Master of Science in Autonomy
Purdue University's online Master of Science in Autonomy equips professionals with expertise in robotics, AI, and autonomous systems. Students will increase their knowledge of machine learning, control systems, and sensor fusion, working with renowned faculty. This program prepares graduates for leadership roles in cutting-edge industries like aerospace, automotive and defense.
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Overview
Become an industry leader in autonomy
Autonomous systems are playing a significant role in modern society, including self-driving cars and unmanned vehicles. Current and future engineers will be faced with significant challenges in designing, analyzing and controlling autonomous systems in many engineering applications such as autonomous transportation systems, package delivery, emergency response, manufacturing and exploration of unknown areas.
As such, there is a significant demand for students that have the core skills and knowledge in both classical theories in control, optimization and networks and recent advances in learning and AI.
Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Autonomy focuses on the area of analysis, control and design of autonomous systems spanning a variety of application domains. The courses within this major will establish fundamental theories and tools for modeling, analyzing and developing algorithms to achieve autonomy of both individual systems and a network of interconnected systems. It spans core topics like control theory, machine learning, artificial intelligence, networks and advanced courses in emerging topics. With Purdue’s world-class faculty and interdisciplinary approach, students are prepared to drive innovation and meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Program Specifics
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.
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website. Button can just link to the website like above, to the curriculum page if possible.
Required Core Courses – 9 credits
Select one course from each of the three following groups:
- Applied Mathematics
- Internet of Things
- Robotics
Required Autonomy Courses – 9 credits
Required Professional Skills Courses – 9 credits
Select 3 courses from the following list:
- CE 56401: Data Science for Smart Cities (3 credits)
- CE 56601: Network Models for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (3 credits)
- CHE 55400: Smart Manufacturing in the Process Industries (3 credits)
- ECE 50836: Intro to Data Mining (3 credits)
- ECE 50863: Computer Network Systems (3 credits)
- ECE 54700: Introduction to Computer Communication Networks (3 credits)
- ECE 56800: Embedded Systems (3 credits)
- ECE 59500: Computer Vision for Embedded Systems (3 credits)
- ECE 69500: Advanced IoT Design and Applications (3 credits)
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.
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.”
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.
Career Outcomes
Top Job Titles
- Engineering Manager
- Directors of Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- Principal Engineers
- Chief Engineers
Top Industries
- Aircraft Manufacturing
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical and Nautical System
- Instrument Manufacturing
- Research and Development
- Education
Source: LightcastTM (2023). Unique job postings for July 2022-2023. Projected growth for years 2023-2033.
Contact Us
You are not alone in taking your next giant leap.
Get your questions answered, receive application help, or plan your degree journey by speaking with an enrollment counselor. Request more information today by filling out this form to connect with a Purdue University enrollment counselor and receive additional program materials.
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Are you ready to join the Purdue innovators and changemakers always striving to make giant leaps forward in our industries and fields? Start your application today!