Intelligent Systems & Robotics Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems and Robotics program is the first of its kind in the state of Florida, and among only a few in the nation. This program is designed to train the next generation of researchers and educators to develop technology combining human and machine elements to exploit their respective strengths and mitigate their respective weaknesses.

Program Overview

The program is a result of a dynamic partnership between the University of West Florida's (UWF) stand-out academic programs and the Institute of Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). It allows students to tap into the expertise of a world-class research center to make their mark in the field of the future. Early integration in cutting-edge research in intelligent systems and robotics enables students to develop instrumental skills for developing new theories and technologies to augment human potential.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 42
• Course Length: 16 weeks
• Program duration may depend on course load and availability.

What You Will Learn

The program provides students with individualized curricula tailored to their interests. It is comprised of foundational courses in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, followed by select advanced courses. Beyond coursework, the program's cornerstone will be hands-on research in robotics and AI, leveraging the world-class talent at IHMC.

Courses & Requirements

Core Courses (9 semester hours)

• ISC 6529 - Research Methods in Intelligent Systems and Robotics
• Choose 2 of the following:
  • EEE 6772 - Foundations of Intelligent Systems
  • EEE 6730 - Special Topics in Intelligent Systems
  • EML 6805 - Foundations for Robotics
  • CAP 6606 - Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems and Robotics

Electives (9 semester hours) - Choose 3 of the following:

• EML 6805 - Foundations for Robotics
• EEE 6734 - Bipedal Walking Robots
• EEL 6692 - Wearable Robotics
• CAP 6667 - Advanced Topics in Intelligent Systems & Robotics
• ISC 7248 - Deep Reinforcement Learning
• EEE 6772 - Foundations of Intelligent Systems
• CAP 6606 - Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems and Robotics
• CAP 6665 - Computer Vision
• EEL 6606 - Aerial Robotics

Dissertation (24 semester hours)

• ISC 8980 - Dissertation

Program Requirements

• GPA Requirements: Students are required to complete all courses with a grade of "B" or better and maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or better.
• Advancement to Candidacy: Completion of 18 or 30 semester hours for candidates entering the program with an approved master's or bachelor's degree, respectively, and passing a comprehensive qualifying exam with written and oral components.
• Dissertation: All doctoral candidates are required to work with a faculty mentor to conduct, document, and publicly defend a piece of original research.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials, including:

• Submission of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), with attainment at the 70% percentile preferred.
• Holding a master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or a similar technical degree. Bachelor's candidates with strong relevant industrial experience will be considered.
• Master's or bachelor's institutional GPA - minimum of a 3.0 GPA; however, successful applicants will typically have GPAs well above the minimum.
• Submission of a curriculum vitae (CV).
• Submission of a personal statement addressing specific points, including reason for interest in the program, research area(s) of interest, and plans after completing the Ph.D.
• Submission of a minimum of three letters of recommendation from academic and professional recommenders.
• Participation in an oral interview if deemed necessary by the admission committee.

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates will emerge from this program as technological powerhouses, poised for high-demand jobs in research and development, healthcare, transportation, defense, and high-tech industries. Common job titles include Research Scientist and Software Engineer, with alumni working at institutions like IHMC, Meta, and Tesla.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour

• In-state Tuition: $377.60 per credit hour, totaling $15,859.20 for the program.
• Out-of-state Tuition: $1,037.24 per credit hour, totaling $43,562.40 for the program.

Alabama, Military & Financial Aid

• Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition: Residents of Alabama are eligible for a reduced out-of-state tuition rate.
• Military & Veterans: The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center serves as the campus advocate for military, dependents, and veteran students, offering various education assistance or tuition waiver opportunities.
• UWF Financial Assistance: The University offers loans, scholarships, and grants for degree-seeking students, as well as an installment payment plan or a short-term loan for eligible students.

Featured Courses

A sample of featured courses includes:

• EEE 6772 - Foundations of Intelligent Systems
• EML 6805 - Foundations for Robotics
• CAP 6665 - Computer Vision
• ISC 7248 - Deep Reinforcement Learning

These courses provide a foundation in artificial intelligence, robotics, and related fields, preparing students for advanced research and careers in intelligent systems and robotics.

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. program in Intelligent Systems and Robotics prepares the next generation of researchers and educators to develop technology that combines human and machine elements to exploit their respective strengths and mitigate their weaknesses. The program emphasizes the establishment of successful student-supervisor teams, where faculty and researchers provide guidance and mentorship, and graduate students become essential members of established research groups while developing as independent thinkers.

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Outline:

The program provides individualized curricula tailored to students' interests, with foundational courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, followed by select advanced courses.

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Teaching:

The program features collaborations with UWF faculty and IHMC scientists, who guide students in investigating, testing, and developing new ideas and technologies through specialized research projects. IHMC scientists serve as dissertation chairs and Ph.D. advisors, providing mentorship and expertise.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are poised for high-demand jobs in research and development, healthcare, transportation, defense, and high-tech industries. Common job titles include Research Scientist, and examples of employers include IHMC.

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.