PCB Design Fundamentals: From Discovery to Production
Design the PCBs that power the future.
100% online
40 hours to complete
Xpedition by Siemens
Career network
Engineer next-gen electronics and transform your career.
We are in the middle of a massive global physical electronics expansion. Between the rise of AI infrastructure, electric vehicles, medical tech and initiatives like the CHIPS Act driving domestic manufacturing, the demand for electronics is exploding.
But companies are hitting a bottleneck: they cannot find enough professionals who know how to take a concept and turn it into a physical, manufacturable board. This isn't unique to electronics. According to a 2023 Boston Consulting Group study, one in three engineering jobs goes unfulfilled across the US. The gap is especially acute in hardware design, where many employers aren't just looking for degrees: they are desperately searching for talent fluent in modern Electronic Design Automation (EDA) workflows.
Train on the tools the industry actually uses
To get hired, you need to prove you can do the work. This program is designed to give you that practical experience, focusing on hands-on skills rather than just theory. That is why Arizona State University has partnered directly with Siemens EDA to create a new, hands-on microcredential program.
You won't just be studying electronics; you will be actively designing them using Xpedition software by Siemens. This is industry-leading software trusted by the world's top aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, and consumer technology companies.
Program details at a glance
Certificate cost: $899 introductory rate
Format: 100% online, self-paced
Time commitment: ~40 hours total (includes four 10-hour courses)
Credential: Professional Certificate from ASU and Microcredential from Siemens
Prerequisites: None required
Direct connection to employers
Earning this microcredential doesn't just build your skills—it builds your network. Graduates who successfully complete their badges may build out their profile to be added to a Siemens-specific talent database, putting you directly in front of Siemens customers and top tech companies actively hiring for these specific workflows
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A complete, production-ready skillset
Our certificate is broken down into four stackable courses that mirror the actual lifecycle of professional board design. You will learn how to speak the language of IPC standards, capture schematics, route physical layouts and run strict Design for Manufacturability (DFM) checks to ensure your board succeeds on the production floor.
Course 4: PCB Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Verification
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Who is this program for?
Engineering students and recent graduates looking to add applied, employer-recognized software skills to their resume to stand out in the job market.
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Transitioning professionals wanting to move from mechanical, systems or manufacturing roles into lucrative electronics design.
Technicians and tech enthusiasts seeking a credential from a pioneering leader in digital workforce transformation to get their foot in the door.
FAQs
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How is the program delivered?
The program is delivered through pre-recorded lectures and self-paced learning modules. Content is organized into a structured sequence, and learners must complete each module before unlocking the next. This approach helps build skills progressively and reinforces key concepts throughout the program.
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Are the lectures live or recorded?
All lectures and learning materials are pre-recorded, allowing learners to access content on their own schedule and learn at their own pace.
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Will I have access to all course content immediately?
No. Course content is released module by module. Learners must complete each module before gaining access to the next, ensuring a guided and effective learning experience
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Can I ask questions or receive support during the program?
While the program does not include direct access to instructors, learners can contact the program support team for assistance with questions, technical issues, or other concerns. We will help address inquiries or connect learners with the appropriate resources.
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Is there a learner community or discussion forum?
At this time, the program does not include a discussion forum or community platform for interaction with other learners or alumni.
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Is PCB design software included with the program?
Yes. Learners receive access to an Xpedition software license as part of the program. All hands-on exercises and labs are completed using Xpedition within the Skillable learning environment.
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How long does it take to complete the program?
The program includes approximately 40 hours of learning content. Most learners complete it within three months, though the self-paced format allows participants to move faster or take additional time based on their schedules and learning goals.
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What is the expected weekly time commitment?
Because the program is self-paced, weekly time commitments vary. Most learners who complete the program in three months spend approximately 3–4 hours per week on coursework and hands-on activities.
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Is there a payment plan for this program?
No. Instead of a payment plan, you can enroll in and pay for each course individually. After successfully completing all four micro-credentials, you will automatically earn the Professional Certificate.