If you are interested in furthering your education and advancing in the engineering field, you should take a look at the best PhDs in Automation and Robotics Engineering. It can be challenging to find the best schools for automation and robotics engineering PhDs, so we have created this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know.
We highlight the best automation and robotics engineering PhD programs, their costs, and thesis subjects you should consider. This guide discusses automation and robotics engineering jobs and their respective salaries, so you can be sure to have a long and fruitful career after graduation.
What Is a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering?
A PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering is the highest academic degree that teaches you how to program, design, and create robots. Usually, a PhD in this field qualifies you to teach in universities and qualifies you for the highest positions in your professional career.
How to Get Into an Automation and Robotics Engineering PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The requirements to get into an automation and robotics engineering PhD program include an application letter and a personal statement. Students should submit a resume that discusses their academic and research background and area of focus during the program. Other admission requirements include letters of recommendation and all school transcripts.
When getting into an automation and robotics engineering PhD program, you want to prove that you are a good fit for the department. Although it is not a requirement, they expect you to be proficient with programming languages like C, Python, Java, and MATLAB.
PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering Admission Requirements
- GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL
- Transcripts from all post-secondary school institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
Automation and Robotics Engineering PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Automation and Robotics Engineering?
It can be hard to get into a PhD program in automation and robotics engineering. Once you meet the admission requirements for the program, you will need to provide a strong argument about why you want to pursue the program with your select school. Many schools offer part-time, full-time, and online formats, giving you more options to choose from.
Your chances of getting into a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering program depends on the number of students applying. There could be over 300 students applying for only 25 spots. However, Oregon State University boasts a school acceptance rate of 83,4 percent, higher than Stevens Institute of Technology’s rate of 53 percent.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
[query_class_embed] how-to-get-into-*school
Best PhDs in Automation and Robotics Engineering: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PhD in Robotics | No |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | PhD in Robotics | No |
| Oakland University | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | No |
| Oregon State University | PhD in Robotics | No |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| University of Colorado | PhD in Robotics and Systems Design | No |
| University of Michigan-Robotics Institute | PhD in Robotics | No |
| University of Utah | PhD in Mechanical Engineering – Robotics Track | No |
| University of West Florida | PhD in Intelligent Systems and Robotics | No |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | PhD in Robotics Engineering | Yes |
Best Universities for Automation and Robotics Engineering PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering
The best universities for automation and robotics engineering PhDs usually have quality curricula, a strong faculty, and cutting-edge research facilities. Some of the best schools have made groundbreaking discoveries or inventions in the field. If you are wondering where to get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering, the guide below has all your answers.
Can You Get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering online, even from accredited institutions. Online PhD programs are becoming more popular every year as it allows people to continue their education without having to leave their jobs or families. Online academic programs are also typically cheaper and faster to complete than on-site programs.
Best Online PhD Programs in Automation and Robotics Engineering
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University Center for Information & Systems Engineering | Online PhD in Systems Engineering (SE) | 5 Years |
| Michigan Tech University | Online PhD in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics | 5 Years (8 years max) |
| Mississippi State University | Online PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering | Minimum of 50 hours beyond the master’s degree |
| University of Alabama | Online PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
3-6 years |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Online PhD in Robotics Engineering | 5 years |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering?
It takes about two to six years to get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering. The duration of the program varies with the school, the program schedule, and the mode of delivery. For example, part-time PhD programs typically take longer time to complete compared to full-time PhD degree programs.
A typical PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering program comprises teaching sessions and direct research components. Students will develop a thesis, conduct comprehensive research, and defend their proposal before the end of their program.
Is a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering Hard?
Yes, a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering is hard. It is one of the most challenging degrees you can earn. It covers a wide range of topics, from mechanical engineering to computer science. Students should be prepared for a lot of hard work in programming, mathematics, and have an engineering background to excel in an automation engineering program.
The most challenging part of PhD programs in robotics and automation is often the research. From choosing a dissertation topic to conducting the actual research, the program can pose diverse types and levels of difficulties. Depending on the nature of the project, it can also be costly and time-demanding.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering?
