The best schools for robotics provide a world-class education for students in the design, manufacturing, and use of robots and the computer systems that control them. The best robotics universities equip students with the practical skills they need to build a career in the robotics field.
The robotics field has grown massively in the last few years, and there are many school students that want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in robotics. This guide sheds light on the best robotics schools, popular jobs in the robotics field, and whether a degree in robotics is worth it.
Best Robotics College and University Rankings: Top 10 Robotics Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | RI | In-person | 14 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | 25 |
| Cornell University | NY | In-person | 17 |
| Duke University | NC | In-person | 9 |
| Harvard University | MA | In-person | 2 |
| Johns Hopkins University | MD | In-person | 9 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | In-person | 2 |
| Northwestern University | MA | In-person | 9 |
| Stanford University | CA | In-person | 6 |
| University of Michigan | MI | In-person | 23 |
Robotics School Rankings: Best Robotics Colleges and Universities
This section contains a list of the best robotics colleges and universities. We will also outline the acceptance rate, accreditation, US News& World Report ranking, and Times Higher Education ranking of each school and what makes these programs worthwhile.
The Best Schools for Robotics: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The types of college degrees and university programs for robotics students are a community college certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree. Each degree represents a particular level of expertise, skillset, and education level of the student.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Robotics Schools: Other Robotics University Rankings
This section contains a list of the best robotics schools. Whether you want to build space mining tools or autonomous mobile robots, these prepare you for the industry. Use these robotics university rankings to make an informed decision about the best robotics program for you.
Best Online Robotics Schools
- Colorado State University Global. This school offers accredited online degrees across a wide range of subjects, including online robotics programs. It has over 40,000 students enrolled in different academic programs and offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with an artificial intelligence and robotics specialization.
- Columbia University in the City of New York. This school offers online engineering programs for distance learning students that have the same academic rigor as in-person degrees. It has a computer science master’s degree program emphasizing graphics, interaction, and robotics.
- University of Southern California. The Viterbi School of Engineering at USC ranks 15 in the top engineering graduate programs list in the US, according to US News & World Report. It offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in intelligent robotics.
Best Community Colleges for Robotics
- Ivy Tech Community College. This school offers an Associate Degree in Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology. It teaches various courses in robotics, like the fundamentals of robotics, and prepares students for careers in robotics engineering.
- Oakland Community College. The Associate of Applied Science in Robotics and Automated Systems Technology offered by this school introduces students to the art and science of building robots. Its coursework covers robotic welding, metallurgy, programming languages for robotics, and human-machine interfaces.
- Portland Community College. This school has an Associate Degree in Mechatronics, Automation, and Robotics Engineering Technology. It teaches the foundational aspects of robotics and provides the technical knowledge students need to begin their careers in this industry.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Robotics
- Gannon University. The Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Robotics Engineering at Gannon University combines engineering and business to provide solutions that improve modern society. Students learn through hands-on projects and real-world experience.
- Georgia Institute of Technology. This is one of the best schools for science, engineering, and technology as it offers a variety of degree programs. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree that focuses on automation and robotic systems. It covers artificial intelligence, robotics and systems design, and computer applications.
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte. You’ll get a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in artificial intelligence, robotics, or gaming concentration. This provides the essential knowledge to land entry-level robotics jobs.
Best Graduate Schools for Robotics
- Northeastern University. This school offers a Master of Science in Robotics degree program that combines computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. It offers a rigorous curriculum, hands-on learning, and industry placements.
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering. This public research university is widely-reputed as a global professional and scientific education leader with world-class teaching instructions. It offers a Master of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics that incorporates engineering education, engineering research, and project work.
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute. This university has a Master of Science in Robotics Engineering program. It involves students in innovative robotics projects in state-of-the-art labs and helps them become robotics engineers.
Best Robotics Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- University of California Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. UC Berkeley is one of the top schools in the country. This program combines mathematics, science, and engineering coursework, which serves as a prerequisite for further study in robotics.
- University of Michigan | Master of Mechanical Engineering. This degree offers an opportunity for students to combine a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with another graduate degree.
- Widener University | Robotics Engineering Program (BS). Widener University offers a dual degree option to robotics engineering students. It offers them the chance to earn a dual degree in other fields of engineering or physics.
Best Schools With Accelerated Robotics Programs
- Arizona State University | Accelerated 4+1 Program in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (AI). This program is offered to bachelor’s degree students who want to pursue a Master’s Degree in Robotics and Autonomous Systems. Students take upper-division major electives in their bachelor’s, which counts toward the master’s degree.
- Carnegie Mellon University | Accelerated Graduate Application – MS in Robotics. Commonly referred to as the fifth year in robotics, this program offers early acceptance to the robotics master’s degree program. It allows students to customize the remainder of their bachelor’s degree in preparation for the master’s degree.
