Online Master’s in Robotics

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

An Online Master’s in Robotics Program offers a comprehensive exploration of the field’s interdisciplinary nature, encompassing Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering. Beyond technical aspects, it extends into design principles and psychology, providing a holistic understanding. Students delve into the intricacies of machine development, gaining the skills to create innovative robots that serve as effective substitutes for various human activities. This program not only equips graduates with technical proficiency but also fosters a deep appreciation for robotics’s societal and psychological dimensions.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in a Robotics Program

The curriculum in a Master’s in Robotics Program is carefully designed to help students deeply understand advanced robotics concepts and technologies. It covers both theory and hands-on applications, developing skills in designing, programming, and implementing robotic systems. The goal is to prepare graduates for diverse roles in the dynamic field of robotics. 

The curriculum of programs may differ from school to school; however, some standard core courses may be part of the coursework, including:

Dynamics, Navigation, Decision, and Control: This course explores Dynamics, Navigation, Decision, and Control, providing a comprehensive exploration of the complex interrelation between these crucial aspects. Students gain a deep understanding of how robotic systems dynamically navigate environments and make decisions, enhancing their expertise in the field.

Perception and Cognitive Systems: This course explores designing sophisticated perception, reasoning, and cognitive systems. It focuses on interpreting vast amounts of data from sensory systems, including images, video, depth maps, optical flow, and movements, enhancing understanding and application of perception and cognitive processes in autonomous systems.

Autonomous Systems: This course explores designing autonomous systems, encompassing kinetic and non-kinetic robotic systems. Students learn to create robots that can perceive themselves and their surroundings, interpret perceptions, devise action plans, execute goals, and conduct checks to assess changes, providing comprehensive insights into autonomous system development.

Human-robot and Robot-Robot Teaming: This robotics course emphasizes the design of autonomous systems capable of addressing challenges related to ethical and socially acceptable human-robot and robot-robot teaming. It covers creating systems that navigate complex ecosystems of intelligent entities, such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities, with emergent and unpredictable behaviors.

General Robotics: The General Robotics course provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of the field, covering fundamental principles, theories, and practical applications. Students explore diverse topics, gaining insights into robotic technologies’ broad spectrum, functionalities, and potential applications across industries.

A student gains several abilities from a master’s in robotics, including:

• Advanced Programming: Proficiency in coding languages, algorithms, and software development for robotic systems.
• Robotics Systems Design: Ability to design, model, and analyze complex robotic systems for various applications.
• Machine Learning and AI: Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to enhance robotic capabilities.
• Sensing and Perception: Understanding and implementing sensor technologies for environmental perception in robotics.
• Control Systems: Expertise in designing control algorithms to govern the behavior and movement of robotic systems.
• Kinematics and Dynamics: In-depth knowledge of the motion and forces involved in robotic systems.
• Human-Robot Interaction: Skills in designing and implementing interfaces for effective collaboration between humans and robots.
• Autonomous Systems: Capability to develop and deploy robotic systems capable of autonomous decision-making and action.
• Robotics Ethics: Understanding ethical considerations in designing, deploying, and using robotic technologies.
• Project Management: Skills in planning, executing, and managing complex robotics projects.

Online Master’s in Robotics Degree Types

The types of degrees offered in a Master’s in Robotics program can vary across institutions. However, common degree types include Master of Science (M.S.) in Robotics and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Robotics. Each degree type may emphasize different aspects of robotics, ranging from theoretical foundations to practical applications and engineering solutions. Exploring specific program offerings is important to determine the most suitable degree type for individual career goals and interests.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Robotics

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Robotics is a graduate program exploring robotics’s advanced principles and applications. It emphasizes theoretical knowledge, research, and innovation, preparing students to tackle complex challenges in the field. Graduates gain a deep understanding of robotics concepts and emerging technologies.

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Robotics

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Robotics is a professional graduate program focusing on practical skills and applications in robotics. It is designed to equip students with the expertise needed for hands-on engineering roles, emphasizing real-world problem-solving and implementation in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test commonly needed for admission to various master’s programs in the United States. Nevertheless, a growing number of colleges are opting to waive the GRE requirement entirely. After the pandemic, specific institutions have opted to make the GRE optional for the present and future academic years. The John Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering ³ is an excellent example of a university offering an online robotics master’s program with no GRE requirement.

