Master of Science in Robotics
Master of Science in Robotics
An Interdisciplinary Approach to an Ever-Evolving Field
The Master of Science, MS, in Robotics degree program at Northeastern looks at this fundamentally interdisciplinary field from three connected angles: mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science. Through a technically challenging curriculum, hands-on learning, and industry co-op placements, master’s in robotics students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the algorithms, sensors, control systems, and mechanisms used in robotics to help them stand out in the field and make transformative impact on society.
Innovative Curriculum - MS in Robotics
Students with academic or career backgrounds in computer science, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering are well suited to this program, and will take advanced core courses in all areas. You can further specialize your degree with flexible electives in areas such as:
- Mechatronic systems
- Robot mechanics
- Control systems
- Robotic manipulation
- Artificial intelligence
- Sensing and navigation
- Mobile and field robots
- Medical robotics
- Machine learning
You can also pursue an MS thesis, MS project, option or coursework only option. Upon graduating with your robotics degree, you’ll be prepared for engineering or management jobs in the growing field of robotics, or to progress into a doctoral degree in robotics or related multidisciplinary areas across computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical and computer engineering.
The MS in Robotics is offered at the Boston and Seattle campuses.
Concentrations, course, and lab offerings may vary by location and/or course modality.
With industry partners like Amazon Robotics, Teradyne, and Bluefin Robotics, Northeastern is proud to play a large role in educating tomorrow’s leaders in this emerging area.
Robotics at Northeastern is an important and multidisciplinary undertaking. Our classes incorporate direct interaction with a variety of robotic systems, and robotics research is supported by state-of-the-art equipment in advanced laboratories and research centers, including the university-wide Institute for Experiential Robotics. Research opportunities are available with a variety of robotic systems, including an autonomous Lincoln MKZ car, multiple deep-rated autonomous underwater vehicles, dozens of unmanned aerial and ground robotic systems, commercial and research manipulators and biologically inspired robots.
[Listed by concentration]
- Mechanical Engineering Concentration
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering/scientific/quantitative problems.
- An ability to explain and apply engineering design principles, as appropriate to the program’s educational objectives.
- An ability to produce solutions that meet specified end-user needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to recognize the tools/principles needed for understanding robotic and control systems by merging electrical and mechanical engineering, and computer science.
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Concentration
- An ability to recognize the tools/principles needed for understanding robotic and control systems with a multidisciplinary approach that combines Electrical and Mechanical engineering, and Computer Science.
- An ability to understand system level design of that complex software and hardware that is used to build robotic systems that include a variety of asynchronous sensors and actuators.
- An ability to understand the theoretical principles underlying localization, mapping and planning to build, design and deploy a variety of robotic systems ranging from fully autonomous to remotely operated systems.
Over 15 graduate certificates are available to provide students the opportunity to develop a specialization in an area of their choice. Certificates can be taken in addition to or in combination with a master’s degree, or provide a pathway to a master’s degree in Northeastern’s College of Engineering. Master’s programs can also be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate. Students should consult with their faculty advisor regarding these options.
Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership
Students may complete a Master of Science in Robotics in addition to earning a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership. Students must apply and be admitted to the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program in order to pursue this option. The program requires fulfillment of the 16-semester-hour-curriculum required to earn the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership, which includes an industry-based challenge project with multiple mentors. The integrated 33-semester-hour degree and certificate will require 17 hours of advisor-approved robotics technical courses.
Concentrations
Students in the MS in Robotics program have three concentrations from which to choose, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering, and computer science.
Note: Students in each concentration are subject to the policies and processes of the concentration’s respective department/college.
Experiential Learning
Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real world engineering challenges. The Cooperative Education Program, also known as a “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program students gain up to eight months of industry experience working in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving them a competitive advantage and professional network upon graduation.
Recent robotics co-op partners include:
- Amazon Robotics
- Teradyne
- Vicarious Surgical
- General Dynamics – Bluefin Robotics
- iRobot
- Boston Dynamics
- Toyota Research Institute
- Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratory
- Apple
- NIO Robotics
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Program Goals
After completing the MS in Robotics program at Northeastern, you will be equipped with an interdisciplinary skill-set that can evolve over time to suit your changing research and career interests, as well as an ever-evolving industry.
According to Precedence Research, the global robotics technology market size was estimated at $72.17 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass around $283.19 billion by 2032 with a registered CAGR of 14.7% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.
The job market for electrical engineers and computer engineers, mechanical engineers, and computer scientists, which includes robotics, is forecasted to grow at 5%, 10% and 23%, respectively, from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to ONET*Online, the mean salary for robotics engineers is $104,000 in the U.S. in 2023.
According to a report by McKinsey*, the economic impact of advanced robotics by 2025 could be between $1.7 and $4.5 trillion. More recent estimates indicate that increasing robot installations by 30% above the baseline could increase global economic output by $4.9 trillion annually by 2030.**
*Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/digital-mckinsey/our-insights/disruptive-technologies
**Source: “How Robots Change the World: What Automation Means for Jobs and Productivity,” Oxford Economics, 2019
Academic Advising
The Academic Advisors in the Graduate Student Services office can help answer many of your questions and assist with various concerns regarding your program and student record. Use the link below to also determine which questions can be answered by your Faculty Program Advisors and OGS Advisors.
Admissions & Aid
Ready to take the next step? Review degree requirements to see courses needed to complete this degree. Then, explore ways to fund your education. Finally, review admissions information to see our deadlines and gather the materials you need to Apply.
Recent Student News
Robotics Student Awarded 2024 Amazon Robotics Day One Fellowship
Sophia Jonas, MS’26, robotics, is one of seven new fellows selected for the 2024 Amazon Robotics Day One Fellowship, which supports students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields pursuing robotics degrees.
Robotics Student Awarded Amazon Robotics Day One Fellowship
Oscar De La Garza, MS’25, robotics, is participating in an internship at Amazon Robotics as part of being named one of just seven students awarded the 2023 Amazon Robotics Day One Fellowship. The fellowship supports emerging leaders in science from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, awarding scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities.
2024 Lux. Veritas. Virtus. Inductees
23 engineering graduate students were inducted into the newly established Lux. Veritas. Virtus. society, a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional graduate students who exemplify the university’s mission, ideals, and values.
Co-op and Research Puts Student on Robotics Career Path
Xavier Hubbard, MS’23, robotics, completed a co-op at Venca Robotics and conducted research as part of his master’s project. Academics, combined with the experiential learning and job experience, helped him land a job as a robotics engineer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.