8 BEST Software Engineering Courses (2025)
Lucas Bennett
The best software engineering courses provide critical knowledge, skills, experience, and certification that help you progress professionally. Industry experts and reputed teachers teach some of the best courses. These courses can help you secure high-paying jobs/internships as a software engineer.
After spending over 110 hours reviewing 60+ online courses, I’ve handpicked the best software engineering courses. These courses offer valuable certifications, ensuring you gain professional skills backed by credible, well-researched evaluations. With a comprehensive breakdown of pricing, features, pros and cons, and difficulty, you can trust these courses to help you advance your career. Rest assured, this list is based on unbiased, up-to-date recommendations.
Best Software Engineering Courses for Software Developers
| Course Name | Provider | Duration | Difficulty | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Development Lifecycle Specialisation | Coursera | 4 Months | Intermediate | 4.6 | Learn More |
| Software Engineering 101: Plan and Execute Better Software | Udemy | 8 Hours | Beginner | 4.6 | Learn More |
| Learn Coding and Become a Software Developer | Skillshare | 26 minutes – 1 hour 14 minutes | Intermediate – Advanced | Not Mentioned | Learn More |
| Software Engineering Essentials | edX | 10 Weeks (5-7 Hours per week) | Intermediate | Not Mentioned | Learn More |
| IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate | IBM | 3 Months (10 Hours a week) | Beginner | 4.7 | Learn More |
1) Software Development Cycle Specialisation (Coursera)
Specs: Provider: Coursera | Duration: 4 Months | Level: Intermediate Level | Certificate: Yes
Software Development Cycle Specialisation (Coursera) is a game-changer for anyone wanting a clear and structured approach to understanding software development methodologies. I found that the course dives into critical software engineering concepts and allows you to compare traditional and modern methodologies such as Agile and Lean. It helped me grasp the essential differences between various practices used in the industry today. For me, the real value lay in being able to understand why some methodologies might work better in specific situations, helping me make better decisions for future projects. Professionals often refer to this course to improve their decision-making skills by choosing the right development methodology based on project requirements.
It provides you with advanced knowledge of software architecture, software testing, and software design, which are in high demand in the industries. This is an applied learning course, which means you will be doing many projects to learn real-world applications of complicated concepts for better understanding.
The course offers English audio with subtitles available in multiple languages, including Arabic, French, German, and Spanish. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate, which can be linked to their LinkedIn profile to enhance its appeal. Additionally, business pricing plans are available for bulk course purchases for employees.
What Will You Learn?
- Software Development Processes and Methodologies: This course will introduce you to various software development methodologies, allowing you to understand how they shape the software creation process.
- Agile Software Development: I found that Agile development is great for adapting to evolving project requirements, keeping projects on track despite changing circumstances.
- Lean Software Development: Lean Software Development focuses on efficiency, helping developers eliminate non-essential activities and prioritize high-value features to enhance productivity.
- Engineering Practices for Building Quality Software: Following best engineering practices is one of the most effective ways to maintain high standards and ensure that the final product meets user expectations.
- DevOps Practices: DevOps practices bridge the gap between development and operations, enabling faster and more reliable software delivery by emphasizing collaboration, automation, and continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD).
- Test-Driven Development (TDD): Test-Driven Development involves writing tests before writing the actual code, ensuring that software is built with a focus on correctness and reducing the chances of bugs or issues in production.
Pricing:
Free to Enroll
How to Enroll in the Software Development Lifecycle Specialization Certificate?
- Step 1) Head over to the Software Development Lifecycle course page on Coursera.
- Step 2) Tap the “Enroll for Free” button, and create an account using your email address.
- Step 3) Begin your learning journey by diving into the course content, covering software engineering practices, traditional and agile methodologies, and more.
Pros
Cons
2) Software Engineering 101 (Udemy)
Specs: Provider: Udemy | Duration: 8 Hours | Level: Beginner | Free Trial: 30 Day Money-back guarantees.
Software Engineering 101 (Udemy) offers a perfect starting point for inexperienced professionals looking to learn software engineering. I reviewed the course and was impressed with how it introduces fundamental concepts of programming and engineering. Kurt Anderson’s teaching style is approachable, and I particularly liked how the course doesn’t require any prior experience. In fact, it is designed with beginners in mind, allowing learners to gradually build confidence. This course helped me understand the basics and gave me a strong foundation in software development.
