Information on Master of Science (MS) Degree Program in Robot Engineering
Majors Overview September 9, 2015This article talks about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Robot Engineering and their educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Robot Engineering
Engineering departments of universities most commonly offer Master of Science (M.S.) programs involving robotics; some schools offer the programs in online formats. Full-time students typically take two years to complete these programs, and need to complete a capstone project or thesis before they graduate. Graduates might choose between entry-level careers and continuing education through a doctoral program in the field.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree apart from possessing a strong background in disciplines such as electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering. Students without this background may be allowed admission provided they complete a series of developmental courses.
Coursework
Apart from elective courses covering the basics of embedded systems, computation, and probability, a comprehensive array of foundational courses must also be taken by students in areas such as:
•Linear systems
•Dynamic programming
•Machine learning
•Mobile robotics
•Robotic fundamentals
•Control systems
Career Choices
Program graduates may seek work in a remarkably diverse range of fields including long-term care, national defense, manufacturing, entertainment, and education. They may choose from possible job positions such as:
•Postsecondary Educator
•Robotics engineer
•Robotics researcher
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, professionals in the field of electrical engineering are expected to see a four percent job growth (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). During the same period, mechanical engineers are expected to see a five percent job growth. In 2012, mechanical and electrical engineers brought in respective average annual wages of $80,580 and $89,630.
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates who seek continuing education may pursue a robotics research-intensive Ph.D. in Robotics that could lead to careers in academia. These programs can typically lead to a career in academia in the field and are robotics research-intensive. Schools commonly require program graduates to complete a dissertation based on original research.