With every passing year, the world is becoming increasingly automated. Artificial intelligence has taken the driving seat in many areas – well, not literally. Robots are everywhere, from serving food at restaurants to washing cars to doing surgery on a grape. With the advent of big data and the Internet of Things, the robotics industry is growing rapidly. With so much popularity and demand for robots, people are increasingly interested in learning robotics, and many are now looking at studying it.
An MS degree in robotics not only gives you the knowledge of presentation, research, and communication but also provides knowledge of programming and physical engineering, which are equally important.
Choosing the right university for pursuing an MS in robotics is crucial. To help you select, we have shortlisted four top universities known for their excellent robotics programs.
1. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private nonprofit research university. The MS program for robotics at CMU is designed to be completed nominally in two full years (24 months), with the entire course split into research and coursework.
The program at CMU does not provide funding to students, so prospective students are advised to secure two years of funds to pay for their educational costs. The School of Computer Science sets tuition rates which can vary by year. Currently, it is $47,470 per year. For detailed financial information, visiting the university’s website is recommended.
Applications for the MS in Robotics program at CMU open in September and close in mid-December for the upcoming fall incoming class. Students can apply through the School of Computer Science graduate application portal.
2. University of Michigan, College of Engineering Robotics
The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a public research university. The College of Engineering offers both Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in robotics. The programs are built on a common set of course requirements, focusing on three main technical areas: sensing the environment, reasoning, and acting upon the body and environment.
Funding for Ph.D. applicants is guaranteed, including tuition, a monthly stipend, and health insurance. Funding for Master’s students is not guaranteed, but they are eligible for the same funding sources. The Rackham Graduate School handles the admission process, and interested applicants should visit the Rackham website for more information.
3. Oregon State University (OSU)
Established in 1868, Oregon State University (OSU) is a research university in Corvallis, Oregon. The MS program in robotics at OSU comprises a minimum of 45 credits, with options for a thesis or project. At least 50% of the credits must represent stand-alone graduate courses, with the remaining credits allowing for a combination of 400/500-level courses.
Specifically, the MS thesis option requires 12 credits of thesis and at least 30 credits of coursework, while the MS project option requires six credits of projects and 39 credits of coursework. OSU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, making it an excellent choice for students interested in robotics.
4. Johns Hopkins University
Founded in 1876, Johns Hopkins University is America’s first research university based in Baltimore, Maryland. The Robotics Department at Johns Hopkins is housed in the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, the principal locus for robotics research.
The MS program at Johns Hopkins offers two options: the coursework option, which involves completing ten full-time academic courses, and the essay option, which includes eight full-time academic courses and a Master’s Essay. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in various tracks, including Automation Science and Engineering, BioRobotics, Control and Dynamical Systems, Medical Robotics, Computer-Integrated Surgical Systems, Perception, and Cognitive Systems, and General Robotics.
Conclusion
When selecting a university for an MS in robotics, it is essential to consider factors such as university ranking, curriculum, internships and training opportunities, and the overall cost of the course. Additionally, reaching out to current or former students can provide valuable insights into their experiences.
Pursuing an MS in robotics can open up exciting career opportunities in the rapidly growing field of robotics. The universities mentioned above – Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan, Oregon State University, and Johns Hopkins University – are renowned for their exceptional robotics programs. They provide a solid foundation for students aspiring to contribute significantly in this field.