It helps you gain complete knowledge of valuable concepts relating to software development cycles, design, modularity, testing, problem-solving, and more. Apart from video lectures, it also offers written material to read and understand concepts at your own pace. It has been designed to suit the needs of novices and requires no past technical or programmatic knowledge.
Upon successful completion, a certificate is awarded, which can be added to your resume and LinkedIn profile. The course includes various projects to help you practice and refine the concepts learned. Content is broken down into short, focused sections and lectures, allowing for efficient study and easy topic review.
What Will You Learn?
- Software Engineering Principles: Understanding software engineering principles helps you create high-quality software by focusing on good design, coding standards, and testing.
- Requirements Definitions: I learned how to define clear and specific software requirements, which is essential for guiding the development process and avoiding miscommunication.
- Software Architecture Planning: Planning the software architecture ensures scalability, maintainability, and efficiency by structuring the software to meet future demands.
- Modularity: Breaking the software into modular components allows you to make changes to specific parts without affecting the whole system, improving flexibility.
- Computer Science Models: Learning computer science models is helpful to understand various software systems and their behavior, aiding in problem-solving and software optimization.
- Agile Methodology: Adopting agile methodologies helps you iteratively develop software in short cycles, which allows flexibility and adaptability throughout the development process.
Pricing:
$38.60 for a course
How to Enroll in the Software Engineering 101 Course on Udemy?
- Step 1) Head over to the Software Engineering 101 course page on Udemy.
- Step 2) Tap the “Enroll Now” button, and either log into your existing Udemy account or create a new one with your email.
- Step 3) Once enrolled, start your learning experience by diving into the course content, where you’ll explore core software engineering techniques and frameworks like SCRUM.
Pros
Cons
3) Learn Coding and Become a Software Developer – A Step-by-Step Framework (Skillshare)
Specs: Provider: Skillshare | Duration: 58 minutes | Level: Beginner | Free Trial: Yes, 1 Month
Learn Coding and Become a Software Developer – A Step-by-Step Framework on Skillshare is a fantastic choice for those looking to elevate their software engineering skills. During my review, I found that the course content is tailored for developers with intermediate to advanced experience, providing a great balance of theory and practical knowledge. The framework helped me focus on core principles of software development, which are crucial for landing top-paying positions in the tech world. Developers who aim to enhance their technical abilities and increase job prospects often turn to this course to advance their careers effectively.
Course includes an introduction, guidance, pro tips, and best practices, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all topics. The course content is carefully curated based on industry research conducted by Skillshare. It emphasizes providing the most current engineering skills that are highly sought after by top employers in the field.
What Will You Learn?
- The Learning to Code Equation: This course is great for anyone aiming to master Agile development practices, improving the way you develop and manage software projects.
- How to Be Motivated to Learn to Code: Learning how to model, design, code, and test will help you develop a strong foundation, and this may help boost your coding confidence.
- The Importance of Code Reviews: Regular code reviews can help you spot potential bugs, improve code quality, and learn new techniques from others in your team.
- Understanding Data Structures and Algorithms: Mastering data structures and algorithms is key to writing efficient and scalable code, and it forms the foundation for solving complex problems effectively.
- Building a Portfolio to Showcase Your Skills: Developing projects that solve real-world problems and showcasing them in a portfolio can help you demonstrate your coding abilities to potential employers.
Pricing:
Free to Enroll
How to Enroll in the “Learn Coding and Become a Software Developer – A Step-by-Step Framework” on Skillshare?
- Step 1) Head over to the Skillshare course page using the link.
- Step 2) Tap the “Join for Free” button to create an account with your email, or sign up using Google or Facebook.
- Step 3) After joining, search for “Learn Coding and Become a Software Developer – A Step-by-Step Framework” on the Skillshare platform and start your learning experience.
Pros
Cons
4) Essentials of Software Engineering (edX)
Specs: Provider: edX | Duration: 10 Weeks (5-7 hours per week) | Level: Intermediate | Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Essentials of Software Engineering has proven to be a great way for beginners and intermediate learners to advance their skills. I was able to deepen my understanding of software development processes through carefully structured programming assignments in JAVA. This course not only provided me with essential knowledge but also sharpened my coding abilities. I particularly appreciated the clear and straightforward approach, which made learning more efficient. Computer science students excelled academically by applying the knowledge gained from the Essentials of Software Engineering course to their projects.
