Master of Science in Robotics
The master's in robotics emphasizes the analysis, control and design of robots, which play a crucial role in modern society; including robotic arms for manufacturing and assistive co-robots in healthcare.
Master of Science in Robotics
The master’s in robotics emphasizes the analysis, control and design of robots, which play a crucial role in modern society; including robotic arms for manufacturing and assistive co-robots in healthcare.
Master of Science in Robotics Overview
Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Robotics equips engineers to lead in the dynamic field of robotics. This program focuses on the analysis, control, and design of robotic systems, integrating disciplines such as control theory, machine learning, artificial intelligence and networked systems. The flexible online format allows professionals to advance their education without interrupting their careers.
As robotics becomes increasingly integral in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and autonomous systems, engineers face complex challenges in developing intelligent, collaborative robots. Purdue’s curriculum, taught by world-class faculty, addresses these challenges by emphasizing both classical control theories and modern advancements in AI and machine learning, preparing students for roles in multi-robot coordination and human-robot teaming.
The program’s coursework establishes a solid foundation in modeling, analysis, and algorithm development for robotic systems. Graduates are well-prepared to innovate and lead in the evolving landscape of robotics technology, meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this transformative field.
150 Years of Consequential Impact
Purdue University’s College of Engineering stands apart through its legacy of impact, innovative spirit, and persistent pursuit of the next giant leap. From pioneering medical technologies to space exploration, our faculty drive world-changing ideas. With hands-on learning, industry partnerships and groundbreaking research, Purdue prepares students to tackle the world’s toughest challenges—on Earth and beyond.
Transforming the Future with Technological Advancements
This program was designed in partnership with the Purdue Institute for Control, Optimization, and Networks (ICON) which integrates diverse expertise in classical theories in control, optimization and networks with recent advances in AI, machine learning and data science.
For many professionals, earning a master’s degree can provide a big return-on-investment. In addition to financial benefits like salary increases and promotions, master’s degrees also help professionals learn in-demand skills, which can improve their job prospects, help them pivot to a new industry, or help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Many employers value the advanced skills that master’s programs teach, and research shows that job candidates with master’s degrees have average salary increases from 25% to more than 75% in select fields. Ask your enrollment counselor for details on Purdue’s online master’s programs or learn more about the benefits of earning a master’s here.
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More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Required Core Courses – 9 credits
Select one course from each of the three following groups:
- Applied Mathematics
- Autonomy
- Internet of Things
Required Robotics Courses – 9 credits
Required Professional Skills Courses – 9 credits
Select 3 courses from the following list:
- AAE 56100: Introduction to Convex Optimization (3 credits)
- AAE 56800: Applied Optimal Control and Estimation (3 credits)
- AAE 59000: Multi-Agent Autonomy and Control (3 credits)
- AAE 66600: Nonlinear Dynamics Systems and Control (3 credits)
- ECE 59500: Reinforcement Learning Theory (3 credits)
Required Elective Course – 3 credits
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Criteria for Admissions
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area (Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or Technology) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0).
Math Background
Applicants must have one semester each of Calculus 1, Calculus 2 and either Linear Algebra or Differential Equations.
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Robotics prepares professionals for a variety of technical and leadership roles focused on the design, development, and deployment of automated systems. These include Engineering Manager, Directors of Engineers, and Robotics Engineers, each contributing expertise to build, program, and optimize robotic technologies. Additionally, Principal Engineers and Chief Engineers play key roles in overseeing complex projects, guiding innovation, and ensuring the successful integration of robotics solutions across industries.
Top Industries
Several major industries offer strong career opportunities for professionals in robotics. These include Aircraft Manufacturing and Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical and Nautical System Instrument Manufacturing, both of which rely on robotics expertise to enhance automation, precision, and system performance. Additionally, Research and Development and Education provide opportunities to innovate, test new robotic technologies, and train the next generation of engineers and technologists.
Online master’s degrees in engineering from Purdue again rank among the nation’s finest
“With 13 years of overall excellence and six years of preeminence in specialty rankings, Purdue engineering is unparalleled in delivering online education to benefit students, industry and society,” said Arvind Raman, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering. “The new rankings underscore our remarkable success in expanding opportunities for students across disciplines, geographic regions and life stages as we near our goal of becoming the nation’s largest producer of engineering talent.”
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