Robotics and Autonomy MS

Major: Robotics and Autonomy
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Co-op Option: Available for full-time, on-campus master's-level students
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.4201
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code:
11-9041

About the Program

The Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomy at Drexel University is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in the research, development, and design of robotic systems and technologies. Offered through the Electrical and Computer Engineering department in conjunction with the Mechanical Engineering Department, the program addresses the rapid advancements in robotics and their applications across industries. 

The curriculum is built around four foundational concepts of robotics: 

  • Perception: Gathering data from the robot's surroundings. 
  • Cognition: Processing data to understand the environment. 
  • Control: Making decisions based on environmental information. 
  • Action: Executing decisions through movement and interaction with the physical world. 

The degree requires a minimum of 45.0 approved credits. The curriculum is customizable, with students developing their plan of study in consultation with their academic advisor. This program is ideal for those aiming to advance their careers in robotics or autonomy-related fields while addressing critical challenges through innovative robotic applications. Students will develop: 

  • Expertise in machine learning and robotics fundamentals. 
  • Skills for designing, building, programming, deploying, and evaluating robotic systems. 
  • Critical thinking and creativity to innovate solutions for societal and industrial challenges. 
  • Proficiency in integrating industry-leading tools for automation and robotics. 

Graduates are equipped to impact many critical areas of society and industry, from medicine and healthcare to large retailers, and incorporation of Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, and the Internet of Things. The program also provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurial ventures or further academic pursuits. 

Students also have the option to engage in research under the supervision of a faculty member. A total of 9.0 credits of research-oriented coursework may be counted towards the minimum credit hour requirement of the degree program. These credits are considered general electives. 

The MS program is designed so that a student may complete the degree requirements in less than 2 years of full-time study or 2-3 years of part-time study.  

Full-time on-campus students who start in a fall term are eligible to take part in the Graduate Co-op Program, which combines classroom coursework with a 6-month, full-time work experience. For more information, visit the Steinbright Career Development Center's website or visit the Drexel Engineering Graduate Co-op webpage.

Additional Information

For more information visit the MS in Robotics and Autonomy program and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department website.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy general requirements for graduate admission including a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for the last two years of undergraduate studies, as well as for any subsequent graduate work, and hold a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited college or university. Preferred bachelor's programs include electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. An undergraduate degree earned abroad must be deemed equivalent to a US bachelor's.

The GRE general test is optional for all applicants. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo is required if the language of instruction of your previous degree was not English.

For additional information on how to apply and deadlines, visit the College of Engineering's Admission Guidelines or Drexel's admissions page for Robotics and Autonomy.

Degree Requirements

Foundation Courses
Choose 2 courses in mathematics and/or signal processing6.0
Mathematics
Any MATH 500-700 level course *
Analytical Methods in Systems
Probability & Random Variables
Applied Engr Analy Methods I
Applied Engr Analy Methods II
Applied Engr Analy Methods III
Signal Processing
Random Process & Spectral Analysis
Detection & Estimation Theory
Optimal Estimation & Stochastic Control
Fundamentals of Deterministic Digital Signal Processing
Genomic Signal Processing
Bioinformatics
Systems Courses
Choose 2 courses in robotics and autonomy from the perspective of full systems or use6.0
Applied Robotics Laboratory
Computing and Control
Decision-Making for Robotics
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
Applied Machine Learning Engineering
Fundamentals of Systems I
Fundamentals of Systems II
Fundamentals of Systems III
Medical Robotics I
Medical Robotics II
Introduction to Robot Technology
Mechanics of Robot Manipulators
Industrial Application of Robots
Core Components
Take 1 course in each of the four disciplines critical to robotics
Perception3.0
Mobile Sensing and Motion Planning
Pattern Recognition
Fundamentals of Computer Vision
Fundamentals of Image Processing
Wireless Systems
Special Topics in Telecommunications
Nondestructive Evaluation Methods
Cognition and Behavior3.0
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
Applied Machine Learning Engineering
Reinforcement Learning
Cell & Tissue Image Analysis
Optimal Estimation & Stochastic Control
Fundamentals of Deterministic Digital Signal Processing
Action3.0
Mobile Sensing and Motion Planning
Reinforcement Learning
Fundamentals of Systems I
Fundamentals of Systems II
Fundamentals of Systems III
Aircraft Flight Dynamics & Control I
Advanced Dynamics I
Advanced Dynamics II
Advanced Dynamics III
Control3.0
Computing and Control
Applied Machine Learning Engineering
Optimal Estimation & Stochastic Control
Optimal Control
Robust Control Systems I
Robust Control Systems II
Robust Control Systems III
Theory of Nonlinear Control I
Theory of Nonlinear Control II
Theory of Nonlinear Control III
Applied Optimal Control I
Applied Optimal Control II
Advanced Topics in Optimal Control
Technical Focus Areas
Take 3 courses from the Core Components areas or Systems area listed above9.0
Elective Courses **
6.0 credits at the 500-700 level from the College of Engineering or other approved subject areas.6.0
Mastery
Thesis Option: Students will complete two terms (3.0 credits per term; 6.0 total credits) of ECE 898, which is laboratory-based research that leads to a publicly defended MS thesis. Students will be advised by a faculty member, and when applicable, a representative of industry or government sponsor.6.0
Non-thesis Option: In lieu of research and a thesis, students will complete 6.0 credits of coursework from the Aligned Mathematical Theory, Applications, or Signal Processing areas.
Optional Co-op Experience ***0-1
Career Management and Professional Development for Master's Degree Students
Total Credits45.0-46.0
*

Recommended MATH courses include MATH 510, MATH 521, MATH 631, and MATH 630.”

**

Electives include 15.0 credits at the 500-900 level in the following subject areas: ECE, ECEC, ECEE, ECEP, ECES, ECET, AE, BIO, BMES, CHE, CHEM, CIVE, CMGT, CS, EGMT, ENGR, ENTP, ENVE, ET, MATE, MATH, MEM, MGMT, MIS, OPR, PHYS, PROJ, or SYSE

***

Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. To prepare for the 6-month co-op experience, students will complete: COOP 500. The total credits required for this degree with the co-op experience is 46.0

Students not participating in the co-op experience will need 45.0 credits to graduate.

Sample Plan of Study

Full Time, No CO-OP

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ECE 6083.0ECE 6093.0ECE 6033.0VACATION
ECES 5113.0ECE 6123.0ECES 5133.0 
ECES 5213.0ECES 5123.0Elective Course 13.0 
 9 9 9 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCredits  
ECE 6873.0ECE 8983.0  
ECE 8983.0ECES 6813.0  
ECES 6823.0Elective Course 23.0  
 9 9  
Total Credits 45

Full Time With CO-OP

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP 5001.0ECE 6093.0ECE 6033.0ECE 6123.0
ECE 6083.0ECES 5123.0ECE 6103.0ECE T5803.0
ECES 5113.0Elective Course 13.0ECES 5133.0ECES 6813.0
ECES 5213.0   
 10 9 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEECES 6823.0 
  ECES 6863.0 
  Elective Course 23.0 
 0 0 9 
Total Credits 46