development, and possibly moving into creative director roles for gaming systems (if on the creative side), or software analysis manager, if more geared to the operational side of the business. Software design workers could also possibly branch off into deeply analytical roles like computer science engineer, or information research scientist, depending on the company and industry.‎

    The kind of people best suited for roles in software design are computer science enthusiasts, who love programming and are excited about creating new software possibilities. These people are often creative, focused, and cerebral individuals who know programming languages such as Java, SQL, and Python. These languages are important to know as a software designer’s work may include developing software projects and programs for external clients or internal company usage. They might also write code, create charts and diagrams to represent the software, and may even supervise a team of programmers.‎

    Learning software design may be right for you if you love design challenges, love working with new software tools, and are interested in building a lucrative career in software design. You may be able to earn a good income in software design, as jobs for software developers are expected to rise by over 20% in the next decade, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you find passion in work that involves designing computer systems, projecting network capabilities, and determining performance interfaces, then learning software design may be a good step in the right direction.‎

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

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Software Design, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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