It costs $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering, according to reports from the National Center for Education Statistics. If you are running the program for five years, that adds up to approximately $96,570 for the entire length of the program.
There is a high chance of getting your doctorate at cheaper rates at a government-owned college instead of a private university. Books, accommodation, and expenses for research are some other costs that you may need to consider when preparing for a PhD program.
How to Pay for a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering: PhD Funding Options
The PhD funding options that students use to pay for a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering include student or financial loans. These loans often cover tuition expenses, living costs, and other expenses related to the PhD program. They may apply for scholarships or grants.
Students in a graduate PhD program can also apply for fellowships and assistantships such as a teaching assistantship, a graduate assistantship, or a research assistantship. No matter the choice, graduate students have multiple funding options to choose from.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-masters-degrees
What Is the Difference Between an Automation and Robotics Engineering Master’s Degree and PhD?
The difference between an automation and robotics master’s degree and a PhD is the amount of research involved. A master’s degree typically requires two years of full-time study, while a PhD can take up to five years. A PhD is the highest level of academic degree and is more research-oriented and involves writing a dissertation on an original topic.
Unlike in master’s degree programs, where you can take an internship in place of a capstone project, a PhD degree requires you to conduct comprehensive research on core research questions relevant to the field. Your thesis prepares you to become a university professor or professional researcher and qualifies you for the highest-level jobs.
Master’s vs PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering Job Outlook
If you have a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering, you are qualified to teach in a postsecondary position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 12 percent growth rate for this profession. A job you can get with a master’s degree is a computer and information research scientist, which boasts a job outlook growth of 22 percent over the next ten years.
The benefit of getting a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering is that you qualify for any jobs that require a master’s degree, while master’s degree holders do not qualify for PhD positions. BLS even states that a lot of employers prefer to hire PhD holders.
Difference in Salary for Automation and Robotics Engineering Master’s vs PhD
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for automation and robotics engineering PhD jobs is $107,000. That could be higher depending on the job title and level of experience. PhD holders are qualified to become research and development engineers, engineering project managers, robotics engineers, and senior software engineers.
In contrast, Master’s Degree in Automation and Robotics Engineering salaries average at $90,000 per year. Like the PhD holders, these professionals increase their earning potential as they get more experience and higher job titles. Some jobs that Master’s Degree in Automation and Robotics Engineering grads occupy are a senior mechanical engineer and project engineer.
Related Automation and Robotics Engineering Degrees
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/robotics-associate-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/robotics-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/automation/
Why You Should Get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering
You should get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering because it will give you the skills you need to be at the forefront of this growing industry. It significantly increases your earning potential, opens you up to high-end career opportunities, and helps you fast-track your journey up the career ladder. Below are the benefits of an automation and robotics engineering PhD.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering
- Get endless opportunities. Automation and robotics will play an increasingly important role in our lives and in the economy. A PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering will give you the skills you need to be at the forefront of this growing industry.
- Expand your network. The research work of this program helps you to connect with other student researchers and faculty members from various specializations and departments. Workshops and seminars help students connect to leading researchers and scientists worldwide.
- Solve industry-wide problems. Automation and robotics engineering PhD students often conduct research to solve key unanswered questions in the industry. Ground-breaking research and discoveries can get you global recognition and qualify you for many prestigious awards.
- Get equipped for the next big step. A doctoral degree equips you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to dive into various career paths. After the program, you may begin a startup, join academia, advance in a professional tech career, or choose to continue as a computer science researcher.
Getting a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering: Automation and Robotics Engineering PhD Coursework
With the advent of new technologies, getting a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering can help you get the skill and exposure you need to stay on top of your career. We provided an overview of a typical automation and robotics engineering coursework that you’ll encounter during your studies.
Artificial Intelligence
The artificial intelligence (AI) course is a core component of the robotics engineering PhD curriculum. Students learn the theories and principles underlying the design and deployment of AI systems. Topics covered in the course include machine learning, probabilistic inference, decision theory, natural language processing, and robotics.
