What is software architecture?

Software architecture describes a computing system or program's structure, as well as the decisions that are made about how software systems are organized and how structural elements are selected. It integrates elements like object-oriented analysis and design, web service, and representational state transfer (REST), to create software applications and systems that are flexible and reusable. There are five patterns in software architecture, including layered, event-driven, microkernel, microservices, and space-based.

What benefits will I gain if I learn software architecture?

Learning software architecture is essential for building systems that will last. You'll discover techniques for building software that's flexible and scalable all while making informed design decisions that allow you to execute safer, faster, better software and for less money. You'll receive training in programming, systems design and development operations, all of which allow you to progress in your career or enter a new industry. You'll get skills in software development and gain the ability to execute solutions and lead a team of software engineers.

What are typical careers that use software architecture?

Typically, software architects study software architecture. There's a fair amount of variance in the titles you'll see. Other job titles you might encounter include application architects, enterprise architects, solutions architects, and technical architects. For some, it's the next step in their careers after becoming a senior developer. For anyone who wants to enter the field directly, there are entry-level positions to get you started. Software architects commonly work in an office environment, although you may have remote work opportunities available to you as well. If this is a career you're interested in, expect to spend the majority of your work time sitting in front of a computer.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in software architecture?

People ideally suited for working in software architecture have a mixture of solid technical skills and leadership qualities because working in software architecture requires taking the technical lead on projects. While project managers deal with resources and scheduling, the software architect makes technical decisions, organizes the team, and contributes to planning activities around the architecture. Other traits that are useful to have include design skills, programming skills, and a background in or a good understanding of the software development process. Having knowledge of the business domain is also helpful since it provides insight into the requirements that will have to be considered to create solutions that best solve the problem.

What are the benefits of taking an online Software Architecture course?

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

What Software Architecture courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Software Architecture, 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 .

Top Software Architecture Courses - Learn Software Architecture Online

Explore the Software Architecture Course Catalog

University of Colorado System
Software Design Threats and Mitigations
Skills you'll gain: Application Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Software Design, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Management, Secure Coding, Software Design Patterns, Software Architecture, Software Visualization, DevSecOps, Cryptography, Cybersecurity, Blockchain
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
93 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of New Mexico
Web Application Development: Basic Concepts
Skills you'll gain: Web Applications, Full-Stack Web Development, Git (Version Control System), Software Architecture, User Interface (UI), Agile Software Development, Application Frameworks, Ajax, User Interface (UI) Design, Model View Controller, Databases, Relational Databases, Software Development, Software Design Patterns, Javascript, Network Protocols
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
183 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Data Visualization, Shiny (R Package), Data Wrangling, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Visualization, Relational Databases, Big Data, Ggplot2, Database Design, Data Analysis, Data Mining, Dashboard, Excel Formulas, Data Manipulation, Web Scraping, Microsoft Excel
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
27K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM Data Management
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Data Warehousing, SQL, Data Presentation, Data Governance, Data Security, Data Migration, Database Design, Data Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Descriptive Statistics, Data Mining, Cloud Storage, Data Visualization Software, Extract, Transform, Load, IBM DB2, Data Management, MySQL, Excel Formulas
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
16K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM AI Foundations for Business
Skills you'll gain: Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Big Data, Information Architecture, Strategic Decision-Making, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis, Data Science, Deep Learning, Digital Transformation, Data Strategy, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Artificial Neural Networks, Business Strategy, Business Process Automation, ChatGPT
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
91K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Software Engineering: Software Design and Project Management
Skills you'll gain: Software Design Patterns, Systems Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Quality Assurance, Engineering Software, Software Design, Process Driven Development, Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Systems Development, Systems Analysis, Software Design Documents, Object Oriented Design, Systems Design, Maintainability, Systems Architecture, Unified Modeling Language
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
137 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
IBM IT Scrum Master
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Agile Software Development, User Story, Sprint Retrospectives, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Kanban Principles, Development Environment, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Hardware, Agile Project Management, Software Architecture, Software Design, Sprint Planning, Cloud Computing, Backlogs, Cloud-Native Computing, Programming Principles, Scrum (Software Development)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
8.6K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Introduction to Data Science
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Jupyter, Data Mining, Data Modeling, Databases, Data Science, Stored Procedure, Relational Databases, R Programming, Database Design, Query Languages, Database Management, Big Data, Computer Programming Tools, GitHub, Data Visualization Software, Application Deployment, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
97K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado System
Software Design as an Abstraction
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Software Design, Usability Testing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Databases, Software Architecture, Software Design Patterns, Systems Design, Application Security, Design Strategies, Operating Systems
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
134 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, SQL, Descriptive Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistics, Data Visualization, Databases, Stored Procedure, Web Scraping, Relational Databases, R Programming, Automation, Computer Programming Tools, GitHub, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
70K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Data Engineering Foundations
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Web Scraping, Database Design, MySQL, Data Transformation, Extract, Transform, Load, IBM DB2, Relational Databases, Data Architecture, Jupyter, Data Pipelines, Big Data, Database Management, Data Warehousing, Data Governance, Databases, Stored Procedure, Data Manipulation, Automation, Python Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
54K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
EIT Digital
Architecting Smart IoT Devices
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Systems Architecture, Debugging, Computer Architecture, System Programming, Internet Of Things, Application Security, General Networking, Wireless Networks, Operating Systems, Performance Tuning, System Configuration, Hardware Troubleshooting, Real Time Data
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
335 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months