The Best Graduate Schools Offering Robotics Programs
Higher Education Articles December 5, 2016Overview of Schools offering Robotics Programs
In this article, we take a look at some top robotics graduate schools in the United States that are ranked highly by the U.S. News and World Report and offer research opportunities and graduate studies in robotics technologies. Divergent approaches to robotics study are available through each school, and students can choose options on the basis of their specific interests.
Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh
In 2010, the U.S. News and World Report ranked Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh at the top of its list of best computer science graduate programs. CMU’s Robotics Institute that offers students with plenty of opportunities in robotics research began operations 30 years ago. Those who successfully graduate from CMU can choose from many degree program options such as the Master of Science (M.S.) in Robotics. Enrollees in this 2-year program are provided general instruction in the field and prepared for continuing education through doctoral programs.
The school also offers Master of Science (M.S.) in Robotic Systems Development programs aimed at individuals in current careers in the robotics field. Entry-level career professionals who wish to advance their careers by garnering business skills will benefit from enrolling in the program. Students experienced in software engineering and/or computer systems can gain practical instruction and theory in robotics from a professional master’s program titled Master of Science (M.S.) in Robotics Technology. Students who seek training for careers in research and development that can impact the future of robotics can enroll in a 5-6 year program in the form of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Robotics.
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
In 2010, the mechanical engineering program at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor ranked fifth on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of the best robotics graduate programs. A Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Robotics and Autonomous Vehicles is available through UM. The interdisciplinary program focuses on engineering and targets students seeking a career in the military or commercial automotive robotics. Incoming students can study and intern at UM’s Artificial Intelligence Lab. Core coursework covers topic areas such as mobile robotics, mechatronics, aerospace, artificial intelligence, design, and manufacturing.
List of Top Graduate Schools Offering Robotics Programs
| School Name | Location |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA |
| University of California — Berkeley | Berkeley, CA |
| University of Washington | Seattle, WA |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA |
| University of Illinois — Urbana-Champaign | Urbana, IL |
| University of Texas — Austin | Austin, TX |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY |
| University of California — Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA |
| University of Michigan — Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI |
| University of Massachusetts — Amherst | Amherst, MA |
| Columbia University | New York, NY |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA |
| California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA |
| University of Maryland — College Park | College Park, MD |
| University of Wisconsin — Madison | Madison, WI |