Machine Learning
This advanced course covers topics like supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, neural language processing, and their application in advanced systems. Throughout the course, students will use a variety of programming languages and tools like Python, MATLAB, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, and Keras to implement machine learning algorithms.
Mechatronics
This course covers topics such as microelectromechanical systems, robotics, control theory, smart materials and structures, and manufacturing processes. You’ll learn how to design and analyze mechatronic systems and how to optimize their performance.
Human-Robot Interaction
Human-robot interaction studies how people interact with robots and vice versa. It encompasses areas such as robotics, psychology, and design. Researchers in human-robot interaction work to create better and more natural interactions between humans and robots. The course also teaches the principles of HRI and ethical concerns surrounding robotics.
Robotic and Dynamic Programming
This course covers the mathematical foundations of optimal control theory and its applications to problems arising in robotics and engineering. Students will study the controllability and observability of linear systems. They will learn optimal control problems for discrete-time and continuous-time systems and discuss the problem of motion planning for robots.
Best Master’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] *subject-masters-degrees
How to Get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering: Doctoral Program Requirements
The doctoral program requirements for automation and robotics engineering typically demands students to complete a dissertation on a research topic of their choice. They must complete a certain number of credit hours, which may be earned through coursework or research. We have highlighted below the steps required to know how to get a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering.
Potential Careers With an Automation and Robotics Engineering Degree
[query_class_embed] how-to-become-a-*profession
PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering Salary and Job Outlook
With a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering you can work in several industries, institutions, and organizations that involve manufacturing, data, engineering, research, and automation. BLS projects a seven percent growth for robotic engineers in the next decade. The rapid advancement in technology will further positively affect this prediction.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering?
With a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering, you can work as a research engineer, a systems engineer, or a product development engineer. These positions all require working with complex machinery and designing new systems or products. You can also work as a professor at a university, teaching students and conducting research about the principles of robotics and automation.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering
- Engineering project manager
- Computer software research and development engineer
- Senior software engineer
- Senior robotics engineer
- Robotics engineering professor
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering?
The average salary for a graduate with a PhD in Robotics and Automation degree is $138,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, this number can vary depending on the level of experience and position the holder has. Generally, those with a PhD in this field can expect to make a comfortable living.
Highest-Paying Automation and Robotics Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads
| Automation and Robotics Engineering PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Project Manager | $152,350 |
| Computer Software Research and Development Engineer | $131,490 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $110,140 |
| Senior Robotics Engineer | $95,300 |
| Robotics Engineering Professor | $79,640 |
Best Automation and Robotics Engineering Jobs with a Doctorate
Building a career in automation and robotics engineering typically requires you to have specialized knowledge and skills, and a doctorate gives you that. It also positions you to take on high-paying jobs. Here are some of the best automation and robotics engineering jobs with a doctorate.
Is a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering is worth it. Earning this degree from a reputed university can open up a world of opportunities for you in the field of robotics. You get the opportunity to connect with several leading minds in science and technology.
Automation and robotics engineering PhD students are constantly on the lookout for new technological advancements which have the potential to disrupt entire industries. A breakthrough can bring you to the limelight and be a foundation for starting an entrepreneurship or research career. This degree positions you for the highest-paying jobs in the field.
Additional Reading About Automation and Robotics Engineering
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/robotics/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-in-robotics/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-programming-languages-for-automation/
PhD in Automation and Robotics Engineering FAQ
No, a PhD is not the minimum requirement for employment in robotics. However, it is preferred by most employers. A Master’s Degree in Robotics should suffice for most robotics-related jobs, but a PhD will make you more employable because you will be considered fit to handle advanced-level tasks.
No, although work experience may be a criterion for admission in some schools, it is usually not required. However, it is generally advised to have prior work experience as it will aid you in your pursuit of a doctorate.
Most robotics professionals have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering. These are the best fields to consider getting a bachelor’s or master’s in, as either of them will prepare you for a professional career in robotics.
On average, it takes about five years to complete a PhD program in robotics. However, the time a student will spend pursuing a PhD depends on the nature of the coursework and the school.
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.
