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Robotics is one of the newest but very in-demand fields of study. Because of its interdisciplinary and hands-on approach nature, only a few reputable and innovative colleges and universities offer an Online Master of Robotics Engineering. Even then, some may still require minimal on-campus laboratory requirements and internships for practical learning experience.
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METHODOLOGY
An online graduate school must not only provide the convenience of fitting your learning around work obligations; it must deliver high-quality instruction and excellent student resources.
The Best Online Master’s of Robotics Engineering Graduate Schools on our list stand out with these program features:
- Fully online or hybrid or blended format in flexible class schedules for the convenience of non-traditional, professional students,
- Rigorous, comprehensive coursework that covers the full spectrum of the Robotics Engineering discipline at the master’s level,
- A selection of Robotics Engineering specializations or areas of study toward specific career tracks,
- Credit transfers,
- Stellar reviews from academic rankings and positive feedback from alumni and students,
- Financial assistance for qualified master’s students,
- Full accreditation from academic agencies and active memberships in industry organizations.
Best Online Master’s of Robotics Engineering Graduate Schools
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
Online Master’s in Robotics Engineering
| Tuition | $1,610 per credit |
| Credit Hours | 24-30 |
| Program Length | 2 years |
WPI is the first higher learning institution to integrate project-based undergraduate learning. The university is dedicated to helping other schools implement experiential learning in their curricula through the Center for Project-Based Learning.
WPI’s online Master’s in Robotics Engineering program is the first exclusive robotics engineering program and has recently added a new online Autonomous Vehicles specialization. Students must be familiar with OOP languages, including Python, Perl, Java, and C/C++. Otherwise, they are required to complete a suitable college course to refresh their programming skills before enrollment.
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Online Master of Science in Electronics and Computer Technology
| Tuition | $450.00 per credit (in-state) $885 per credit (out-of-state) |
| Credit Hours | 33 |
| Program Length | 2 years |
Indiana State University’s online MS in Electronics and Computer Technology program offers a specialization program in Automation & Controls, an excellent alternative to Robotics Engineering. It is offered in full-time or part-time learning to accommodate all kinds of learners.
Apart from 100% online courses, students must complete a 3-credit hour culminating experience during the last semester of coursework or after 24 credit hours.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
Online Master of Science in Computer Science – Computational Perception and Robotics
| Tuition | $180 per credit |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Program Length | 2 years |
You can pursue a Computational Perception and Robotics specialization in Georgia Tech’s online MS in Computer Science program. This program is a collaboration project of AT&T, Udacity, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Other specializations offered in the OMS CS program are inclined to robotics studies, including Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. As part of the specialization requirements, students must complete 15 to 18 hours or five to six courses.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Online Master of Engineering: Manufacturing Systems Engineering
| Tuition | $1300 per credit |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Program Length | 2-3 years |
UW-Madison’s online MEng in Manufacturing Systems Engineering program integrates robotics-related courses into its curriculum. Students can freely choose their set of electives, making the program one of the best alternatives to a graduate program in Robotics Engineering.
The program features a systematic learning approach to technology, materials, and finance. Designed for working professionals, students can access a one-stop online platform for student resources and courses.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
| Tuition | $1,595 per credit |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Program Length | 2 years |
Villanova University’s online MS in Mechanical Engineering offers two 30-credit hour options, namely Non-Thesis and Thesis. Both tracks offer four areas of study: Biomedical Engineering, Dynamics and Controls, Thermal Fluids Sciences, and Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing.
Students can either participate in synchronous E-Learning or their schedule through recorded lectures and discussions with flexible options.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ
Online Master of Engineering in Robotics
| Tuition | $1,864 per credit |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Program Length | 2 years |
The online MEng in Robotics at Stevens offers multidisciplinary engineering experience in a range of industries, such as personal care goods, automotive, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. It incorporates cutting-edge robotics technology with robot modeling, analysis, design, and control.
Students can customize their learning experience and choose electives in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics.
East Coast Polytechnic Institute University
Virginia Beach, VA
Online Master of Science in Systems Engineering – Mechatronics
| Tuition | $6,480 per semester |
| Credit Hours | 33 |
| Program Length | 13 months |
ECPI’s Master of Science in Systems Engineering – Mechatronics program helps students build a strong foundation in Automation and Control, Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition, and Robotics. As one of the unique Mechatronics programs, it features elective courses in business-related concepts, including Ethics and Corporate Responsibility, Management and Strategy, and Essentials of Leadership.
Students participate in a 5-week schedule, completing one to two classes per semester. An on-demand tutoring service is available seven days a week.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
Online Master of Engineering in Robotics & Intelligent Autonomous Systems
| Tuition | $797 per credit (resident) $812 per credit (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours | 28 |
| Program Length | 18 months |
With an emphasis on creating complex autonomous robotic systems, UC’s online MEng in Robotics & Intelligent Autonomous Systems program provides instruction in cutting-edge hardware and software. Courses in project management, computer science, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering are to be expected.
If you plan to pursue a PhD after earning your master’s, you should consider the Master of Science (MS) program.
John Hopkins University
Norfolk, VA
Online Master’s in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
| Tuition | $50,900 total tuition |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Program Length | 2 years |
JHU’s online Master’s in Robotics and Autonomous Systems program allows students to develop human-like robots. Students can concentrate on Dynamics, Navigation, Decision, and Control; Perception and Cognitive Systems; Autonomous Systems; Human-robot and Robot-Robot Teaming; or General Robotics.
According to JHU, 78 percent of their students are covered by employer contribution programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an online Master of Robotics Engineering program?
Online Masters in Robotics Engineering covers conceptualization, design, development, operation, and maintenance. These programs also incorporate Psychology and Design principles.
While many graduate schools have Robotics Research in their divisions, few have a standalone Robotics department. This discipline is closely linked to the principles of Machine Learning and Human-Computer Interaction.
These master’s degree programs’ main goals include equipping students deep understanding of:
- the mechanical components (mechanical engineering)
- the electrical systems for control and operations (electrical engineering)
- the computing systems or software for the specific processes (IT)
Graduate schools often integrate Robotics Research into their IT, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering divisions, but few have a standalone Robotics department, with some offering specializations.
What are the different specializations of an online Master of Robotics Engineering program?
On top of completing the core Engineering courses and a set of electives in the online Robotics Engineering graduate program, students may choose from these specializations:
- Robotics Manipulation, Perception, and Design explores the neural functions of robots to explain their behavior and senses.
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems combines Engineering and Machine Learning for functionality in robotics.
- Mechatronics is a new field that features how the principles of computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering work together to develop complex smart machines.
Depending on the specialization, Robotics majors and graduate degree holders can pursue high-paying positions in the field of Engineering.
What are some of the courses in the curriculum of an online Master of Robotics Engineering program?
Each course in Robotics covers the applications of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering concepts. It also emphasizes the psychological and ethical aspects of machine development, particularly in the areas of planning, conceptualization, development, operation, and research.
Online Robotics courses typically include the following:
- History of Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Fundamentals of Robotics Engineering
- Modeling and Simulation
- Systems Engineering
How long will it take to complete an online Master of Robotics Engineering degree?
These programs are typically completed within 24 months, depending on whether it’s a full-time or part-time format. A few universities also offer an accelerated Master of Robotics Engineering program.
Are there any associations for students pursuing an online Master of Robotics Engineering?
Yes, there are several associations for students in robotics engineering. Some of the most esteemed include:
