Program Overview

Robotics Doctoral Program

Program Details

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

School

Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science

Department

Interdisciplinary

Available

On campus

Program Overview

Earn your robotics Ph.D. and gain in-demand skills that can make a global impact while learning from top robotics experts.

In the robotics doctoral program at Stevens, you’ll conduct groundbreaking research to develop innovative robotic solutions that advance technologies ranging from self-driving cars and aerospace robotics to wearables and robotic rehabilitation devices.

The Ph.D. program in Robotics equips you with a deep foundation in robotics engineering, and advanced robotics skills through interdisciplinary research, hands-on experience in robotics and mechatronics labs. You’ll engage with cutting-edge coursework that spans autonomous systems, AI, robotic perception, and control of cyber-physical systems.

As a robotics Ph.D. candidate, you’ll leave the program with advanced knowledge in designing and analyzing robotic systems with a focus on sensing, actuation, and control. As you explore complementary areas in computer science, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics, you’ll develop hands-on skills in programming, testing, and deploying robots while becoming proficient in key tools, algorithms, and real-time control systems used in state-of-the-art robotics research and development.

Robotics doctoral program graduates will be prepared for high-level careers in robotics engineering research and development, academic research, government labs, and robotics startups. Whether you're building intelligent machines, designing robotic surgical tools, or advancing automation in smart manufacturing, the Stevens robotics Ph.D. program will position you as a leader in one of the world’s most transformative fields.

Research Areas

• Applications of AI in Robotics
• Autonomous Navigation and Mobile Robotics
• Control Systems
• Cyber-Physical Security
• Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
• Medical Robotics
• Perception, Sensing and Computer Vision
• Robot Manipulation and Grasping
• Soft Robotics
• Wearable Robotics and Biomechatronics

Program Admission Requirements

Who Should Apply?

The Ph.D. program in Robotics welcomes students tenacious and curious students with a master’s degree in a relevant engineering or computer science field. Those without one may still enter the program after completing the Master of Engineering in Robotics coursework.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.5, from an accredited institution
• Transcripts from post-secondary institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional only; Select Ph.D. programs require a third letter of recommendation)
• Statement of Purpose
• $60 non-refundable Application Fee
• Proof of English language proficiency
• A competitive GRE or GMAT score (required for both part-time and full-time applicants)
• Resume/CV
• Writing sample(s). All applicants are encouraged to submit a lab report (preferable) or paper that they wrote, individually, for an engineering course. Applicants who have published a journal article are also encouraged to submit a copy of their article.

Curriculum Overview

View objectives, outcomes, and other Ph.D. curriculum details in the most recent academic catalog.

Fellowships & Assistantships

Information about assistantships and fellowships can be found here.

STEM Designated Degree Programs

The four fields comprising STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – offer a wide variety of professions that are classified as some of the highest-growing and highest-paying jobs right now and in the future.

Affiliated Robotics Faculty

With expertise spanning mobile robotics, autonomous navigation, wearable and soft robotics, human-robot interaction, manipulation, safe autonomy, and computer vision, the program is led by faculty from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Department of Computer Science.

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