- Widener University | Accelerated Bachelor’s + Master’s (4+1). This is an accelerated program that combines a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in four to five years. This degree enables students to gain the necessary education and skills in a shorter time.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Robotics Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for robotics is worth it. A graduate program builds upon the foundational knowledge from an undergraduate program and provides advanced skills and education for a career in the robotics field. It qualifies students for tech roles in the aerospace and pharmaceutical industries, the medical field, homeland security, and the electronics and defense sectors.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Robotics Degree?
The jobs you can do with a robotics degree are design engineer, software engineer, hardware engineer, user interface and user experience (UI/UX) designer, machine learning engineer, and data scientist.
Since the robotics field has experienced massive growth, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job outlook of seven percent between 2020 and 2030 for mechanical engineers that want to focus on this field. Getting a robotics degree is an excellent choice for landing a high-paying and fulfilling career in the industry.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Robotics?
You can earn an annual salary of $74,000 with an Associate Degree in Robotics, and $107,000 with a PhD in Robotics, according to PayScale. The salary you earn will depend on the level of education you have and increases as you obtain more advanced knowledge.
Moreover, PayScale notes that a bachelor’s degree holder earns $82,000 per year, and a master’s degree holder has a yearly salary of $90,000.
Highest-Paying Robotics Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $128,170 |
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $122,270 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Doctoral degree | $112,709 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $110,140 |
| Sales Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $103,710 |
| Data Scientist | Master’s degree | $97,358 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,300 |
| User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Designer | Master’s degree | $89,000 |
| Design Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $69,856 |
Best Jobs With a Robotics Degree
The best jobs you can get with a robotics degree are computer scientist, hardware engineer, aerospace engineer, mechanical engineer, and robotics engineer, among others. There is a wide variety of exciting career options for students that want to pursue a robotics degree.
However, the job position and salary expectation depend on the degree level. Graduate degree holders can land leadership positions in the industry, while associate degree holders are typically restricted to entry-level roles.
How Can I Pay for Robotics School?
You can pay for robotics school by upfront payments, loan financing, scholarships, federal financial aid, and the GI Bill. Enrolling in a robotics program can be expensive. Fortunately, there are financing options that students can use to alleviate the financial burden.
- Loan financing. Students can take loans to cover the cost of tuition, books, and supplies. The two major types of loans that students can get are private loans and state or federal loans. Federal loans have a lower interest rate than private loans.
- Scholarships. There are several scholarship opportunities available for financially disadvantaged and academically outstanding students. You should inquire about the available scholarship opportunities at your school.
- Federal financial aid. The Free Application for Financial Student Aid is a popular example of federal financial aid. Students looking for financial assistance can apply for federal aid from the government.
- GI Bill. The GI Bill is a financial aid granted to veterans to help them cover the cost of schooling.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Robotics School for You
To choose the best robotics school for you, you should consider accreditation, flexibility, and format, cost, specialization, concentration options, and graduation rates. It can get confusing when trying to choose the best robotics school due to the sheer number of available options. Here is a brief explanation of the factors to consider before applying to programs in robotics.
Accreditation
Review the accreditation status of an institution before you apply to a robotics program. An accredited university means that the institution has met the minimum standards to offer academic programs. An accredited online university must abide by the same standards as universities with in-person programs.
Flexibility and Format
You should choose the best robotics school based on your learning preferences and preferred delivery format. Determine if you want to take in-person or online courses and study on a part-time or full-time basis. It is crucial to select a school that caters to your learning needs.
Cost
Another factor to consider is the cost. Prospective students should choose the best schools depending on their budget and how much they are willing to spend on their education. A private institution has a higher tuition rate than a public institution.
Specialization and Concentration Options
If you have an interest in a particular specialization of robotics, then you should choose your school based on whether they offer that specialization. You should research the curriculum and available specialization options before you apply to a robotics program.
Graduation Rate
Graduation rate shows the percentage of students who successfully completed the robotics program within 150 percent of the estimated time. If the school graduation rate is low, it is usually an indication that there might be problems with the program. The students may be failing courses, or they may not be getting the adequate support they need to succeed.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Robotics?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for robotics. The best robotics schools offer advantages such as name recognition, a world-class curriculum, and networking opportunities. If you attend a school with a great robotics program, it will automatically be a marker of quality education and prestige. Some employers or recruiters use the reputation of the school as a filtering process in the job search.
Robotics University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Robotics
We ranked the best robotics schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our robotics university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of robotics degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Robotics
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/robotics/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/robotics-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/robotics-for-kids/
Best Robotics Schools FAQ
The degrees that are best for robotics are electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, mathematics, and design and technology. These degrees cover the prerequisites that students need to pursue advanced degrees in robotics.
The five major fields of robotics are operator interface, mobility or locomotion, manipulators and effectors, programming, and sensing and perception.
Yes, robotics is the future. Robotics is a large part of society and is crucial in performing even simple tasks in almost every facet of life. A survey by PwC predicted that thirty percent of jobs will be automated by robots by the mid-2030s.
Yes, you can teach yourself robotics, but this is no easy task as it requires a lot of time and dedication to learn robotics. It will be easier for people who have a solid background in coding, mathematics, and physics to teach themselves robotics.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