Accreditation is a method used for authenticating the programs offered by the institutes. When planning to enroll for an online master’s in Robotics, it is a must to go for accredited programs. The accreditation process validates that the institute’s curriculum follows the standards laid by the agency, ensuring quality education.

The following are some of the agencies that accredit Online Master’s in Robotics:

• Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA) ⁴
  ARTiBA accreditation is a flagship agency that helps universities, colleges, and programs to reach benchmark quality in learning, teaching, and researching Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.  ⁵
  ABET is acknowledged by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) ^6, a nationally recognized entity facilitating monitoring accreditation processes and acknowledged programs. The U.S. Department of Education⁷ oversees the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, offering additional details on accreditation.

 Most colleges also gain regional accreditation by one of the following bodies:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) ⁸
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) ⁹
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) ¹⁰
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)¹¹
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) ¹²
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) ¹³

Find out more about accreditation in the Accreditation Guide.

In robotics, students can enroll in free courses to enhance their understanding of the field. Certain free courses also provide insights into the working methods of professionals in the field. One must remember that these free courses offer only information and not only certification. Here are some free courses that can be pursued:

Robotics for Beginners

Robots are a fascinating concept. When understanding that technology and the right mechanism can create a machine that can substitute human activity, the eagerness to learn and explore such a field will be greater. If one also comes under this category and initiates an understanding of robots through a beginner’s course, then Robotics Engineering for Beginners is the right path. Here are some of the robotics for beginners’ courses:

Introduction to Robotics from Stanford University¹⁷

Mobile Robotics from Open2Study ¹⁸

The cost of an online master’s in Robotics is high in the United States. Students and working professionals with commitments and financial issues may face financial constraints, making finance the biggest hurdle to pursuing this degree. Fortunately, several options are available to make paying for higher education more affordable: 

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial awards granted to students based on academic achievement, leadership, or other criteria. They help reduce the financial burden of education, enabling access to higher learning for deserving individuals. Scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or cater to specific talents, fostering educational opportunities and promoting academic diversity.

Grants

Grants cover tuition, books, and other related expenses, helping to alleviate the financial burden of education. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private entities may offer them to promote access to education, foster academic excellence, and support diverse educational initiatives.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are positions within academic institutions where graduate students work part-time in research, teaching, or administrative roles in exchange for financial support through tuition waivers and stipends. This arrangement helps students fund their education and provides valuable professional experience and mentorship in their respective fields.

Internships

Internships provide hands-on experience to students and recent graduates, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. These opportunities enhance skills, build networks, and often lead to job offers.

Student Loans

Student loans are financial aid students can borrow to cover educational expenses. These loans typically have lower interest rates and flexible repayment options, making them a common choice for financing higher education.

FAFSA¹⁹

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form used to assess a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid and potential funding from institutions. For further information on financial aid, consult the FAFSA guide designed for students.

Read the Financial Aid Guide for more information on funding higher education.

Scholarships for Robotics Students

Apart from the various payment methods the institutes provide, scholarships sponsored by a few support education. If students are enthusiastic about having a career and aiming for an online master’s in robotics, then there is a chance to know the scholarships available in the Robotics field and gain the maximum.

Asian Pacific Community Fund – Verizon Scholarship Awards Program ²⁰

The Asian Pacific Community Fund and Verizon have collaborated to aid students in pursuing Robotics education. This scholarship aims to support individuals facing significant financial crises while paying the fees.

Award/Amount: Varies

Deadline: Varies

SMART Scholarship for Service Program ²¹

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a comprehensive educational and workforce development initiative for STEM students. It provides scholarships for those pursuing STEM degrees at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Awardees benefit from full tuition coverage, annual stipends, internships, and assured employment with the Department of Defense upon graduation.

Award/Amount: Varies

Deadline: December 1, annually

A futuristic course that can assure a promising career and good pay. Earlier, one did not even fathom that there would say something like M.S. Robotics Online and that the study of or creating of machines would be a prosperous career. But the present is all about the broad technology landscape and its many benefits. Based on information from PayScale, here is information on professions, job responsibilities, and average salaries for graduating with an Online Master’s in Robotics: