Carnegie Mellon University

How this program compares

Carnegie Mellon University's MS in Robotics lists about $156.4K total tuition — about 265% above the $42.9K AI master's average (98th percentile in our data). It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field such as engineering, computer science, or physics, with a strong GPA and prerequisites including calculus, linear algebra, programming, data structures, mechanics, and electricity/magnetism. GRE scores are required along with English proficiency tests for international students.

About This Program

This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the integration of hardware and software components to design and model complex robotic systems for real-world problems. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and Robotics & Autonomous Systems. Most students complete it in about 2 years.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Robotics Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Design and control robotic systems for real-world applications.

Estimated total tuition is $156.4K, above the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database and in the 98th percentile on cost at this level. Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 60 AI-related programs we track in Pennsylvania, of which about 43% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 85% of the Pennsylvania programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $81.1K.

Career Outcomes

Carnegie Mellon University positions this master track for Robotics Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $120,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and Robotics & Autonomous Systems maps directly to how employers in engineering ai screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 10% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Robotics Software Engineer
• 2. Autonomous Systems Engineer
• 3. Computer Vision Specialist
• 4. Field Robotics Developer

What You'll Learn

• Design and control robotic systems for real-world applications
• Implement perception algorithms using computer vision and sensors
• Develop AI-driven decision-making and motion planning
• Integrate hardware and software for autonomous robots

Curriculum Highlights

Core coursework covers sensing and perception, robot kinematics and dynamics, computer vision, feedback control systems, and systems engineering.

Top Employers

Top employers include Boston Dynamics, Google DeepMind, NVIDIA, Amazon Robotics, and NASA.

Admissions

Admission to Carnegie Mellon University's MS in Robotics generally expects a bachelor's degree. Plan for the GRE, which this program lists as required. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions