George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Embedded Systems Development
(T415)
Program Details
New- Program Code: T415
- Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
- Duration: 2 semesters
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: January
- Domestic Tuition: $6,732.00 *
- International Tuition: $19,570.00 **
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Suspended | Suspended |
| Winter 2027 | Open | Open |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
- PGWP Eligible: Yes
- CIP Code: 15.1201
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown Polytechnic is among the first colleges in Ontario to deliver a focused graduate certificate program in Embedded Systems, designed in collaboration with industry to address the growing demand for embedded and IoT professionals.
Program Overview
Embedded systems power today’s smart devices, from wearables and robotics to autonomous vehicles. This hands-on program develops your expertise in hardware and software integration, real-time systems, and embedded programming. Through labs, projects, and a final applied capstone, you will gain practical skills guided by industry-experienced faculty to prepare you for careers in this fast-growing field.
Full Description
Embedded systems are at the core of modern technology, from smart appliances and wearable devices to advanced robotics and autonomous vehicles. This intensive program equips you with expertise in hardware/software integration, real-time operating systems, embedded programming, and communication protocols.
You will engage in hands-on learning through labs, projects, and a final applied capstone, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges in a rapidly evolving field. Faculty with deep industry experience provide mentorship and support, ensuring that you are ready to enter a competitive workforce.
Your Field Education Options
You will complete an applied project or industry-based capstone in your final semester. Opportunities to connect with industry include guest lectures, case studies, and collaborative initiatives with George Brown's industry partners.
General Computer Requirements
Laptop computer with the following minimum specs: Intel i5 (or equivalent), 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD, Windows 10 or later.
Program Specific Computer Requirements
- Access to an external microcontroller development board (e.g., Arduino, ARM Cortex, Raspberry Pi).
- USB interface cables and basic electronics toolkit (breadboards, resistors, sensors).
- Installed IDEs and compilers as specified by faculty (e.g., Keil, Eclipse, GCC toolchains).
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Embedded systems professionals are in high demand across industries such as automotive, telecommunications, consumer electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, and IoT. As products become increasingly “smart” and connected, the need for embedded systems specialists continues to grow.
Educational Pathways
Graduates may pursue further studies in related graduate certificates (AI, Robotics, IoT) or may continue toward computer engineering or applied computer science degree programs.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ESD 4000 | Introduction to Embedded Systems |
| ESD 4001 | Microcontroller Architecture and Programming |
| ESD 4002 | Circuits and Signal Processing for Embedded Systems |
| ESD 4003 | Embedded Systems Communications |
| ESD 4004 | Design Principles for Embedded Applications |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ESD 4005 | Advanced Embedded Systems |
| ESD 4006 | Real-Time Systems and Kernel Architecture |
| ESD 4007 | Cybersecurity for Embedded Technologies |
| ESD 4008 | Ethics and Governance |
| ESD 4009 | Embedded Systems Capstone Project |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Design and program embedded systems using C/C++ and assembly language.
- Implement and configure real-time operating systems.
- Integrate sensors, actuators, and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN).
- Develop embedded solutions for IoT devices and applications.
- Apply testing, debugging, and optimization techniques for performance and reliability.
- Work collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions on time and within scope.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$6,732.00 *
International Tuition
$19,570.00 **
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
**Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent in computer engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, mechatronics, robotics, computer science, computer systems, or a closely related field.
Applicants should have prior experience with programming (C or C++ preferred) and a basic background in digital logic, circuits, or microcontroller concepts.
Familiarity with Linux or Python is considered an asset.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Computer Technology
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287
Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca
The office hours are:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Associate Dean: Albert Danison
Email: albert.danison@georgebrown.ca
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
The Embedded Systems Development program is offered through our School of Computer Technology from our Casa Loma Campus at 160 Kendal Avenue in Toronto. Sign up for an information session or campus tour to learn more about George Brown Polytechnic and the program. You can also explore our virtual tour.
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown Polytechnic is among the first colleges in Ontario to deliver a focused graduate certificate program in Embedded Systems, designed in collaboration with industry to address the growing demand for embedded and IoT professionals.
Program Overview
Embedded systems power today’s smart devices, from wearables and robotics to autonomous vehicles. This hands-on program develops your expertise in hardware and software integration, real-time systems, and embedded programming. Through labs, projects, and a final applied capstone, you will gain practical skills guided by industry-experienced faculty to prepare you for careers in this fast-growing field.
Full Description
Embedded systems are at the core of modern technology, from smart appliances and wearable devices to advanced robotics and autonomous vehicles. This intensive program equips you with expertise in hardware/software integration, real-time operating systems, embedded programming, and communication protocols.
You will engage in hands-on learning through labs, projects, and a final applied capstone, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges in a rapidly evolving field. Faculty with deep industry experience provide mentorship and support, ensuring that you are ready to enter a competitive workforce.
Your Field Education Options
You will complete an applied project or industry-based capstone in your final semester. Opportunities to connect with industry include guest lectures, case studies, and collaborative initiatives with George Brown's industry partners.
General Computer Requirements
Laptop computer with the following minimum specs: Intel i5 (or equivalent), 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD, Windows 10 or later.
Program Specific Computer Requirements
- Access to an external microcontroller development board (e.g., Arduino, ARM Cortex, Raspberry Pi).
- USB interface cables and basic electronics toolkit (breadboards, resistors, sensors).
- Installed IDEs and compilers as specified by faculty (e.g., Keil, Eclipse, GCC toolchains).
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Embedded systems professionals are in high demand across industries such as automotive, telecommunications, consumer electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, and IoT. As products become increasingly “smart” and connected, the need for embedded systems specialists continues to grow.
Educational Pathways
Graduates may pursue further studies in related graduate certificates (AI, Robotics, IoT) or may continue toward computer engineering or applied computer science degree programs.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ESD 4000 | Introduction to Embedded Systems |
| ESD 4001 | Microcontroller Architecture and Programming |
| ESD 4002 | Circuits and Signal Processing for Embedded Systems |
| ESD 4003 | Embedded Systems Communications |
| ESD 4004 | Design Principles for Embedded Applications |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ESD 4005 | Advanced Embedded Systems |
| ESD 4006 | Real-Time Systems and Kernel Architecture |
| ESD 4007 | Cybersecurity for Embedded Technologies |
| ESD 4008 | Ethics and Governance |
| ESD 4009 | Embedded Systems Capstone Project |
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$6,732.00 *
International Tuition
$19,570.00 **
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
**Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent in computer engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, mechatronics, robotics, computer science, computer systems, or a closely related field.
Applicants should have prior experience with programming (C or C++ preferred) and a basic background in digital logic, circuits, or microcontroller concepts.
Familiarity with Linux or Python is considered an asset.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Design and program embedded systems using C/C++ and assembly language.
- Implement and configure real-time operating systems.
- Integrate sensors, actuators, and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN).
- Develop embedded solutions for IoT devices and applications.
- Apply testing, debugging, and optimization techniques for performance and reliability.
- Work collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions on time and within scope.
Contact Us
School of Computer Technology
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287
Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca
The office hours are:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Associate Dean: Albert Danison
Email: albert.danison@georgebrown.ca
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
The Embedded Systems Development program is offered through our School of Computer Technology from our Casa Loma Campus at 160 Kendal Avenue in Toronto. Sign up for an information session or campus tour to learn more about George Brown Polytechnic and the program. You can also explore our virtual tour.
Visit Casa Loma Campus
Book campus tourVisit Casa Loma Campus
Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:
- Campus Facilities
- Student Services
- Applied Learning Environments
- Labs & Classrooms