This is one of the best software engineering courses that would teach you various concepts relating to your code’s security, performance, and stability. You are provided with state-of-the-art terms designed by some of the most experienced and well-known course instructors. The instructors of this course include CS Professor Bernd Bruegge, scientific researcher Stephan Krushe, and research assistant Andreas Seitz.
The course is structured into weekly lectures, taught at an instructor-led pace. Upon completion, you receive a course certificate to enhance your resume and improve job prospects. Weekly multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop exercises, and more help solidify concepts. Additionally, the course offers guidance on writing quality code that meets industry standards.
What Will You Learn?
- Object-Oriented Programming: Object-Oriented Programming helps you design software by structuring code into objects, allowing for modular, reusable, and maintainable components.
- Agile Methods and Prototyping: Agile methodologies aim to prioritize flexibility, and prototyping allows you to rapidly test ideas and features, reducing development time and improving project outcomes.
- Software Configuration Management: I paid attention to software configuration management in order to keep track of code changes, maintain stability, and avoid integration issues during development.
- Unified Modeling Language (UML): UML diagrams are essential for representing system components visually, providing a clear guide for software developers, and aligning stakeholders on project goals.
- Project Management and Organization: Effective project management is a great option to guide teams through the complexities of software development, helping with scheduling and task delegation.
- Patterns for Different Phases of a Software Project: Identifying patterns for specific project phases helps you navigate the complexities of software development, ensuring smooth transitions from planning to execution.
Pricing:
Free to Enroll
How to Enroll in the Software Engineering Essentials Course on edX?
- Step 1) Head over to the Software Engineering Essentials course page on edX
- Step 2) Tap the “Enroll Now” button, and create an account using your email, or log in if you already have an account.
- Step 3) Once enrolled, start your learning experience with the Software Engineering Essentials course content.
Pros
Cons
5) IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Certificate Course (Coursera)
Specs: Provider: Coursera | Duration: 3 Months (10 Hours a week) | Level: Beginner
When I went through the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Certificate Course, I was able to grasp key concepts like Agile methodologies, Scrum, and CI/CD effectively. The course provides a great opportunity to learn not just theory, but also practical skills through its well-designed assignments. The integration of real-world projects ensures that you are job-ready by the end. In my experience, it’s one of the most effective ways to gain proficiency in DevOps and software engineering concepts. These days, aspiring software engineers are using this course to gain hands-on experience in CI/CD practices.
You would receive a certificate from IBM upon successful course completion. With the growing demand for cloud computing, software engineering courses online like this are ideal for learning the workings of cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, etc. This course is taught by the top 9 instructors from IBM.
This course offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to learn at your own pace and manage your time freely. Available in English with native subtitles in German, French, Spanish, Korean, and more, it also provides valuable resources such as resume reviews, interview preparation materials, and career support to help you succeed.
What Will You Learn?
- Develop a DevOps Mindset: Developing a DevOps mindset helps you focus on collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement, which are essential for succeeding in cloud-native software engineering.
- Practice Agile Philosophy & Scrum Methodology: I realized that Agile practices help foster adaptability, while Scrum’s iterative approach ensures that teams stay on track and deliver value quickly and efficiently.
- Create Applications with Python: I learned how Python’s flexibility, with its functions and extensive libraries, makes it the easiest way to build robust applications for a variety of use cases.
- Build Applications with Microservices & Containers: Using microservices and containerization technologies like Docker ensures that your application is easily scalable and maintainable in distributed environments.
- Employ Automation and CI/CD Tools: Automation tools such as Tekton and Travis help streamline the continuous integration and deployment pipeline, reducing errors and improving overall software quality.
Pricing:
Free to Enroll
How to Enroll in the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate on Coursera?
- Step 1) Head over to the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate page on Coursera
- Step 2) Tap the “Enroll for Free” button and create an account with your email, or log in if you already have an account.
- Step 3) Start your learning journey by diving into the DevOps and Software Engineering content, including hands-on projects and lab exercises designed to equip you with key DevOps skills and tools.
