Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Autonomous Systems 

One truly interdisciplinary degree under the heading of artificial intelligence is a master’s degree in robotics and autonomous systems. This type of degree involves a variety of disciplines such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Degree titles might not be as straightforward. While some schools offer a master’s degree in robotics and/or autonomous systems, others title them differently. Examples include Master of Science in Systems Engineering-Robotics, Master of Science in Robotic Science Automation, and Master of Science in Autonomous, Intelligent Systems and Machines.

Students studying Robotics in College

Glossary

In order to understand what is encompassed in a master’s degree program in robotics and autonomous systems, it helps to be familiar with certain key terms.

Autonomous Systems

Any application or device that can replicate the behavior of humans without human control is an autonomous system. Examples include self-driving cars. An autonomous system may be physical or virtual.

Robotics

Robotics describes how autonomous systems are developed and designed. Disciplines involved in robotics include software engineering, math, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Robotics encompasses the physical parts of an autonomous system and the software that is guided by artificial intelligence that controls the behavior. 

Artificial Intelligence

The theory behind the control of autonomous systems is known as artificial intelligence. Various types of artificial intelligence that can be utilized in robotics include cognitive systems, machine learning, and computer vision control.

What is a Master’s Degree in Robotics and Autonomous Systems Programs?

As robots are progressively becoming parts of our everyday lives, the robotics industry is projected to continue to grow, putting holders of master’s degrees in robotics and autonomous systems in a great position when it comes to finding employment. Robotics and autonomous systems are increasingly becoming more important in a variety of industries, such as health care, defense, aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing.

What Admissions Requirements Must be Met for a Master’s Degree Program in Robotics and Autonomous Systems Programs?

Possessing a bachelor’s degree in math, science, engineering, or computer science is ideal for anyone who wants to study for a master’s degree in robotics and autonomous systems programs. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is usually necessary. Some schools require students to pass the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) prior to admission. Skills that you should already have before applying to a master’s program in robotics and autonomous systems programs include knowledge of programming languages (Python, Java, C, C++) and keen analytical skills.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Robotics and Autonomous Systems Programs?

An average of 30 credits are typically found in a master’s degree program in robotics and autonomous systems. This takes two years to complete if you attend school on a full-time basis. 

What Skills Are Taught in a Master’s in Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program?

Because a robotics and autonomous systems program encompasses a variety of disciplines, those skills are all involved in a master’s degree program. It is expected that students will already have mathematical skills, an understanding of computer algorithms, good perception skills, and mechanical and electrical engineering skills. Since a robotics and autonomous systems degree program is very skill-dependent, much of the study will consist of hands-on experiences that reinforce theories learned in the classroom. 

What Courses Make Up a Master’s in Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program?

Coursework in a robotics and autonomous systems master’s degree program are diverse, as would be expected in an interdisciplinary program. Depending upon the school, courses may include:

  • Computer science
  • Machine learning
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Robot design and analysis
  • Robot programming
  • Ethics in robotics and autonomous systems programs
  • Modeling for engineering systems

Master’s degree programs in robotics generally offer students either a project track or a thesis track. Both involve research, and project tracks usually also involve design and development. The thesis track involves writing and, sometimes, presenting research. Thesis tracks are typically best for those who intend to continue their studies or research in the field, while a project track is suited to students who wish to work in robotics after graduation.

Where Can I Work with a Master’s Degree in Robotics and Autonomous Systems Programs? 

Being an interdisciplinary degree, a master’s degree in robotics and autonomous systems can lend itself to jobs within a variety of industries. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Healthcare
  • Defense
  • Aerospace
  • Transportation
  • Manufacturing
  • Software
  • Research 

Examples of Schools with Master’s Programs in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Both online and on-campus programs in robotics and autonomous systems are offered at the master’s degree level. Below are some programs available as of 2023 (certificate and doctoral degree programs will be explored elsewhere within this site):

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

  • Capitol Technology University, Washington, DC
    • Master of Research in Artificial Intelligence
    • Master of Science in Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Maryland

  • Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
    • Master of Science in Engineering: Robotics, Systems Modeling, Dynamics, and Control
    • Online program available
  • University of Maryland, College Park, MD
    • Master of Science in Engineering: Robotics
    • Online program available

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri 

Nevada

New Jersey 

New York

North Carolina

  • Duke University, Durham, NC
    • Master of Science in Autonomous, Intelligent Systems & Machines
    • Master of Engineering in Autonomous, Intelligent Systems & Machines

Ohio

  • Kent State University, Kent, OH
    • Master of Science in Mechatronics Engineering 
  • Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
    • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering: Automotive Systems and Mobility 
  • University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
    • Master of Engineering in Robotics and Intelligent Autonomous Systems
    • Online program available 

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

  • Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
    • Master of Science in Robotics
  • Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
    • Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomy
    • Online program
  • University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
    • Master of Science in Engineering- Robotics- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 
    • Master of Science in Design – Robotics and Autonomous Systems
  • Widener University, Chester, PA
    • Master of Science in Robotics Engineering

South Dakota

Texas

  • Rice University, Houston, TX
    • Master of Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
    • Online program
  • Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
    • Master of Science in Mechatronics Engineering: Robotics and Mechatronics

Utah

Virginia

Washington