Program Overview

Overview of the Robotics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program

The doctoral program in robotics provides advanced training and study in robotics-related topics, focusing on autonomy and AI, field robotics, human-robot interaction, smart materials, security, controls and estimation, bio-inspired systems, and advanced manufacturing. The program prepares students for careers in local and national industry, government, national labs, academic research laboratories, and university faculty positions.

Program Requirements

• The PhD in Robotics offers a flexible curriculum that encourages in-depth study across disciplines from departments and programs hosted in the College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS).
• To fulfill graduation requirements, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework in courses numbered 5000 or above and taught by members of the graduate faculty, plus 30 hours of dissertation credit.
• More coursework may be required at the faculty advisor’s discretion.
• Coursework applying to the degree must be completed with grades of B- or better, and students must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher while enrolled in the Graduate School.

Preliminary Examination

• Every student desiring to pursue the PhD degree must pass a preliminary examination.
• The examination includes a multiple subject area oral examination to test fundamental robotics competency.
• Subject areas are based on the breadth bins within the robotics program and will be selected by the student.

Comprehensive Examination

• After passing the preliminary examination, students continue their coursework and prepare a written dissertation prospectus.
• When ready, they will take an oral comprehensive examination covering the graduate coursework and the dissertation prospectus.
• The oral examination is based primarily on a written proposal for the dissertation research provided by the student to committee members in advance.

PhD Dissertation

• A minimum of 30 dissertation credit hours are required for the PhD degree.
• Up to 10 credit hours may be taken in any given semester.
• Students must write a dissertation based on original research conducted under the supervision of a graduate faculty member.
• The dissertation must fulfill all Graduate School requirements.

Time Limit

• Per Graduate School policy, all requirements for the program must be completed within six years of admission to the degree program.
• A waiver from the Graduate Committee is required for every semester beyond the time limit listed above.

Course Requirements

• Students must complete ROBO 5000 Introduction to Robotics, plus one course selected from each breadth bin, to complete their robotics fundamentals coursework requirements.
• PhD students must also complete two credit hours of ROBO 5009 Robotics Seminar and one credit hour of ROBO 5008 Introduction to Research as a requirement for graduation.
• The remaining 15 credit hours may be chosen from any of the courses on the approved ROBO courses list.

Learning Outcomes

• By the completion of the program, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of foundational robotics principles.
  • Demonstrate interdisciplinary knowledge in robotics, covering at least three core areas of study.
  • Apply robotics tools and techniques in coursework to solve practical problems.
  • Achieve expertise in a chosen area of robotics research.
  • Formulate and pursue original research questions, leading to independent investigation and problem-solving in robotics.
  • Clearly communicate research findings, both in writing and orally.