Pros
Cons
6) IBM Full Stack Software Engineering Professional Certificate (Coursera)
Specs: Provider: Coursera | Duration: 4 Months (10 hours a week) | Level: Beginner | Free Trial: Yes, 7 Days
IBM Full Stack Software Engineering Professional Certificate from Coursera offers a comprehensive curriculum that allows you to dive into in-demand skills. I found that it offers a perfect balance between front-end and back-end learning. From mastering React and Django to deploying applications on the cloud, this program provides hands-on projects that are great for building a real-world portfolio. During my research, I noticed that the skills learned are highly applicable to the current job market. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for anyone aiming to enter the software development field. Developers often rely on the cloud-native development skills from this course to deploy scalable applications using technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
It provides you with resources to become job-ready with complementary free access to IBM’s People and Soft Skills Specialization. Their robust resume review helps you to improve your resume and LinkedIn profile to be better aligned for securing a job. This course is taught by 9 of the IBM’s most skillful full-stack developers.
Upon completion, you’ll earn a valuable IBM certificate that can boost your job prospects. The course offers English audio with subtitles in French, Italian, German, Russian, and more. With Coursera’s job search guide, you can plan your career. The flexible schedule allows you to learn at your own pace while applying skills to an Applied AI and Python project.
What Will You Learn?
- Front-End Development Tools: You will master front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with tools such as React and Bootstrap, which allows you to create interactive websites.
- Back-End Programming Languages: You will program dynamic web applications using back-end frameworks like Node.js, Express, and Python, which helps you develop robust server-side functionality.
- Deploy and Scale Applications: I found that deploying applications with Kubernetes and Cloud Native tools such as Serverless Functions helps ensure your applications scale efficiently and are easily manageable.
- GitHub Portfolio Development: Building a GitHub portfolio through multiple labs and hands-on projects helps you show your practical expertise in full stack cloud development to potential employers.
Pricing:
Free to Enroll
How to Enroll in the IBM Full Stack Cloud Developer Professional Certificate on Coursera?
- Step 1) Head over to the IBM Full Stack Cloud Developer Professional Certificate course page on Coursera
- Step 2) Tap the “Enroll for Free” button and create an account with your email, or log in if you already have one.
- Step 3) Start your learning journey by diving into the hands-on projects and the Full Stack Cloud Developer course content, which covers both front-end and back-end technologies for cloud-native applications.
Pros
Cons
7) Software Development Processes (Udacity)
Specs: Provider: Udacity | Duration: 3 Months | Level: Intermediate
I’ve had the opportunity to evaluate Software Development Processes from Udacity, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most effective ways to learn fundamental software engineering principles. The course is well-structured, offering clear explanations of Agile practices. In my experience, it helped me develop a much-needed understanding of the workflow in software teams. I particularly appreciate how hands-on and interactive the content is, which makes learning engaging. The practical exercises and quizzes made me feel more confident in applying the knowledge immediately. Development teams that utilize Agile methods from courses like this report a faster pace of development and more streamlined project management. Businesses often recommend this course to junior engineers who need a solid foundation before taking on complex development projects.
It includes various examples to help you better understand some difficult concepts. Alex Orso and Sarah Spikes from the Georgia Institute of Technology teach this course. It was made keeping in mind the needs of the employers. Moreover, you will be provided interviews with industrial experts, including guidance, pro tips, and advice for growing as a software engineer.
This course allows you to learn and work at your own pace, offering complete flexibility in when you study. It helps familiarize you with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for coding and provides various activities and tasks, giving you hands-on experience that will be crucial in real-world job scenarios.
What Will You Learn?
- Agile Software Developer Program: You will gain comprehensive knowledge of Agile methodologies and software development frameworks, which are essential to becoming a successful Agile software developer.
- Foundations of Agile & Frameworks: I learned how the foundations of Agile, including various frameworks like Scrum and Kanban, form the core of efficient and adaptable software development practices.
- Delivering Value with Agile Planning: You will understand how to prioritize and plan effectively using Agile techniques, ensuring that you deliver high-value software features at every iteration.
- Progress, Communication, & Agility: You will explore how maintaining effective communication, tracking progress, and fostering organizational agility are crucial for successful Agile implementation in software development.
Pricing:
$203 per month
How to Enroll in the Agile Software Development Nanodegree on Udacity?
- Step 1) Head over to the Agile Software Development Nanodegree course page on Udacity
- Step 2) Tap the “Enroll” button to create an account with your email or log in if you already have one.
- Step 3) Once enrolled, dive into the course and start your learning journey with the content focused on agile methodologies and software development principles.
Pros
Cons
8) The Essential Types of Software Development & Engineering (Udemy)
Specs: Provider: Udemy | Duration: 1 hour and 13 minutes | Level: Intermediate
The Essential Types of Software Development & Engineering (Udemy) is one of the most intuitive courses I have come across. I particularly liked how it focuses on software testing, a critical aspect of development that is often overlooked. By enrolling in this course, I was able to grasp core principles from a leading industry expert like Jon Peck. For anyone aiming to master the various types of software development, this course is a top choice. It offers excellent certification that can boost your professional credibility.
This ideal software development course teaches penetration testing apps, APIs, servers, web services. You will also be taught test management and get guidance tips from the best industry experts. You will also be taught how to create secure and efficient programs compliant with all the testing standards.
Earn a course completion certificate that can be easily linked to your LinkedIn profile, downloaded as a PDF, and added to your CV. The program also provides real-world case studies to help you deepen your understanding of software engineering concepts and apply them to practical scenarios, enhancing your skills.
What Will You Learn?
- Types of Software Development: You will learn about various software development types, each tailored to different needs, and how they contribute to building functional and efficient systems.
- Types of Software Engineering: I found that understanding the different types of software engineering helps you specialize in specific fields such as systems engineering, application development, or embedded systems.
- Tools and Technologies: You will explore the wide range of tools and technologies used in software development, helping you choose the best ones for each type of project.
- Skills and Programming Languages: Mastering different programming languages and skills like Java, Python, and DevOps tools helps you excel in diverse software development environments and meet industry demands.
- Future of Software Development: The future of software development is evolving rapidly, with emerging trends like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing shaping the way software is built and deployed.
- Types of Software Developer: You will learn about different types of software developers, such as front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers, and how to determine which type best suits your career goals.
Pricing:
$9.35 per month
How to Enroll in the Types of Software Development Engineering Masterclass 2023?
- Step 1) Head over to the course page on Udemy: Types of Software Development Engineering Masterclass 2023.
- Step 2) Click the “Buy Now” or “Enroll Now” button, and create an account (or log in) with your email or social media account.
- Step 3) Complete your payment (if required) and start learning by accessing the course content.
Pros
Cons
Will a software engineering course help you in getting a job?
Yes, the best online coding courses are meticulously designed with the needs of the industry in mind. You will learn the skills and knowledge that employers consider valuable for various roles. These courses can help software engineers sharpen their existing skills or learn new skills from the convenience of their homes.
How Did We Choose BEST Software Engineering Courses?
At Guru99, we are committed to providing credible, objective, and up-to-date information. Our team spent over 110 hours analyzing more than 60 online software engineering courses to identify the most valuable options. These carefully selected courses offer industry-recognized certifications, clear pricing, balanced pros and cons, and practical insights to help professionals grow. With a strong focus on faculty expertise, current curriculum standards, and real-world outcomes, each course is designed to support long-term career development. We focus on the following factors while reviewing a tool based on.
- Curriculum Relevance: We chose based on alignment with real-world technologies and frameworks most employers currently require.
- Instructor Expertise: The experts in our team selected courses led by professionals with proven academic and industry credentials.
- Career Outcomes: Our team chose programs with strong hiring rates, internship pipelines, and alumni working at major companies.
- Hands-on Practice: We made sure to shortlist courses that include practical coding assignments and project-based learning modules.
- Platform Support: We considered platforms offering hassle-free setup, great community support, and access to updated resources.
- Student Feedback: We evaluated ratings and reviews to ensure high satisfaction and consistent quality across multiple learning cohorts.
Verdict:
In this review, you have been introduced to some of the top software engineering courses available. Each of these courses offers unique features that suit different levels and goals, whether you’re just starting out or looking to hone your skills. Here’s my analysis:
- Software Development Cycle Specialization (Coursera): This is an excellent course for those looking for a comprehensive, hands-on approach. It dives deep into software development practices and agile methodologies, offering a robust curriculum with practical projects.
- Software Engineering 101 (Udemy): A solid beginner course that breaks down software development principles in a way that anyone can understand. It is ideal for those who want to start from scratch with no prior experience in programming.
- Learn Coding and Become a Software Developer (Skillshare): For those with some coding background, this course offers a practical, step-by-step framework for mastering software development, with the added benefit of covering multiple programming paradigms.
