• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Software Design

    Software Design Courses Online

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

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.
    Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.
    Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.
    Complete graduate-level learning without committing to a full degree program.
    Earn a university-issued career credential in a flexible, interactive format.
    Graduate level learning within reach.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Software Design Course Catalog

    • Status: New
      New
      C

      Coursera

      From Concept to Critique: Prototyping with Sketch

      Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, Design Reviews, Prototyping, Interaction Design, Mockups, UI/UX Research, Wireframing, Usability Testing, User Flows

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      M

      Macquarie University

      DevSecOps

      Skills you'll gain: DevSecOps, Application Security, Secure Coding, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Security Engineering, Threat Modeling, Security Testing, Software Architecture, Kubernetes, Cloud Security, CI/CD, Microsoft Azure, Web Applications, Docker (Software), Containerization, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Machine Learning, Version Control, Dependency Analysis

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Relational Database Design and Advanced Querying

      Skills you'll gain:

      Beginner · Course

    • N

      Northeastern University

      Master of Science in Information Systems

      Skills you'll gain:

      Earn a degree

      Degree · 1 - 4 Years

    • 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

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Web Development Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), HTML and CSS, Web Applications, Event-Driven Programming, Web Development, Front-End Web Development, Responsive Web Design, Javascript, Data Storage, Data Management, UI Components

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      M

      Macquarie University

      Digital Forensics

      Skills you'll gain: Mobile Security, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity, File Systems, Data Security, Data Integrity, Data Analysis Software, Data Validation, Data Ethics, Data Storage Technologies, Microsoft Windows, Verification And Validation, Internet Of Things, Encryption, Network Monitoring, Real Time Data

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • 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, Electronic Systems, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Artificial Neural Networks, Systems Design, Applied Machine Learning, USB, Electrical Engineering, Technical Design, Electrical Systems, Computer Programming Tools, Electrical Power

      Credit offered

      Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      Coursera

      Creating Engaging Content for YouTube

      Skills you'll gain: Video Production, Search Engine Optimization, Content Strategy, Content Performance Analysis, Content Creation, Branding, Marketing Channel, Live Streaming, Growth Strategies, Storytelling, Editing

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Industrial Internet of Things Graduate Certificate

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

      Credit offered

      Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months

    • U

      Universidad de los Andes

      Maestría en Inteligencia Analítica de Datos

      Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Network Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Data Storytelling, Deep Learning, Predictive Modeling, Data Presentation, Risk Analysis, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Project Management Life Cycle, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Marketing Analytics, Cash Flows, Matplotlib, Descriptive Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Simulations, Random Forest Algorithm, Operations Research, Solution Design

      Earn a degree

      Degree · 1 - 4 Years

    • H

      HEC Paris

      Leading Innovation With Creativity University Certificate

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

      University Certificate · 6 - 12 Months

    Software Design learners also search

    Software
    Software Development
    Software Engineering
    C
    Software Project Management
    Software Engineering Projects
    Development
    C Programming
    1…721722723…727

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

    • From Concept to Critique: Prototyping with Sketch: Coursera
    • DevSecOps: Macquarie University
    • Relational Database Design and Advanced Querying: Microsoft
    • Master of Science in Information Systems: Northeastern University
    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: University of London
    • Web Development Fundamentals: Microsoft
    • Digital Forensics: Macquarie University
    • Power Electronics Graduate Certificate: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Creating Engaging Content for YouTube: Coursera
    • Industrial Internet of Things Graduate Certificate: University of Colorado Boulder

    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.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok