Robotics Engineering MS Program

Prepare for technical leadership roles or advanced research in the robotics industry with a master’s in robotics engineering. Learn to design, develop, and deploy automated systems across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, autonomous vehicles, agriculture, logistics, aerospace, and service industries. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on projects, you will gain the experience you need to answer the growing demand for automation experts. Become a master of advanced robotics systems and their real-world applications and graduate with the skills to build your future in your choice of technical industries.

An Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Overview

This comprehensive program offers you a thorough exploration of not just robotics, but also related disciplines: electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, data science, and electrical and mechanical engineering technology. Apply advanced knowledge in your technical specialty to analyze, evaluate, and solve complex engineering problems while adhering to the highest standards of professional and ethical practice.

Delivery Options
- Accelerated: MS
- On-Campus: MS

Robotics Engineering Program Details

Choose a specific degree option or delivery type to learn more about the robotics engineering program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Robotics Engineering is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

MS, Robotics Engineering: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Robotics Engineering: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Robotics Engineering: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Accelerated MS, Robotics Engineering

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you.

Additional Accelerated Master's Program Details

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about robotics engineering at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

Robotics vs Mechatronics

Michigan Tech is proud to offer a master's program in mechatronics as well as in robotics engineering. The two curriculae offer different focuses on the area of mechanics and robotics:

Robotics Engineering centers autonomous systems that may implement dynamic and adaptive learning. It dives deeper into underlying mathematics and advanced algorithms, with a focus on theoretical and R&D applications. Interdisciplinary overlap includes electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering.
Mechatronics offers more attention to hands-on and applied uses for systems in industrial and manufaturing settings. Build pre-programmed tasks that systems will automatically execute. Learning focuses on practical implementation and maintenance. This program incorporates applied computing principles.

Contact

Graduate Director

Aurenice Oliveira

Graduate Assistant

Lynn McCormick

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your Robotics Engineering MS. Sample areas include:

Artificial Intelligence
Autonomous Systems
Controls
Medical Robotics
Robotic Vision Systems

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

1 Letter of Recommendation (waived for online students and Michigan Tech undergrads)
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
No GRE required
No Additional Documents Accepted

International Students

TOEFL scores as of January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 5
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 100 iBT
IELTS: Recommend Score of 7.0 overall<

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 4.5 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadlines

Fall Semester: February 15

Spring Semester: August 15

Summer: Please contact the Graduate Program Director

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Robotics Engineering
Other majors considered on a case-by-case basis

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Work With

Work with faculty dedicated to helping students grow and fully understand the learning materials, as well as their applications outside the classroom. Learn from interdisciplinary experts in mechanical, computer, and electrical engineering who will guide you to a fuller understanding of robotics and autonomous systems.

Our faculty in the Robotics Engineering program have a strong basis in the theoretical, with an emphasis on the underlying mathematics that make up complex robotic systems. They will guide you through these advanced topics so you can apply that knowledge to a range of industries.

Where You'll Work

Join the Michigan Tech Electrical and Computer Engineering department, world leaders since 1928 who have set the standard for electrical and computer engineering research and scholarship. With 50,000 square feet of labs and facilities, you may do work in the Neuromorphic Robotics Lab, the Materials Characterization Fabrication Facility (MCFF), the Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab, or the Wireless Positioning Laboratory, among others.

Faculty Spotlight

Tan Chen

Tan Chen
Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

"Robotics engineering is a deeply interdisciplinary field that brings together intelligence, computation, and embodiment to create robots with useful capabilities that benefit people in the real world."

Chen is one of the lead researchers in robotics and a winner of the inaugural Dave House Computational Innovation Fellowship award in collaboration with Michael Walker from CS.

Program Faculty