Robotics and Autonomous Systems (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), MS
This innovative program integrates mechanical engineering with artificial intelligence, equipping you to design autonomous systems such as drones, rovers and smart manufacturing technologies. Develop the skills to create intelligent machines that adapt and solve problems --- expertise that is in high demand across aerospace, technology and research sectors.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The mechanical and aerospace engineering concentration in the multidisciplinary Master of Science program in robotics and autonomous systems emphasizes robotics, controls, autonomous systems, AI and related fields.
This concentration is appropriate for you if you wish to focus on applications in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (MAE 593)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Concentration (6 credit hours) Electives or Research (12-18 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0-6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information A defense is required for the thesis option. The applied project requires a written report and an oral presentation. The portfolio includes a poster presentation with content from courses taken in the program. Students must write a portfolio report that includes the highlights of the three projects. Students should see the academic unit for the approved concentration coursework and the available elective and research courses. Elective or research coursework must be selected from among the courses listed for the other three concentrations. Additional electives must be graduate courses in science, engineering, mathematics or others approved by the graduate program committee. Three credit hours of internship may be included among the electives.
MAE 501 Linear Algebra in Engineering (3) or RAS 501 Applied Linear Algebra for Engineers (3)
MAE 547 Modeling and Control of Robots (3) or RAS 545 Robotic Systems I (3)
MAE 593 Applied Project (3) or
MAE 599 Thesis (6) or
portfolio (0)
Students are required to select from one of the available concentrations and one of the approved culminating experiences for the concentration.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, science, mathematics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026, in a testing center, 6.5 on the IELTS, 60 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/31 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/15 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Robotics engineers are in high demand in various engineering specialty areas, such as manufacturing, mechanical, aerospace, biomedical-rehabilitation, autonomous vehicle, and AI engineering. Skills in the design and control of robotic systems, AI, machine learning and robot perception are valuable in many areas, including consumer, automotive, aerospace and defense industries.
Career examples include:
- automation engineer
- machine learning and AI engineer
- robotics engineer
- systems engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School for Engineering of Matter,Transport & Enrgy
|
USE 138
semtegrad@asu.edu
480-965-2335
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
